`` Not long since , '' he went on , `` men 's names were sent up to Cæsar for smaller jokes than this . '' ' `` True , Cæsar , '' said Pertinax ; `` but you forget that was before I , your friend 's friend , became such a good spear-thrower . '' ` He did not actually point his hunting-spear at Maximus , but balanced it on his palm -- so ! ' `` I was speaking of time past , '' said Maximus , never fluttering an eyelid . `` Nowadays one is only too pleased to find boys who can think for themselves , and their friends . '' He nodded at Pertinax . `` Your Father lent me the letters , Parnesius , so you run no risk from me . '' ' `` None whatever , '' said Pertinax , and rubbed the spear-point on his sleeve . ' `` I have been forced to reduce the garrisons in Britain , because I need troops in Gaul . Now I come to take troops from the Wall itself , '' said he . ' `` I wish you joy of us , '' said Pertinax . `` We 're the last sweepings of the Empire -- the men without hope . Myself , I 'd sooner trust condemned criminals . '' ' `` You think so ? '' he said , quite seriously . `` But it will only be till I win Gaul . One must always risk one 's life , or one 's soul , or one 's peace -- or some little thing . '' ` Allo passed round the fire with the sizzling deer 's meat . He served us two first . ' `` Ah ! ''
said XXXXX , waiting his turn .
Allo Britain Cæsar Gaul Maximus Parnesius Pertinax fire first spear-thrower