Basil was occupied with the business of his inheritance.

He had messengers to despatch to estates in Lucania and Apulia.

Then came news that a possession of Maximus' in the south had been invaded and seized by a neighbour; for which outrage there was little hope of legal remedy in the present state of affairs; only by the strong hand could Basil vindicate his right.

Trouble was caused him by a dispute with one of the legatees, a poor kinsman who put an unexpected interpretation upon the item of the will which concerned him.

Another poor kinsman, to whom Maximus had bequeathed a share in certain property in Rome, wished to raise money on this security.