Part 8 (1/2)
”Who is Promero?” asked Demetrio.
”Kallian Publico's chief clerk.”
”Bring him here with the chariot driver,” snapped Demetrio. ”We'll wait until they come before we examine that room.”53.
Two guardsmen clomped away. Demetrio still studied the body; Dionus, Arus, and the remaining policemen watched Conan, who stood sword in hand, like a bronze figure of brooding menace. Presently sandalled feet re-echoed outside, and the two guardsmen entered with a strongly built dark skinned man in the helmet and tunic of a charioteer, with a whip in his hand, and a small timid looking individual, typical of that cla.s.s which, risen from the ranks of artizans, supplies righthand men for wealthy merchants and traders.
This one recoiled with a cry from the sprawling bulk on the floor.
”Oh, I knew evil would come of this!
”You are Promero, the clerk, I suppose. And you?
”Enaro, Kallian Publico's charioteer.
”You do not seem overly moved at the sight of his corpse,” observed Demetrio.
”Why should I be moved?” The dark eyes flashed. ”Some one has only done what I dared not,but longed to do.
”So!” murmured the Inquisitor. ”Are you a free man?
Enaro's eyes were bitter as he drew aside his tunic, showing the brand of the debtor-slave onhis shoulder.
”Did you know your master was coming here tonight?
”No. I brought the chariot to the Temple this evening for him as usual. He entered it and I.drove toward his villa. But before we came to the Palian Way, he ordered me to turn and drive him back. He seemed much agitated in his mind.”
”And did you drive him back to the Temple?
”No. He bade me stop at Promero's house. There he dismissed me, ordering me to return there for him shortly after midnight.
”.”What time was this?
”Shortly after dusk. The streets were almost deserted.
”.54.
”What did you do then?”
”I returned to the slave quarters where I remained until it was time to return to Promero's
house. I drove straight there, and your men seized me as I talked with Promero in his door.”
”You have no idea why Kallian went to Promero's house?”
”He didn't speak of his business to his slaves.”
Demetrio turned to Promero. ”What do you know about this?”
”Nothing,” the clerk's teeth chattered as he spoke.
”Did Kallian Publico come to your house as the charioteer says?”
”Yes.”
”How long did he stay?”