At last some began to leave the cemetery, and Chilo whispered,--"Let us
go out before the gate, lord, we have not removed our hoods, and people
look at us."

Such was the case, for during the discourse of the Apostle all had cast
aside their hoods so as to hear better, and they had not followed the
general example. Chilo's advice seemed wise, therefore. Standing
before the gate, they could look at all who passed; Ursus it was easy to
recognize by his form and size.

"Let us follow them," said Chilo; "we shall see to what house they go.
To-morrow, or rather to-day, thou wilt surround the entrances with
slaves and take her."

"No!" said Vinicius.

"What dost thou wish to do, lord?"

"We will follow her to the house and take her now, if thou wilt
undertake that task, Croton?"

"I will," replied Croton, "and I will give myself to thee as a slave if
I do not break the back of that bison who is guarding her."

But Chilo fell to dissuading and entreating them by all the gods not to
do so. Croton was taken only for defence against attack in case they
were recognized, not to carry off the girl. To take her when there were
only two of them was to expose themselves to death, and, what was worse,
they might let her out of their hands, and then she would hide in