Drive on, good
Carrio, drive on!'
The old man scarcely waited for the conclusion of this speech before he
ran up to the chariot, where he was immediately confronted by two
heads--one that of Vetranio the senator, the other that of a glossy
black kitten adorned with a collar of rubies, and half enveloped in its
master's ample robes. Before the astonished noble could articulate a
word, the man whispered in hoarse, hurried accents, 'I am Ulpius--
dismiss your servants--I have something important to say!'
'Ha! my worthy Ulpius! You have a most unhappy faculty of delivering a
message with the manner of an assassin! But I must pardon your
unpleasant abruptness in consideration of your diligence. My excellent
Carrio, If you value my approbation, remove your companions and yourself
out of hearing!'
The freedman yielded instant obedience to his master's mandate. The
following conversation then took place, the strange man opening it
thus:--
'You remember your promise?'
'I do.'
'Upon your honour, as a nobleman and a senator, you are prepared to
abide by it whenever it is necessary?'
'I am.
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