After the confession there was a long period of silence, at least it seemed like a long period to Hylas. Suddenly the sound of Sextus' voice filled the air.

"Hylas, you know what happens to runaway slaves. What would you have me do with you? My duty is to turn you over to the authorities. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't."

Philandros gasped and said "Oh Sextus, you couldn't, wouldn't. He is our friend."

Sextus looked at Philandros and said "We have no idea what crimes he may have commited along the way. What if, at this very moment, Tellus was in some household somewhere pleading for mercy because he is a runaway slave? Would you want someone to cover up for him? Set him free?"

Philandros didn't know what to say. Sextus did have a valid point. The thought of someone helping Tellus escape justice made him burn with anger. He turned to Hylas and asked "Hylas, tell us the truth. Have you done anything other than just running away? Have you stolen anything? Have you physically harmed anyone?"

Hylas knew who to direct his reply to and so he turned to Sextus, looked him squarely in the eyes and said "I swear that I have done none of those things. I will do anything that you ask if you help me get out of this horrible mess. My fate is in your hands."

All Sextus said was "You are dead."

Philandros cried out in despair " No, you can't do this to him, I won't let you do this to him."

Hylas did not utter a word but his body visibly started to shake.

"YOU ARE DEAD!" said Sextus again. "At least that's what I will tell the authorities. You were killed in an unfortunate accident, you were thrown from a horse and broke your neck. I will offer to pay your master a substantial sum just to keep him happy and to keep him from asking any questions like where is the body. You will remain here at Green Acres and you will work for me here in this villa. I have no idea what your duties will be, we will determine that at a later time. Is that arrangement suitable to you?"

Hylas could not believe his ears. The tears flowed from his eyes. He could not speak, the words would not form in his mouth. All he could do was go over to Sextus, grasp him by the hands and cover them with kisses.