"It is an outrage," cried Praeclarus. "It cannot be done."
The jailer shrugged. "But it is already done," he said.
"And why?" demanded Praeclarus.
"Think you that a poor soldier has the confidence of Caesar?" asked the jailer; "but I have heard the reason rumored. Sedition is in the air. Caesar fears you and all your friends because the people favor you and you favor Dion Splendidus."
"I see," said Praeclarus, "and so we are to remain here indefinitely."
"I should scarcely say indefinitely," grinned the jailer, as he closed the door and locked it, leaving them alone.
"I did not like the look in his eye nor the tone of his voice," said Praeclarus, after the fellow was out of hearing. "The gods are unkind, but how can I expect else from them when even my best friend fails me?"
"You mean Appius Applosus?" asked Tarzan.
"None other," replied Praeclarus. "If he had fetched the keys, we might yet escape."
"Perhaps we shall in any event," said Tarzan. "I should never give up hope until I were dead—and I have never been dead."