"Vain rumours! These Goths are afraid; Witichis dare not meet me. I have protected the bridge over the Anio with a tower, fourteen miles this side Rome; Martinus has built it after my plan. That alone will hinder the barbarian foot-soldiers for more than a week, even should a few hacks manage to swim across the water."
"You err, Belisarius. I know for a fact that the whole Gothic army approaches!" said Cethegus.
"Then go home, if you fear it."
"I will take advantage of this permission. I have had fever these last few days. And my Isaurians suffer from it also. With your leave, I will go back to Rome."
"I know this fever," said Belisarius; "that is, I know it in others. It passes as soon as ditches and walls are between the patient and the enemy. Go, if you will; we need you as little as your Isaurians."
Cethegus bowed, and left the tent.
"We shall meet again, O Belisarius!" he said. "Give the signal for the march of my Isaurians," he called loudly to Marcus; "and to my Byzantines also," he added in a low voice.
"But Belisarius has----"
"I am their Belisarius. Syphax, my horse."
As he mounted, a troop of Roman horsemen galloped up; torches were carried before the leader.