There was a ceaseless running to and fro of the couriers of the empire, a fine system of communications spread over the whole known world like a network, so that what transpired in the most remote corner was at once known at the centre.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I"
Marcus Dods
From the Second Punic War, traders, couriers, and travellers had moved freely along the great roads.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
In addition to the French and Italian secret-service officials, there are now on duty at the various frontier stations, and likewise in Athens, Naples, and Rome, keen-eyed young officers of the "Hush-Hush Brigade," as the British Intelligence Department is disrespectfully called, whose business it is to scrutinize the thousands of British subjects-officers returning from India, Egypt, or Salonika, or from service with the Mediterranean fleet, King's messengers, diplomatic couriers-who are constantly crossing Italy on their way to or from England.
"Italy at War and the Allies in the West"
E. Alexander Powell