"I'm very glad to see you.

What brings you here ?" "Business, business," complained Agias; "my master's a grain merchant with dealings at Puteoli, and he has sent me thither, to make some payments." Phaon pricked up his ears.

"The Via Appia is more direct, but there is less chance of robbers by the Via Praenestina." "I hope your master can trust you not to lighten his pouch on the way," remarked Phaon.
"Well," chuckled Agias, "he'll have to take his risk.

If it's lost on the road, why, highwaymen stripped me.

It is one of the fortunes of trade." Phaon was fully convinced that here was a fine chance to do some picking on his own account.
"Doubtless," he began, "you are not in such haste that you cannot enjoy one of those thrushes that sheep of a landlord is roasting for me.