When the light faded out he again lay down to sleep. As before, he
slept soundly; for, however great the heat above, the air in the
subterranean chambers was always fresh and cool, and he could well
bear the rugs which Nessus had provided. The next day passed more
slowly, for he had less to think about. After the daylight had
again faded he began to look forward expectantly for the signal,
although he knew that many hours must still elapse before Nessus
would be able to make his way to the place of meeting.

So slowly did the hours pass, indeed, that he began at last to fear
that something must have happened -- perhaps that Nessus had been
in some way recognized, and was now in the dungeons below the temple
of Moloch. At last, however, to his joy Malchus saw the distant
light; it burned steadily, and he at once set out to paddle towards
it. He did not light his torch -- it would have taken time, and he
knew that, quietly as he paddled, the sound would be borne along
the surface of the water to Nessus. At last he arrived at the steps.
Nessus was there alone; beside him was a basket of fresh provisions.

"Well, Nessus, what news?"

"All is well, my lord; but Hanno is moving heaven and earth to find
you. The gates of the citadel were kept closed all day yesterday;
and although today they have again been opened, the examination of
those who pass out is so strict that no disguise would avail to
deceive the scrutiny of the searchers. One or other of the men
who attended you in the prison is always at the gate. The barracks
have been searched from end to end, the troops occupying them being
all turned out while the agents of the law searched them from top
to bottom. The same has been done with the stables; and it is well