While speaking he looked sharply at the eyes of the slaves, in the hope of discovering a Christian among them and informing Vinicius.
But when the hope failed him, he fell to eating and drinking uncommon quantities, not sparing praises on the cook, and declaring that he would endeavor to buy him of Vinicius.

His joyfulness was dimmed only by the thought that at night he must go to Ostrianum.

He comforted himself, however, as he would go in disguise, in darkness, and in the company of two men, one of whom was so strong that he was the idol of Rome; the other a patrician, a man of high dignity in the army.

"Even should they discover Vinicius," said he to himself, "they will not dare to raise a hand on him; as to me, they will be wise if they see the tip of my nose even." He fell then to recalling his conversation with the laborer; and the recollection of that filled him again with delight.

He had not the least doubt that that laborer was Ursus.