Being very shy and timid--his nerves were much
shattered during the siege of Jerusalem--he will not stir without this
authority, which, by the way, will require the signature of Titus Caesar,
duly witnessed. Well, that is merely an offering to friendship; of
course _my_ fee is the reversion to the lady, whom I desire to restore
to her relations, who mourn her loss in Judaea."
"Precisely--quite so," replied Saturius. "Pray do not trouble to
explain further. I have always found those of Alexandria most excellent
merchants. Well, I hope to be back within two hours."
"Mind you come alone. As I have told you, everything depends upon this
Caleb, and if he is in any way alarmed there is an end of the affair.
He only has a possible key to the mystery. Should it be lost your patron
will never get his head, and I shall never get my hand."
"Oh! bid the timid Caleb have no fear. Who would wish to harm a dirty
Jewish deserter from his cause and people? Let him come out of his sewer
and look upon the sun. The Caesars do not war with carrion rats. Most
worthy Demetrius, I go swiftly, as I hope to return again with all you
need."
"Good, most noble Saturius, and for both our sakes--remember that the
palace floor is slippery, and do not get another fall, for it might
finish you.
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