“Hic Abdera!” answered Petronius.
[A proverbial expression meaning “The dullest of the dull”—Note by the Author.]
But others, struck by the justice of his remark, began to look at one another with astonishment, and repeat,—
“True! there is something peculiar and strange in their death.”
“I tell you that they see their divinity!” cried Vestinius, from one side. Thereupon a number of Augustians turned to Chilo,—
“Hai, old man, thou knowest them well; tell us what they see.”
The Greek spat out wine on his tunic, and answered,—
“The resurrection.” And he began to tremble so that the guests sitting nearer burst into loud laughter.
Chapter LIX
FOR some time Vinicius had spent his nights away from home. It occurred to Petronius that perhaps he had formed a new plan, and was working to li
