"We have warned the fool again and again. What matters Photius when Belisarius is in danger! If ever I have had any power over my husband, I shall prevail to-day. Procopius has often advised him to give such a brutal--as he called it--proof of his fidelity. I will remind him of it. You may be sure that he will follow our united counsel."
"'Tis well. He must be there before midnight. When the watchman on the walls calls the hour, I shall break into the hall. And it is better, so that Belisarius may be quite safe, that he only enter the meeting when he sees my Moor Syphax in the niche before the house behind the statue of Petrus. He may also place a few of his guards in front of the house. In case of need, they can protect him, and bear witness in his favour. He is not capable of much feigning; he must only join the meeting shortly before midnight; thus he will have no need to speak. Our guards will wait in the Grove of Constantinus, at the back of Photius's house. At midnight--the trumpet sounds when the guard is relieved, and you know that it can be distinctly heard--we shall break in. Belisarius, therefore, need not undertake the dangerous task of giving a signal."
"And you--you will be sure to be there?"
"I shall not fail. Farewell, Antonina."
And, suddenly stepping backwards, his face still turned towards the leopard, his dagger pointed, he had gained the exit.
The leopard had waited for this moment; he moved slightly in his corner, rising slowly.
But as he reached the curtain, Cethegus once again raised his dagger and threatened him.
"Down, Dareios! the irons are hot!"
And he was gone.
The leopard laid his head upon the mosaic floor and uttered a howl of impotent fury.