“Bion, bring horses for my friends and conduct them on the way until they are safely on the road to the city.”
In a few minutes Bion returned from the darkness, leading two saddled horses. The chief explained that the man would accompany them on foot, being a fleet runner.
Maro had become very nervous. Now he demanded:
“Where is the third horse?”
“The third?” questioned Donatus. “There are but two of you.”
“You have forgotten Flavia?”
“Indeed not. I have remembered her well.”
Maro was pale, holding his excitement in check with difficulty.
“Then I will walk and she shall ride,” he said. “Have her brought.”
Barely a moment did Donatus hesitate, and then he gave the order that the girl be brought.