CHAPTER XXV.
Martialis awoke, or rather came gradually to consciousness, next morning,with a dull torpor weighing on him like lead, and a brain confused andracking with pain. Zeno's sleeping potion, whatever it was, had been mixedwith a liberal hand. Memory came slowly back through the stupor whichclogged his senses, and he instinctively felt for the despatches of whichhe had charge. They were there all right, and he turned his heavy achinghead toward the little table. A jug stood thereon along with the victualshe had left untouched the night before. To his joy he found it had beenreplenished with water. His mouth was parched and his lips dry andcracked, and he drank with avidity. The grateful draught restored himvastly, and he also partook of some bread and fruit. Then lying back againon the bed he gave himself up to his poignant reflections, and awaitedwhat should follow.
He had ever the most strict injunctions to deliver papers and despatchesto no one but the Prefect himself, whenever he was employed as theirbearer, therefore there arose the idea in his mind, and a hope also, thathis commander would be one of the first to visit him, if allowed. At anyrate, captive as he was, he determined not to give up his charge to anyone but the Prefect himself, or to some one authorised by the Prefect, inwriting, to receive the same. Thus he might be able, perhaps, to cause hiscommander to visit him in person, an act he was earnestly desirous of,since he hoped to gain his influence in his behalf, and more especially inthat of Neaera. Of her his mind was filled with fears and imaginings whichtortured him with sufferings of suspense too deep to be described. He knewnothing of the time, whether it was night or day, since he was beneathground; but he had been lying long awake when he heard a key put into thedoor. To his joy his conjectures were realised by the entrance of Sejanus.The Prefect was genuinely troubled at the situation of his favouriteofficer, and drew from him a detailed relation of what had occurred.
'You were ill-advised in being so bold and desperate,' said Sejanus,shaking his head. 'A calmer method would have been more politic.'
'I think not, though I never stayed at the time to deliberate,' returnedMartialis sternly. 'Being too late to deliver her ere she reached thisaccursed place, I knew that no escape but death remained for her--thereforeI gave her the means. But for a cunning trick all had been successful, andyou, Prefect, would now have been lacking a Centurion and a fewPretorians.'
'Humph, it is better as it is, Martialis--we must have you free of thisplace again.'
'Preserve her, Prefect; I care little for myself if I am assured of hersafety. Do this for me, I adjure you; for I have spared nothing in yourservice. Pray and entreat him, and if he be still pitiless, do as I did,and find the means of providing her with a secret weapon of freedom. Shewill bless you as I will--promise me, Prefect, in mercy to her--to us both!The gods only know what agony of mind is mine. The torture of thinking ofthe pure, sweet girl in the power of those wretches above us--to imagineher shrinking in their foul, pitiless hands--oh!' The young man shook hisclenched fists and then buried his face in his hands.
His distress, and the poignant groan which closed his speech moved hiscommander's heart, albeit not over sensitive in such matters.
'My best efforts shall not be wanting,' he replied. 'Think better of it.It is early yet, but as soon as Caesar is stirring, I will put this matterright, depend upon it--why, I cannot do without thee.'
Martialis uttered his thanks, and, after some more questions in connectionwith his mission to Rome, the Prefect buckled the courier's beltunderneath his cloak and departed from the cell.
The weary time lagged on until the prisoner once more rose from hisrecumbent position to greet his commander, who returned with a grave lookon his dark handsome face. Martialis beheld it with a failing heart.
'I have done what I could, and have gone as far as I could, with safety;but you have provoked him in no light fashion,' said Sejanus, shaking hishead.
'And she?' cried the young man.
'Well, as to her, you may rest easy. She is no longer in the palace, buthas been sent away to the household of Livia for safe keeping.'
'Thank heaven! And to you, thanks are all I am able to give for your goodoffices,' cried Martialis.
His voice choked--his lip trembled. The revulsion of feeling was too muchfor his overstrung nature to bear, and tears stopped his voice.
'There is nothing due to me,' said the Prefect; 'the transfer was alreadyaccomplished; but, being where she is, she shall not fail of carefulwatching. The noble Livia, as you may have heard, becomes my bride erelong.'
'I knew it not, but wish you every joy,' said Martialis, yet withoutwarmth; for he could not help recalling to his thoughts the Prefect'sdivorced wife Apicata, who had been frivolously put aside, no doubt tomake way for his present betrothal. 'It may be I have only a few hours tolive, but the sting of death is gone since I know my Neaera is safe. Tellher, Prefect, that my last thoughts were of her and for her.'
'Humph, Caesar is ruffled without doubt, but he does not make away with myPretorians so easily,' said Sejanus, with a proud curl of his lip; 'youmay leave your last will and bequest over for a space yet.'
'It is all in your hands, Prefect,' returned the other.
Sejanus retired, and Martialis was left once more alone with his thoughts.They were tranquil and even buoyant to what they had been, and he began toconjecture and weigh arguments in the discussion of his own case. He hadno craven fear of death, but, at the same time, he was young and an ardentlover, and life had gone pleasantly with him. It cost him a deep pang tothink on what might have been, and Neaera being out of peril, his hold onthe hope of liberty was strengthened in spite of himself. He knew thestern relentless nature of Tiberius, but he relied on the influence of thecommander, who he was certain would hazard much in his defence.
So he ruminated and turned these things over and over in his mind,wondering when he should again see the light of day. Zeno, with a guard,paid him a visit to attend to his wants, and bring him a fresh supply ofprovisions, but the worthy Greek was singularly uncommunicative.
When they were gone the prisoner ate and drank more heartily than he hadhitherto done, and, lying down again, fell asleep.
He was awakened by a touch on his shoulder. Opening his eyes he saw, tohis extreme surprise, the Emperor himself standing by his side. He startedup and perceived they were alone together. His heart beat quickly, andwild thoughts began to rise. There was the tyrant defenceless beforehim--the cause, as he believed, of the present situation of himself andNeaera,--an old man, whom he could crush like a nutshell, delivered to hishand. Whilst his mind flamed with this idea, his eye instinctively soughtthe door, to ascertain whether it was closed upon them. Tiberius,meanwhile, stood motionless before him. He read the young man's passingthoughts quite readily--not a motion or glance escaped him.
'We are alone, and it occurs to you that I am now in your power,' said he,with the utmost calmness; 'I admit it.'
A flush arose to the cheek of Martialis. It needed no words of Caesar toshow him that he had little to gain from such a desperate act, save amomentary satisfaction of savage revenge.
'I have been sorely tried,' he replied, drawing a deep breath; 'if such anidea flashed into my mind it died on the instant--you need have no fear.'
'I knew it,' said Tiberius; 'I love my Pretorians, and an officer andyouth of such prowess as you have proved yourself to possess, is wellworthy of the mature consideration of a ruler. The circumstances of yourcase are so unusual that my interest has led me to visit you personally.'
Martialis bowed his head.
'One thing seems to demand forbearance, and that is your youth, with itshot unreasoning blood. Without thought, scruple, or calculation of amoment, you plunge headlong into my chamber, amid my guests and servants,utterly regardless of everything, in pursuit of your sweetheart, just asyou would, doubtless, have rushed into the midst of a band of Satyrs.'
'You are right--I was excited to desperation--I would have followed heranywhere--nor do I now
repent,' said the young man frankly; 'the welfare ofmy betrothed is more to me than life itself.'
Tiberius nodded gently, with a countenance as impassive as the Sphinx.
'I entreated your pardon, Caesar, for my rude intrusion into the privacyof the Imperial chamber, and I humbly submit my fault once more for yourforbearance and forgiveness,' added Martialis quickly.
'It was a fault which set at defiance all discipline, authority, andrespect. What then is the punishment? You, as a soldier, ought to know.'
'I am well aware that my offence brings me within the extreme punishmentof all. Caesar is master of life and death.'
'Is there any reason why the penalty should not be enforced?'
'I am ready,' said Martialis, calmly returning the gaze of the Emperor.'But, as a soldier, who has ever done his duty, two requests might bemercifully granted.'
'Name them.'
'That I suffer no dishonourable death, and that the maiden may be returnedto her people in safety and honour. Or, if these be too much, grant, atleast, the latter, and deal with me as you will as regards the former.'
'I have said that your headstrong youth claims an amount of indulgence,and I grant both requests.'
'Thanks from my heart.'
'Your betrothed shall not be harmed--she is now in safe keeping. There isthe first condition settled.'
'Then I am at peace.'
'And for the other, you shall name yourself the manner of your death.'
'A single sword-thrust here,' said the Centurion, laying his hand over hisheart. 'I bear an old and honourable name.'
Tiberius bent a long and searching gaze upon him, and then rising to hisfeet, paced up and down the cell for some moments.
'I love my Pretorians, and cannot bear to see them come to harm,' hemuttered. The words reached the ears of Martialis, whose heart throbbedwith renewed hope which would not be denied. Then Caesar returned to hisseat and said, 'The Prefect has spoken to me concerning you--has he seenyou here?'
'He came for the despatches I bore,' answered the Centurion; 'I know hewould speak favourably of me.'
'He did so--you often act as his courier?'
'Very frequently.'
'I remember to have seen you before in that capacity.'
'I have often had the honour of carrying important letters between thePrefect and yourself.'
'Yes, you are favoured with his confidence. Do your missions ever includeany diplomatic or political business?'
'No--I know nothing of either, and have no desire to learn. My professionsuffices to fill my entire attention.'
'Good,' said the Emperor approvingly; 'you are a soldier, pure and simple,as you ought to be. It is all the more pity you have committed thisfault.'
He rose from his seat and walked the cell again. Martialis watched himanxiously.
'It is strange that you, a man of noble blood, should stoop to a girl of abase artisan,' said Tiberius. 'Do you say you are betrothed, and meant tomarry her?'
'I did,' replied the other, with a little sternness; 'you have alreadypassed your word for her safety, and that is sufficient assurance: but Ihave reason to believe, Caesar, that she is not the potter's child.'
'I have already heard that--it requires proof, however--give it me,' saidTiberius, with an incredulous smile curling his lip.
'I cannot prove it,' returned Martialis; 'but at least I can tell you allI know.'
And he accordingly related the slender facts committed to him the previousnight.
'And this man, Cestus, whom she supposes to be her uncle--is he still inSurrentum?'
'I cannot tell. But his last words were, that he would hasten away to Romeat once--I presume to reveal all to her relatives.'
'Did he not say who these were?'
'I should have said relative,' replied Martialis; 'according to his talethere is only one remaining--her grandfather, Fabricius, who lives on theJaniculum.'
'Fabricius of the Janiculum,' repeated Tiberius, tapping his forehead;'Fabricius belongs to other days, but if I am not mistaken, his heir isfully with the times. Is he not the worthy Domitius Afer, the bosom friendof the Prefect?'
Martialis was confused and silent, for he saw he had unwittingly betrayedwhat Cestus had particularly enjoined him to keep secret.
'If this is so, then the tale certainly grows in interest,' continuedTiberius, with a dark twinke of his eyes; 'it lends it more substance andprobability.'
'I made a breach of trust in causing the name of Afer to be revealed,'said Martialis anxiously; 'were he to know, it might prove a risk to her.'
'Be at peace, Centurion--I have such sympathy with the knight, that I couldill bear the matter to be interrupted for his sake.'
Caesar smiled grimly, and then his brows knitted in deep thought. Heremained thus for some minutes without speaking. The young man's heartthrobbed fast, and it needed a great effort to retain an outwardappearance of composure.
'Centurion,' said Tiberius, at length raising his head from his breast, 'Ilove my Pretorians, and to deal hardly with them pains my heart. I havepondered on your case, and find much in excuse of your conduct--theinconsiderate rashness and haste of your youth, and the overwrought stateof your feelings, which was only to be expected. I will not say I pardonyou, but I will give you a chance of redeeming your liberty.'
The Centurion faltered out his thanks from a heart overflowing with joy.
'Anything that may be honestly undertaken I will strain body and mind toaccomplish, and prove my sense of your clemency,' he said.
'You will find it to your taste, Centurion,' said Tiberius, speaking witha polished affability which proved irresistible to his astonishedprisoner. 'I propose that you busy yourself in establishing the identityof your betrothed with the granddaughter of Fabricius of the Janiculum.The fate of your endeavours will determine your own.'
Dumfounded with excess of wonder and joy, Martialis was speechless for afew moments. It seemed too good to be true, and he gazed in Caesar's facewith a lurking suspicion that, perhaps, he was, after all, the object of abitter joke.
'Do you accept?' asked Tiberius, smiling.
'Ah, if I were sure you do not jest.'
'Should you fail in proving your point you will eventually find it nojest.'
'It shall not be for the want of a trial--but how am I to commence, andwhen?'
'Proceed on your task in the manner you think best; you shall be set atliberty to-night. Since you are so swift and faithful a courier, I willalso entrust something of my own to your care. It will, therefore, benecessary for you to proceed to Rome direct. I do not choose it to beknown that I have broken the law, which demands that you should bepunished--it would be impolitic. It is, therefore, necessary that youdepart in absolute secrecy. That will be arranged for you. At nightfallyou will be removed to the villa Neptune, whither I am about to startwithin an hour. I will, again, see you there, and, till then, breathe nota word, or your hope will be cut off at once--nay, you must even continueto appear the downcast prisoner whose hours are numbered.'
'I will attend to the very letter of your instructions--Caesar will neverbe better served,' replied the Pretorian; 'I only wish you gave me abetter opportunity to prove my gratitude.'
'You are hasty--you have nothing but the tale of an idle vagabond to relyon. If I were in your place, I should have preferred the chance of facinga cohort single-handed. You know the terms--consider them in the interval.'
So saying Tiberius left the cell, and Martialis flung himself on the bedto think on what had passed.
Was this the cruel Tiberius? It was hardly to be realised! It was soextraordinary that his heart failed, as the sickening thought crept intohis mind that he was the victim of refined cruelty. His senses were on thealert, with an expectation which was positive pain. If Caesar were as goodas his word, he would be breathing the pure air of heaven in a few hours.The thought filled him with the glowing warmth and comfort of wine. OnCestus everything depended. Had he left for Rome? Should he meet him atthe
house of Fabricius? Had he the proofs, as he asserted, and would theybe conclusive and satisfactory to the old man? Was she really anything butthe simple girl he had always known her? The potter's wife said she neverhad a child of her own. Her beauty seemed never to spring from such lowlyparents. She bore no resemblance to them, and her lofty courage was suchas comes with the proud blood of ancient ancestry.
Thus, with a multitude of thoughts vivid and wild, presumptive, yetinconclusive, he waited and burned for the hour of his deliverance. Itcame, at last, in the person of Zeno and half a dozen Pretorians.
The Centurion played his part well, and asked various questions as to hisdestination and fate; but, when they produced bonds to fasten him, he drewback.
'No--not those,' said he proudly; 'I will go with you, comrades, withoutgiving you the trouble of a knot or a buckle.'
They assented, and presently all left the cell and marched down to theMarina. Here they took boat, and were rowed to the north-west side of theisland, where the villa Neptune stood. Ascending the cliffs by a narrowflight of steps cut in the rock, they reached the level ground above andentered the villa. Martialis was conducted to a cell beneath ground, andvery similar to the one he had left, save that it was somewhat larger.Wine and food was brought him, and he proceeded at once to make a heartymeal. The fresh air had invigorated him, and dispelled, in a greatmeasure, the vapours with which his drugged drink had filled him.Moreover, it was dusk by the time they had entered the villa, and heexpected and hoped to encounter a night's toil. He had just finishedeating when the key rattled in the lock, and Caesar entered.
'Have you eaten well, for you have a long journey before you?' askedTiberius.
'I am ready,' replied Martialis.
'Then listen! On your own concern, proceed as you think best, but first ofall you must carry and deliver a letter for me.'
'I will ride without a single stop.'
'Wait until you hear, for this business must be carried out in a differentmanner, else I had not brought you here. It is necessary, for the reasonsalready given, that your absence be not known to any one. Whilst you areleagues away, the guard will still be stationed at the upper end of thecorridor, under the belief that you are a prisoner. Provisions will stillbe supplied, and all details will go on, in order that no suspicion may bearoused. I, myself, and the Prefect are journeying down the coast,southward, for a few days, so that no one will interfere--you comprehendfully?'
'Quite.'
'This letter you must deliver at the earliest,' said the Emperor, drawinga small packet from his bosom. 'Never rest until you have placed it withyour own hands in those of the lady to whom it is addressed. Guard it andcare for it as your own life. I never wrote a more important and weightydespatch. You see, I place implicit faith in you.'
'You will have no occasion to repent your faith,' replied Martialis, whonow began to perceive that something more than personal interest inhimself was answerable for his ruler's clemency and strange proceeding.
'That I fully expect,' said Tiberius, 'and, as your absence fromconfinement is not to be revealed here, it follows, naturally, that yourpresence must not be known in the city. Were it known there it wouldspeedily be known here. For that end, therefore, you must not stir abroadin the city in daylight. That is all. It is simple. You will deliver thepacket promptly at the first nightfall possible. The second night afterthat you will go and receive an answer and return straightway. The meantime you may use for your own concern; but I forbid you to run any risk ofbetraying your presence.'
The Emperor clapped his hands and Zeno entered. He bore an armful ofclothing, and proceeded to disguise the outward appearance of theCenturion. The cuirass, high boots, and all vestiges of the militaryprofession, were exchanged for the loose garments of a trader, in thebreast of which the nimble-fingered Greek adroitly concealed and securedthe secret missive of his master. To complete all, a wig was drawn overthe close, curling locks of the Centurion, which more than all effected atransformation in the young man's appearance.
''Twill not blind every one, unless the Centurion can manage to alter hisspeech and bearing to suit,' said Zeno.
'It will serve his purpose sufficiently well. Let him never speak untilcompelled,' said Tiberius. 'Now you may start, Centurion. Here in writingis the name and place required for the delivery of the letter. Keep it inyour pouch, and do not preserve it longer than necessary. Here is money,also, without which you cannot move. Do not spare it. Go now and besecret. Zeno will conduct you.'
Tiberius nodded, and, Martialis turning round, saw, to his astonishment anarrow opening in the cell wall opposite to the door, and beside it Zenostanding smiling, with a lantern in his hand, ready to conduct him.
'It leads to the grotto beneath, and so avoids busy eyes above,' said theEmperor. '_Vale._'
The steward went through the secret opening, and Martialis followed down anarrow subterranean way for a considerable distance. The descent wascontinuous, and in some places by means of broad shallow steps. A doorclosed the exit, and when Zeno opened it he gave the key to his companion.
'You must return to Capreae by no other way than this. On the upper dooryou will find a small knob on the left hand side; press it and you will beable to enter your cell again.'
Then desiring him to stand still lest he should fall into the water, thesteward lit a torch, with which he had provided himself, and Martialisperceived they were in the largest of those wonderful caverns or grottoeswhich exist in various places in the island, along the foot of the sea-washed cliffs. As one of the wonders of the island he had been in itbefore, though, of course, entering from the sea; and had seen withdelight and wonder the dazzling effects of the blue refraction of thelight in daytime, and the lovely silvery colour which the deep water lentto every object immersed therein. The torch of Zeno gave sufficient lightby which to unmoor a light skiff which floated beside the little landing-place on which they stood. The red glare fell on the still, dark, deepwater, but failed to pierce to the lofty roof, or yet to the full circuitof the cavern, which nature had curiously domed out of the rock. TheCenturion got into the boat and Zeno gave him the torch, advising him, atthe same time, to be careful to provide himself with another on his returnas well as the means of lighting it. He pushed off the shallop, and theimpetus was sufficient to bring it to the outlet of the cavern. This wasan orifice of small dimensions, and so low that it did not admit of even asitting posture in the boat. Guiding his skiff therein, Martialis threwhis torch into the water and uttered a farewell which rolled in hollowechoes through the cavern. Then he lay down at full length in the boat,and giving a vigorous shove, swept out into the open moonlit sea without.
PART III.
Neæra: A Tale of Ancient Rome Page 36
