As Plautus uttered the words he threw up his arm. Simultaneously the potter’s throat was grasped from behind by a hand of iron. As he fell helplessly back, a poniard was plunged deep into his heart—all in a brief second of time, ere he could make a sound or motion.
The assassin raised his weapon for another stroke, but it was unneeded—he had already done his terrible work too well. His victim had died on the instant, without a murmur; his gentle heart was still for ever.
The voice of Plautus broke on the terrible silence. ‘Habet!’ he said, ‘a good stroke—Caesar’s justice must be done. Now for the daughter, whom he is bound to father in this one’s place. We must get on—quick, in with him!’
A heavily-weighted cord was produced—there was a sullen plunge, and the boat again went foaming through the water to complete its mission of violence.
CHAPTER XXI.
When the craft was brought up at the landing-place on the mainland, Plautus, followed by five of his crew, sprang ashore and with all haste made toward the posting-house.
The superintendent was in a long stable, overlooking the business of feeding and making snug for the night the animals under his charge.
‘Horses!’ demanded Plautus laconically, as he strode inside, followed by his gang.