"Here he is!" cried an entreating voice high above their heads.
Crispus had not had time to answer--had only pointed towards the tower at the gate; and behind the barred window of the second story, Fulvius was to be seen eagerly stretching forth both hands.
"Let me out, O general! Help me down, and with the spear I will thank thee!"
"Severus," said Crispus eagerly to the astonished general, "order the gaoler--there he stands, in the doorway--to release him; Zeno the usurer has caused him to be imprisoned."
"Bring the man out, Carcerarius!" commanded Severus. "I need such a strong youthful arm. Let him pay first his debt to the Fatherland. Should he fall, he will be free from every debt; should he survive, he will return to the tower."
The gaoler hesitated; but a blow in the ribs which Cornelius impatiently dealt him altered his opinion.
"I yield to force!" cried he, rubbing the assaulted spot.
"What an iron, strictly obedient Roman soul!" exclaimed Cornelius.
Immediately afterwards Fulvius sprang over the threshold, seized the shield and spear which were brought to him from the store of arms on the ramparts, and cried:
"Out! out before the gate!"