I have long been a fan of Geoffrey Trease's historical novels, but this is - to my mind - one of the best he's ever written. (My personal list of favorites includes *Cue for Treason* and *Victory at Valmy* too.) This is the story of Paul, the son of a Roman legionnaire in Britain, who sets out on a journey to Rome, avoiding gangsters along the way, to take a message to the Emperor, and try to save an innocent man's life. It has everything: adventure, humor, and a lover's description of Rome. This book should not be out of print!