n finesse and
valor. Are you acquainted with Rome?"

"No, my father's father made war against her, under orders of Pyrrhus."

"Then go to her now as a friend, as an ally, and may the gods grant that
some day we shall bless the moment in which you came to Saguntum!"

Actaeon was not eager to start. It seemed to him a shameful act to
abandon the city at that critical moment, to leave Sonnica within a
besieged town.

"I am a stranger, Alcon," he said simply. "No tie of blood unites me to
your fate. Are you not afraid that I shall flee forever, leaving you
abandoned?"

"No, Athenian, I know you, and that is why I have stood responsible for
your fidelity to the Elders. Sonnica also has sworn that you will return
if you do not fall into the power of the enemy."

The Greek looked at his beloved as if asking her whether he should go,
and she bowed her head, resigned to the sacrifice. Actaeon then expressed
himself as ready.

"Farewell, Alcon! Tell the Elders that the Athenian Actaeon will be
crucified in Hannibal's camp or he will appear before the Senate of Rome
presenting your suit."

He kissed Sonnica on the eyes again and again, and the beautiful Greek
woman, restraining her tears, pleaded to be allowed to follow him along
with Alcon as far as the summit of the Acropolis, that she might see him
a few moments longer.

The three walked in the dark across the esplanades of the ancient city,
along the walls of the Acropolis. They had blown out their torch in
order not to attract the attention of the besiegers, and they went on,
guided by the diffused light of the stars, which seemed to shine with
more brilliancy, as if intensified by the cold of the night which was
one of the first of winter.

Alcon was searching for a place on the wall of which he had been told by
some of the Elders who were more familiar with the Acropolis. When they
had found it the Saguntine groped in the dark until he reached the end
of a heavy rope fastened to a merlon, and he flung it over into space.

The departure took place in absolute secret. The very Elders who had
planned the journey for their ambassador and had arranged his flight,
concealed themselves and did not witness it. Sonnica embraced Actaeon,
sobbing, and clinging to his neck.

"Go quickly, Athenian," said the Saguntine impatiently. "This first hour
of the night is the best; many groups of soldiers are still stirring
around the camps before going to sleep. You can pass thro