Last night you entered an hour after every one had retired to rest, tonight you are back in better time, but assuredly you have not been to the Syssite in that hunting cap.

This savours of a mystery.

Do not pretend to me that you have been looking after your company of Numidians at this time of the night, because, did you swear it by Astarte, I should not believe you." "No; I think I could invent a better story than that if I were put to it," Malchus said with a laugh; "but as I am not obliged to invent one at all, I will leave you to do so for me.

In truth I have been about some private business, but what that business is is a profound secret." "A secret of state, no doubt," the officer rejoined.

"Well, I will say nothing this time; but do not let it occur again, or I shall think that some Iberian maiden has captured that susceptible heart of yours." After Malchus had reached his chamber he sat down for some time in deep thought.