Drusus was just letting Cappadox take off his cloak, when the shrill voice of Chloe was heard outside the door, expostulating with the boy on guard.
"I must see the dominus at once.

It's very important." "Don't you see, you idiot, that you can't while he's dressing ?" "I _must!_" screamed Chloe.

And, violating every law of subordination and decorum, she threw open the door.
Cappadox flew to eject her, but Chloe's quick tongue did its work.
"A lad who calls himself Agias is chained in the ergastulum.

He says some gladiators are going to attack the house, and will be here in a moment! Oh, I am so frightened!" and the poor girl threw her mantle over her head, and began to whimper and sob.
"Agias!" shouted Drusus, at the top of his voice.

"In the ergastulum?
_Per deos immortales!_ What's this?
Mamercus! Falto!" And the young master rushed out of the room, Cappadox, who like lightning had caught up a sword, following him.
Falto came running from the stables; Mamercus from the garden.