If you have any version differing from those which I have heard, speak; we listen." I had begun to feel dizzy and faint just as soon as I was indoors, I seemed dazed and as if my faculties were numb; at his ironical mock- courtesy I felt myself hot and cold all over.

Yet I essayed to state my side of the case.
I explained all the circumstances, narrated Tanno's unexpected arrival, his quizzical bantering of the persons whom he encountered on the road, my tenants' petition, my agreement with Marcus Martins, the accretion of Hirnio and Murmex to our party, Tanno's insistence on reaching the Salarian Highway through Vediamnum, and all the other trivial factors which had conspired to my undoing; I described the affray in Vediamnum, both as I had seen it and as Tanno and Agathemer had told me of it; similarly the fight below Villa Satronia.

I thought I was lucid and convincing.
When I paused Vedius leered at me.
"Andivius," he said, "I am not such a fool as you take me for.

I am not in any way deceived by all that rigmarole.

I see through you and your words as I saw through your actions.