Felix and the Thief

After dinner, Lucia asked, “Father, why is Felix now a freedman? Once he was your slave.” Then the father told the whole story. Caecilius said: “Felix was writing in the study. Felix was alone. Clemens and Grumio were looking for food in the forum. Metella was absent because she was visiting her sister.” Felix said: “Your father was absent because he was managing the bank in the forum. There was no one in the house except Felix and the baby. The little baby was sleeping in the bedroom. Suddenly, a thief entered through the door. The thief quietly looked around the atrium; quietly he entered the room, where the baby was. Felix heard nothing because he was working intently. The thief was quietly carrying the little baby out of the house. Suddenly, the baby cried. After Felix heard the noise, he immediately hurried out of the study. “Thief!” shouted Felix angrily, and he struck the thief fiercely. Felix nearly killed the thief. Thus, Felix saved the little baby. The master, after he heard the story, was happy and freed me, so I am therefore a freedman.” Lucia asked, “But who was the baby?” Caecilius replied, “He was Quintus!”