The light was advancing along the corridor, but it was not accompanied by the tramp of soldiers' feet.
"Whoever comes comes silently and alone," said Maximus Praeclarus.
"Then it is not Fastus," said Hasta.
"But it might be an assassin sent by him," suggested Praeclarus.
"We shall be ready for him," said Tarzan.
A moment later there appeared beyond the grating of the cell door the commander of the Colosseum guards, who had accompanied Fastus and who had stood between the prince and the prisoner.
"Appius Applosus!" exclaimed Maximus Praeclarus. "He is no assassin, my friends."
"I am not the assassin of your body, Praeclarus," said Applosus, "but I am indeed the assassin of your happiness."
"What do you mean, my friend?" demanded Praeclarus.
"In his anger Fastus told me more than he told you."