"
"But how long must I wait?"
"Not beyond, the ides of January, good man."
"Then I agree," said Tepas.
So was it with an evil man those days. If he were armed with power he
halted not between his plan and his purpose. There were, indeed, few
things so valued as to be above price.
But the cunning of the tempter was to lead his prey into further depths
of infamy. The prince took the hand of the sailor and whispered to him:
"If you would be a friend to me, then my enemies should be your
enemies." He paused a moment, looking into the eyes of the pilot and
tenderly patting his shoulder. It was like the guile of the black
leopard. Presently he continued:
"Now this young Roman is my enemy. If by any chance he, Appius, should
die before I come, you shall have six instead of three talents. He is
fond of wine, and for such the sea has many perils. Do you understand
me?"
"I do," said Tepas, nodding his approval, and then that heap of gold,
lying on the chart, was delivered to him, and without more delay he
went to his own vessel.
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