"That boy must not reach Rome . . ."

So ran the order from the unscrupulous millionaire Calvus, nicknamed 'the Caesar of the underworld', to his ex-gladiator bodyguard, the Killer, and all the network of his agents spun across the Empire. Against these odds young Paul set out from Britain, resolved to see the Emperor, expose the truth about Calvus, and win freedom for his friend.

From the first pages, with the barbarian surprise attack on a frontier fort, the thrills follow in swift succession. There is danger at every stage along the road to Rome—danger in the mysterious riverside House of the Dolphins in Gaul, in the storm-lashed vessel full of lions and tigers bound for the arena, in the slum alleys of the Roman Subura and the luxury seaside villa on the Bay of Naples. Danger, even, at the peaceful farm in the Sabine Hills where Paul finds a fearless ally in his friend's daughter, the high-spirited Tonia.

Once more this author has combined an exciting story for boys and girls with a vivid and balanced historical picture, this time of Roman life and culture under Hadrian in the second century A.D.

Geoffrey Trease is one of the most successful writers of historical adventure stories for young people to-day. His previous books include The Hills of Varna, The Secret Fiord, and The Crown of Violet.

From the dust jacket