Talbot Mundy

“ Balbus breathed heavily and felt for something to lean against. His steward stepped up to the dais and, lifting his arm, placed it on his own shoulder.
"My noble master has so burdened himself with public duties that he faints," he said, beckoning to a slave to bring wine.
"I suggest he has had wine enough," said Cæsar. "You may continue, Verres."
Chloe was watching Tros out of the corner of her eye. Her breast fluttered with excitement. Verres spoke:
"While Balbus and Tros supped together, they discussed whether it were true that you invaded Britain for the sake of pearls." ”

“ Orwic began shouting to him:
"Tros! Tros! What is happening?"
"Await my bugle blast," Tros answered. "Cæsar, is it yes or no?"
THE LEGIONARIES raised their shields an inch or two, but Cæsar spread both arms out to restrain them.
"Better to die a thousand times than to live in fear of death," he said, "but I see, Tros, that you know that. Since neither you nor I fear death, we may stand on common ground. What is it you require of me?"
"You named me pirate," Tros growled at him.
"I withdraw that gladly, though you sunk my ships. You have served Rome by saving Gades from the mob. ”

“ Run ahead of me and keep a bright lookout for Simon."
Then he strode under the gloomy cypresses to Balbus' front gate and Orwic fell in step beside him full of eagerness to know exactly what had happened.
"Happened?" he said. "I have promised Druids' pearls to Cæsar's fight o' loves, and I have served Cæsar, though I had the best of him. Rot me all death-bed prophecies. They dull men's wits!" ”

“ They were my men until Tros ran off with them, hah-hah! Very clever of you, Tros, but beware next time we meet! There was three months' pay at that time owing to each man. So I suggest it would be very handsome of you, Balbus, to give each man three months' full pay of a Roman soldier. It might encourage them not to loot the house! Then, will some one go for Simon and for the committee of nineteen? Balbus, I would like to introduce them to you and to recommend them personally to your generous consideration. By the way, Tros, where are those pearls? ”