"If it does not inconvenience you," he said.
"Not in the least," replied Alyrus, flattered at the attention thus
drawn to him.
The gladiator laid aside his silver helmet, unloosed his short sword
and ordered light refreshment from the proprietor who came himself to
serve so noted a guest.
Had some great philosopher entered, he would have been greeted with
respect but would not have aroused anything like so much interest or
enthusiasm as did the victorious gladiator. Even the boys in the
streets knew his name and tried to imitate him.
For some time, while he had satisfied a very hearty appetite, Lycias
did not open a conversation, and Alyrus, a little awed, had hesitated
to speak.
Apparently for the first time, the gladiator examined the Moor's face.
Springing to his feet, he saluted in a military fashion.
"Your pardon, my lord, I knew not that I had ventured to presume upon
the kindness of Claudius Auranus, governor of Carthage."
Alyrus stammered.
"Be seated, sir, I--I am not his excellency the governor of Carthage.
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