Beric the Briton : a Story of the Roman Invasion eBook

“It is all a matter of taste,” Boduoc said.  “I would rather have a good suit of armour and arms than all the books in Rome.  Why some people should worry their brains to make those little black marks on paper, and others should trouble to make out what they mean, is more than I can understand.  However, we shall be glad to help you to carry off the goods of Norbanus.”

CHAPTER XIV:  ROME IN FLAMES

All night the gladiators watched the ever widening area of fire.  In the morning proclamations were found posted in every street, ordering all citizens to be under arms, as if expecting the attack of an enemy; each district was to be patrolled regularly, and all evildoers found attempting to plunder were to be instantly put to death, the laws being suspended in face of the common danger.  All persons not enrolled in the lists of the city guards were exhorted to lend their aid in transporting goods from the neighbourhood of the fire to a place of safety in the public gardens, and the masters of the schools of gladiators were enjoined to see that their scholars gave their aid in this work.

“Well, we may as well set to work,” Scopus said.  “There are some of my patrons to whom we may do a good service.”

“Will you let me go with my comrades first to aid Norbanus, a magistrate who has done me service?” Beric said.  “After I have helped to move his things I will join you wherever you may appoint.”

Scopus nodded.  “Very well, Beric.  I shall go first to the house of Gallus the praetor, he is one of my best friends.  After we are done there we will go to the aid of Lysimachus the senator; so, if you don’t find us at the house of Gallus, you will find us there.”

Beric at once started with the four Britons to the house where he had left Ennia.  It was distant but half a mile from the point the fire had now reached, and from many of the houses round the slaves were already bearing goods.  Here, however, all was quiet.  The door keeper, knowing Beric, permitted him and his companions to enter without question.  Norbanus was already in his study.  He looked up as Beric approached him.  “Why, it is Beric!” he said in surprise.  “I heard that you were in one of the ludi and was coming to see you, but I have been full of business since I came here.  I am glad that you have come to visit me.”

“It is not a visit of ceremony,” Beric said; “it is the fire that has brought me here.”

“Lesbia tells me that it is still blazing,” Norbanus said indifferently.  “She has been worrying about it all night.  I tell her I am not praetor of the fire guard, and that it does not come within my scope of duty.  I went down yesterday afternoon, but the soldiers and citizens are all doing their work under their officers, and doubtless it will soon be extinguished.”

“It is ever growing, Norbanus.  It is within half a mile of your house now, and travelling fast.”