"In the right! In a few days the Emperor's reply will arrive, according to my wish. He will naturally, after the conquest of Ravenna, again appoint me as commander-in-chief, until the war is ended. The news may be here the day after to-morrow."
"Perhaps still sooner, Belisarius. At sunset the watchman on the lighthouse of Classis announced the approach of a ship coming from Ariminum. It appears to be an imperial trireme. It may run into harbour at any hour. Then the knot will be loosened."
"I will cut it beforehand. My body-guard shall storm the trenches and strike the head off the obstinate Bessas----"
He was interrupted by the entrance of Johannes.
"General," he cried, "the Emperor is here! The Emperor, Justinian himself, has just anchored in the harbour of Classis."
Cethegus involuntarily started. Was such a thunderbolt from a clear sky, such a whim of the incalculable despot, after such toil, to overthrow the almost perfect structure of his plans?
But Belisarius, with sparkling eyes, asked:
"The Emperor? How do you know?"
"He comes himself to thank you for your victory--never was such honour done to mortal man! The ship from Ariminum bears the imperial flag--purple and silver. You know that that indicates the actual presence of the Emperor."
"Or of a member of his family," interposed Cethegus thoughtfully, and once more breathing freely.