my poor barbarian , '' said Pertinax , still laughing . `` Well , you have sold us too many good ponies to be thrown back to your friends . We will make you a prisoner , although you are an ambassador . '' ' `` Yes , that will be best , '' said Allo , holding out a halter . We bound him lightly , for he was an old man . ' `` Presently the Winged Hats may come to look for you , and that will give us more time . See how the habit of playing for time sticks to a man ! '' said Pertinax , as he tied the rope . ' `` No , '' I said . `` Time may help . If Maximus wrote us a letter while he was a prisoner , Theodosius must have sent the ship that brought it . If he can send ships , he can send men . '' ' `` How will that profit us ? '' said Pertinax . `` We serve Maximus , not Theodosius . Even if by some miracle of the Gods Theodosius down South sent and saved the Wall , we could not expect more than the death Maximus died . '' ' `` It concerns us to defend the Wall , no matter what Emperor dies , or makes die , '' I said . ' `` That is worthy of your brother the philosopher , '' said Pertinax . `` Myself I am without hope , so I do not say solemn and stupid things ! Rouse the Wall ! ''
` We armed the Wall from end to end ; we told the officers that there was a rumour of Maximus 's death which might bring down the Winged Hats , but we were sure , even if it were true , that XXXXX , for the sake of Britain , would send us help .
Allo Emperor Maximus Pertinax South Theodosius Time death philosopher things