Chapter 22

The Cornelii are traveling from the inn to Rome in this chapter. They are passing tombstones on the way to Rome.

A Second Meeting

Because it was midnight, Rufus was not able to find the Cornelii. Therefore Cornelius gave orders to Marcus, Sextus and the others. “Go to your room! We will see Rome tomorrow. It is necessary for you to sleep well!” Soon they are all sleeping in the beds. All except Sextus. He was thinking about Rufus. He stayed awake for a long time. In a short time, he is soon hungry and forgets Rufus. At last, although he is not allowed, he gets up and goes down the stairs because he wants to find food. 

I'm Hungry!

Soon Sextus approaches the kitchen. While he looks for food, someone silently goes into the kitchen, he moves towards Sextus and stands before him. Meanwhile, Sextus does not know and looks for some food while whistling. Suddenly, he extended his hand and touched Sextus’s back. Sextus immediately shrieked and fell to the floor. He closed his eyes and expected death. 

   Then, Sextus hears a loud laugh. He slowly turned around and sees a laughing slave woman.

“You foolish little boy!” the slave woman says. “It is I, Elissa. What are you doing here?”

“I was hungry,” responds Sextus who quickly blushes.  

Soon Elissa takes out a muffin and says, “Do you want a muffin?”

“Yes! Indeed!” Sextus responds and holds out his hand.  

“If I give you the muffin, it is necessary for you to give me something.” Tells Elissa.  

“What?” asks Sextus.

“One kiss,” Elissa says with a big laugh. 

Sextus gasps but he was very hungry. Therefore he quickly gives Elissa a kiss, he grabs hold of the muffin and runs away. Elissa laughs then looks at her hand. They grab a hold of Sextus’s bulla. Soon it is day. The coachman helps the slave and innkeeper pull the carriage out of the ditch. In a short time, Cornelius and Sextus are tired of traveling to Rome.  

?

Chapter 23

In this chapter, the Cornelii are arriving at the gates of Rome to meet Titus, the children's uncle.

Roma

Rufus, who still was walking in the fields, soon catches sight of a huge aqueduct. Soon a crowd of travelers was in the road. As Rufus walked, he smiled. He thought to himself, "It is never necessary for me to see Sextus again. I found a book! My life is full of joy!"

"But soon I must carry the couch! Soon I must carry the slaves! I must soon give a command! The man will bring money and I will help."

While he is there, another traveler scolds Rufus. "Move, Stupid! Don't stand and look at the sky!"

In a short while, Rufus quickly climbs the hill and first sees Rome. He was amazed. Rufus weeps tears of joy.

As they approached the gate, people were then running on all sides. Rufus then quickly enters Rome. Now he was able to see the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, and many temples.

Rufus climbs up the temple. Rufus then climbed up a fluted Corinthian column and began to yell. "I am Rufus! I am free! I am a king!"

Suddenly, Rufus grabs a rotten apple that hits a soldier who yells, "Get down, stupid boy! What are you doing? Why are you yelling, blockhead?"

Stoopid

Rufus quickly climbs down the column and flees in the road. He does not hear the noise of the carriage. CRASH! A large crowd stands around the body. One asks, "Is he dead?"

Chapter 24

In this chapter, Sextus, Marcus and their uncle explore Rome and look for the circus.