Chapter 20

The white marble stables were scrupulously clean, but Brutus had a sharp nose and he was very tired. He needed no urging to turn in. A middle-aged man, whose tunic bore the Embassy’s crest, came to the door. The Proconsul dismounted, identified himself, and made his request, which was cheerfully granted.

‘My name is Aulus, sir. You’ve a fine horse there! He deserves the best. The Tetrarch will be pleased to have him here. His Highness is a great one for beautiful horses.’ Aulus had tugged off Brutus’ trappings and was leading him into a roomy box-stall, Mencius following along. ‘You see that tall, black Arabian in the next box, sir?’ chattered Aulus. ‘He’s the latest one. The Tetrarch bought him—for a song—only the day before yesterday.’

Brutus had stretched his neck and was nuzzling the oak stanchions that separated the stalls. The black horse moved closer to the partition and nickered softly.

‘By Jupiter!’ laughed Aulus. ‘They act as if they were acquainted!’

Mencius walked over to the waist-high door of the adjacent box. Darik turned his head in that direction; and, sauntering to the door, sniffed the visitor’s extended hand.

‘He’s making up with you, sir, better than he has with me,’ remarked Aulus. ‘He’s not a friendly horse—sort of a one-man horse, as we say.’

‘The Tetrarch bought him cheap, eh?’ Mencius tried to sound casual. ‘How did that come about? He is a very valuable animal.’

Aulus became confidential.

‘If you ask me, sir, I think he was stolen. The young Arab who brought him here was in rags and tatters; had no business owning a horse like this. Wanted only three hundred shekels for him. His Highness was quick enough to take him.’

‘It’s a wonder the Tetrarch did not suspect that he was buying a stolen horse.’

‘Maybe he did.’ Aulus’ crafty chuckle did not improve his royal employer’s reputation. ‘The ragged young Arab is still hanging around. We gave him a job. He’s handy with horses. All Arabs are, I guess. That’s about all they know—horses. It’s a funny thing now about this gelding. He follows the fellow around like a dog. Maybe he did belong to him, though it doesn’t sound reasonable.’

‘Is the Arabian on duty?’

‘Just daytime, sir…Thank you, sir. We’ll take good care of your horse. Yes, sir!’