"All is quiet," said the slave; "it must have been a stone falling on the iron-work outside."
"I can also go no more into the grave outside the Portuensian Gate. I fear that we have been followed."
"By whom?"
"By one who, as it seems, never sleeps--Earl Teja."
The Prefect's lips twitched.
"And he is also one of a secret company who have sworn an oath against the life of Belisarius; the attack on the Gate of St. Paul will be only a feint."
"'Tis well," said Cethegus reflectively.
"Belisarius could never escape, if he were not warned," continued the Queen. "They lie somewhere, I fear--but I do not know where--in ambush. They have a superior force, Earl Totila commands them."
"I will take care to warn him!" said Cethegus slowly.
"If the plan should succeed!"