At this the emperor wrathfully asked him whether his opinion had been invited; and the cunning Egyptian said to himself that Caracalla was anxious to spare the father and his sons for the daughter’s sake.  And yet Caesar would surely wish to keep them in safety, to have some hold over the girl; so he lied with a bold face, affirming that, in obedience to the law of the land, he had removed Heron and Philip, at any rate for the moment, beyond the reach of Caesar’s mercy.  They had in the course of the night been placed on board a galley and were now on the way to Sardinia.  But a swift vessel should presently be sent to overtake it and bring them back.

And the informer was right, for Caesar’s countenance brightened.  He did, indeed, blame the Egyptian’s overhasty action; but he gave no orders for following up the galley.

Then, after reflecting for a short time, he said: 

“I do not find in either of you what I require; but at a pinch we are fain to eat moldy bread, so I must need choose between you two.  The one who first brings me that clay figure, and the man who modeled it, in chains and bonds, shall be appointed chief of the night-watch.”

Meanwhile Alexander had entered the room.  As soon as Caracalla saw him, he beckoned to him, and the artist informed him that he had made good use of his time and had much to communicate.  Then he humbly inquired as to the clay figure of which Caesar was speaking, and Caracalla referred him to Zminis.  The Egyptian repeated what the Magian had told him.

Alexander listened calmly; but when Zminis ceased speaking, the artist took a deep breath, drew himself up, and pointing a contemptuous finger at the spy, as if his presence poisoned the air, he said:  “It is that fellow’s fault, great Caesar, if the citizens of my native town dare commit such crimes.  He torments and persecutes them in your name.  How many a felony has been committed here, merely to scoff at him and his creatures, and to keep them on the alert!  We are a light-headed race.  Like children, we love to do the forbidden thing, so long as it is no stain on our honor.  But that wretch treats all laughter and the most innocent fun as a crime, or so interprets it that it seems so.  From this malignant delight in the woes of others, and in the hope of rising higher in office, that wicked man has brought misery on hundreds.  It has all been done in thy great name, O Caesar!  No man has raised you up more foes than this wretch, who undermines your security instead of protecting it.”

Here Zminis, whose swarthy face had become of ashy paleness, broke out in a hoarse tone:  “I will teach you, and the whole rabble of traitors at your back—­”