other, Julia boldly
avowing that she was the author of the scheme which had had so fatal a
termination. Flavia, in her indignation at her daughter's conduct,
sent her away at once to a small summer retreat belonging to her in the
hills, and there she was kept for some months in strict seclusion under
the watchful guardianship of some old and trusted slaves.

Malchus, having seen the lion fastened up, had seized the bundle
containing his disguise, and hurried away to the gate where Clotilde was
awaiting him.

"How long you have been!" she said with a gasp of relief.

"I could not get away until the lion was secured," he said, "for I
should have been instantly missed. Now we will be off at once." Both had
thrown large dark cloaks over their garments, and they now hurried along
through the deserted streets, occasionally drawing aside into bylanes as
they heard the tramp of the city watch.

At last, after half an hour's walking, they reached the wall. Malchus
knew the exact spot where he had hidden the rope, and had no difficulty
in finding it. They mounted the steps and stood on the battlements. The
sentries were far apart, for no enemy was in the neighbourhood of Rome.
Malchus fastened the rope round Clotilde, and lowered her down over the
battlements. When he found that she had reached the ground he made
fast the end of the rope and slid down till he stood beside her. They
proceeded with the utmost caution until at some distance from the walls;
and then shaped their course until, after a long walk, they came down
upon the Tiber below the city.

Day had by this time broken, and Malchus bade Clotilde enter a little
wood to change her garments and dye her skin. He then proceeded to do
the same, and rolling up the clothes he had taken off, hid them under
a bush. Clotilde soon joined him again. She wore the dress of a peasant
boy, consisting of a tunic of rough cloth reaching to her knees. Her
limbs, face, and neck were dyed a sunny brown, and her hair, which
was cut quite short, was blackened. Dyes were largely in use by Roman
ladies, and Malchus had had no difficulty in procuring those necessary
for their disguises.

"I don't think anyone would suspect you, Clotilde," he said; "even I
should pass you without notice. What a pity you have had to part with
all your sunny hair!"

"It will soon grow again," she said; "and now, Malchus, do not let us
waste a moment. I am in terror while those dark walls are in sight."