not light
his torch--it would have taken time, and he knew that, quietly as he
paddled, the sound would be borne along the surface of the water to
Nessus. At last he arrived at the steps. Nessus was there alone; beside
him was a basket of fresh provisions.

"Well, Nessus, what news?"

"All is well, my lord; but Hanno is moving heaven and earth to find
you. The gates of the citadel were kept closed all day yesterday; and
although today they have again been opened, the examination of those
who pass out is so strict that no disguise would avail to deceive the
scrutiny of the searchers. One or other of the men who attended you in
the prison is always at the gate. The barracks have been searched from
end to end, the troops occupying them being all turned out while the
agents of the law searched them from top to bottom. The same has been
done with the stables; and it is well that we did not attempt to hide
you above ground, for assuredly if we had done so they would have found
you, however cunningly we had stowed you away. Of course the name of
the prisoner who has escaped is known to none, but the report that an
important prisoner had escaped from the state prisons beneath the temple
has created quite an excitement in the city, for it is said that such an
event never took place before. At present I can hit on no plan whatever
for getting you free."

"Then I must be content to wait for a while, Nessus. After a time their
vigilance is sure to relax, as they will think that I must have got
beyond the walls."

"Are there any to whom you would wish me to bear news that you are
here?"

This was a question which Malchus had debated with himself over and over
again. It appeared to him, however, that Hanno's power was so great
that it would be dangerous for anyone to come forward and accuse him.
No doubt every one of the leading men of the Barcine party was strictly
watched; and did Hanno suspect that any of them were in communication
with the escaped prisoner, he would take instant steps against them. He
thought it better, therefore, that none should be acquainted with the
secret until he was free. He therefore replied in the negative to the
question of Nessus.

"I must wait till I am free. Any action now might bring down the
vengeance of Hanno upon others. He would find no difficulty in inventing
some excuse for dealing a blow at them. You think here is no possibility
of escape at present?"

"I can think on no plan, my l