Then they climbed up Long Ditch into the lower end of Far Wood . This is sadder and darker than the Volaterrae end because of an old marlpit full of black water , where weepy , hairy moss hangs round the stumps of the willows and alders . But the birds come to perch on the dead branches , and Hobden says that the bitter willow-water is a sort of medicine for sick animals . They sat down on a felled oak-trunk in the shadows of the beech undergrowth , and were looping the wires Hobden had given them , when they saw Parnesius . ` How quietly you came ! ' said Una , moving up to make room . ` Where 's Puck ? ' ` The Faun and I have disputed whether it is better that I should tell you all my tale , or leave it untold , ' he replied . ' I only said that if he told it as it happened you would n't understand it , ' said Puck , jumping up like a squirrel from behind the log . ' I do n't understand all of it , ' said Una , ` but I like hearing about the little Picts . ' ` What I ca n't understand , ' said Dan , ` is how Maximus knew all about the Picts when he was over in Gaul . ' ` He who makes himself Emperor anywhere must know everything , everywhere , ' said Parnesius . ` We had this much from Maximus 's mouth after the Games . ' ` Games ? What Games ? ' said Dan . Parnesius stretched his arm out stiffly , thumb pointed to the ground . ` Gladiators ! That sort of game , ' he said . ` There were two days ' Games in his honour when he landed all unexpected at Segedunum on the East end of the Wall .
Yes , the day after we had met him we held two XXXXX ' Games ; but I think the greatest risk was run , not by the poor wretches on the sand , but by Maximus .
Dan Emperor Gaul Gladiators Maximus Parnesius Segedunum Una days marlpit