‘Yes, sir, I arrived earlier than usual. The reason I arrived earlier than usual was that…’ Relief flooded across the man’s dark tanned face as he found his place. ‘The duplicarius explained that one of his outposts had reported strange noises coming from the city. Agreeing that we ought to check on this, the two of us went to see the decurion in charge of those outposts. He informed us that the noises had ceased and that there was no other cause for concern, but that he would keep close watch and told us to do the same.’ Duccius sniffed his displeasure. He was a principalis in a legion, and the seniority of such a man to a decurion in an ala was unclear and a most delicate subject.

‘After that, the duplicarius went back to his men, but now that I was at the far end of the outpost line, I decided to check the closest position first and then move down the line in the opposite direction than usual.’ Duccius again appeared nervous, even though Cerialis had assured him that he had acted sensibly. Everyone knew the risks of surprising a nervous sentry in the dark, but someone walking past behind the outposts might well cause an unnecessary alarm.

‘That was sensible, Duccius,’ Crispinus told the man. ‘I like initiative in my officers.’ It was a moot point whether the most junior of the principales counted as an officer, but the man needed encouragement. ‘Which meant that you first went to the outpost performed by these three men?’

The legionaries stared at the edge of the tent as if the mere intensity of their gaze could bore a hole in it and let them fly away to freedom.

‘Yes, sir. These three men, sir.’

‘And this was what, a good half an hour before you would reach them in the normal routine?’ the prefect asked.

‘Give or take, sir.’ It clearly pained Duccius to be imprecise.

‘And tell us what you found.’ Cerialis’ face was so rigid that it must have taken considerable effort. Unlike Crispinus, he had heard this testimony before.

The tesserarius licked his finger and found his place. ‘As I approached the outpost, I took care to stand tall and walk in as plain sight as possible. I called out “Venus” because that was the password for the night. In response there were low noises and I heard someone say, “Go on, my son!” in an encouraging manner. Coming closer I observed Priscus standing guard, his pilum propped up against his shield.’ This time the sniff was one of disapproval. ‘In the shadow of the rocks, Secundus was crouching, while Felix lay on his front beneath the shelter of a cloak. On approaching closer I observed that a woman lay underneath the legionary. They were humping.’ This produced far less scorn than a man standing guard and not holding shield and weapon.

‘I approached and said, “What is all this?” Secundus said, “Oh shit!” and sprang to his feet. “Omnes ad stercus!’ said Priscus, while legionary Felix continued to hump, while the woman moaned. “Get up you fool!” Secundus told him. “We’re humped!” Legionary Priscus grabbed for his pilum and knocked this over with his shield and said, “Oh bugger, oh bugger!”’