"This news is really worth the shoe!" said Cethegus, and threw it to Syphax.
"Meanwhile King Witichis will make a feigned assault upon the Gate of St. Paul, in order to divert attention from Belisarius. So I will now hasten to the latter, as you ordered, and tell him to take three thousand men with him, and destroy the confederates and their band."
"Stop," said Cethegus quietly; "do not be in such a hurry. You will tell him nothing."
"What?" asked Syphax in surprise. "If he be not warned, he will be lost!"
"One must not always interfere with the commander's guardian angel. To-morrow Belisarius may prove his good fortune."
"Aye, aye," said Syphax, with a cunning smile, "is such your pleasure? Then I would rather be Syphax the slave than Belisarius the magister militum. Poor widowed Antonina!"
Cethegus was just about to stretch himself upon his couch for a short rest, when Fidus, the ostiarius, announced:
"Kallistratos, of Corinth!"
"Always welcome!"
The young Greek with the gentle countenance entered. A flush of shame or pleasure coloured his cheeks; it was evident that some special cause had led him to the Prefect.