"You have saved my life again, Nessus," Malchus said, laying his
hand upon his shoulder. "Another twelve hours and it would have
been too late. I was to have been put to death in the morning."

Nessus gave a fierce exclamation and placed his hand on his knife.

"Had they slain my lord," he said, "I would have avenged you. I
would have dogged your enemies night and day till, one by one, my
knife should have found its way to their hearts!"

"Have you found a hiding place, Nessus?"

"There is but one place of safety, my lord, that I can think of. I
have talked it over with two or three faithful friends, and they
agree that so rigid will be the search that it will be well nigh
impossible for anyone within the walls of the citadel to escape
detection. The spies of Hanno are everywhere, and men fear within
these walls even to whisper what they think. At any rate, no more
secure hiding place could be found than that which we have decided
upon."

"And where is that, Nessus?"

"It is in the reservoirs. With four water skins and some planks
we have prepared a raft. My two friends are waiting for us at one
of the entrances. They will have fitted the raft together, and all
will be in readiness. They are not likely to search for you there."

"The idea is excellent, Nessus."