I bowed, saying that I would obey the Augusta’s orders to the best of my power, and she went on: 

“Olaf, I would discover the truth concerning this Magas and his schemes, which as a soldier you are well fitted to find out.  It seems he has a plan for the recovery of Egypt out of the hands of the followers of that accursed false prophet whose soul dwells with Satan.  Now, I would win back Egypt, if I may, and thereby add glory to my name and the Empire.  Hear all that he proposes, study it well, and make report to me.  Afterwards I will see him alone, who for the present will send him a letter by the hand of Martina here bidding him open all his heart to you.  For a week or more I shall have no time to spend upon this Magas, who must give myself to business upon which hangs my power and perchance my life.”

These words she spoke heavily, then fell into a fit of brooding.  Rousing herself, she went on: 

“Did you note yesterday, Olaf, if you had any mind left for the things of earth, that as I drove in state through the streets many met me with sullen silence, while others cursed me openly and shouted, ’Where is the Augustus?’ ‘Give us Constantine.  We will have no woman’s rule.’”

“I saw and heard something of these things, Augusta; also that certain of the soldiers on guard in the city had a mutinous air.”

“Aye, but what you did not see and hear was that a plot had been laid to murder me in the cathedral.  I got wind of it in time and if you were still governor of yonder prison you’d know where the murderers are to-day.  Yet they’re but tools; it is their captains whom I want.  Well, torture may make them speak; Stauracius has gone to see to it.  Oh! the strife is fierce and doubtful.  I walk blindfold along a precipice.  Above are Fortune’s heights, and beneath black ruin.  Perhaps you’d be wise to get you to Constantine, Olaf, and become his man, as many are doing, since he’d be glad of you.  No need to shake your head, for that’s not your way; you are no hound to bite the hand that feeds you, like these street-bred dogs.  Would that I could keep you nearer to me, where hour by hour you might help me with your counsel and your quiet strength.  But it may not be—­as yet.  I raise you as high as I dare, but it must be done step by step, for even now some grow jealous.  Take heed to what you eat, Olaf.  See that your guards are Northmen, and beneath your doublet wear mail, especially at night.  Moreover, unless I send for you, do not come near me too often, and, when we meet, be my humble servant, like others; aye, learn to crawl and kiss the ground.  Above all, keep secret as the grave.

“Now,” she went on after a pause, during which I stood silent, “what is there more?  Oh! with your new offices, you’ll retain that of captain of my guard, for I would be well watched during these next few weeks.  Follow up the matter of the Egyptian; you may find advancement in it.  Perchance one day you will be the general I send against the Moslems—­if I can spare you.  On all this matter be secret also, for once rumour buzzes over it that peach rots.  The Egyptian and his swarthy girl come to the palace to-day, when he will receive my letter.  Meet him and see them well housed, though not too near me; Martina will help you.  Now be gone and leave me to my battles.”