Cethegus looked at him inquiringly.
"Do miracles take place to further the ruin of the Goths?"
"Yes, master, miracles! This lovely woman desires the ruin of her people, to revenge herself on one man. And this man is her husband!"
"You are mistaken," cried Cethegus. "She loved him from childhood, and even bought his bust."
"Yes, and she loves him still. But he loves not her; and the bust of Mars was shattered on the night of her marriage."
"She cannot have told you all this herself?"
"No; but Aspa, my countrywoman and her slave, told me all. She loves me; and she loves her mistress almost as much as I my master. Mataswintha wishes you to aid in the destruction of the kingdom of the Goths. She will write, through Aspa, in the secret cypher of my race. And if I were Cethegus, I would take this sun-like Queen to my wife."
"I too, if I were Syphax. But your message deserves a crown! A revengeful and cunning woman is worth more than legions! Now I defy you, Belisarius, Witichis, and Justinian! Ask a favour, Syphax--anything except your freedom, for I need you yet."
"My freedom is--to serve you. One favour--let me fight at your side to-morrow?"
"No, my beautiful panther; I do not need your claws--only your stealthy step. You will keep silence about the vicinity and strength of the Goths. Help me on with my armour, and give me the plan of the Salarian road out of that casket. Now call Marcus Licinius, and the leader of my Isaurians, Sandil."