For Agias felt certain that the hard-hitting Gaul would execute his part of the bargain, whether he met Phaon or not, and afterward look into the consequences of what--unmitigated by the freedman's _finesse_--would take the form of an open clumsy murder.

But Phaon had started that morning; and it was now well into the afternoon.

Time was dangerously scanty.

Cornelia he felt he should inform; but she could do nothing really to help him.

He turned his steps toward the Forum and the Atrium Vestae.