That thick-skulled Hun at Cumae easily let
himself be blinded, as I told you.'
'How could I forget,' cried Basil, 'that Petronilla would risk
damnation rather than lose her vengeance upon Aurelia But,' he
added, with sudden change from gloom to vehemence, 'that woman is
not beyond our reach. Only yesterday did she set forth for Rome, and
she may have passed the night at Neapolis. A horseman will easily
overtake her. Felix!' he shouted. 'Our horses!--she shall pay for
this if my hands can get at her throat!'
Felix appeared, but not in answer to his master's summons; he came
precipitately, followed by a swarm of frightened slaves, to announce
another surprise. Before the villa stood a hostile multitude, folk
of Surrentum, who demanded admittance, and, if denied, would enter
by force. At this news Venantius hastened to muster his troop of
archers and spearmen. Basil and Marcian, having made sure that all
entrances were locked and barred, went to the front gate, and
through a wicket surveyed the assailants. These seemed to be mainly
of the baser class; they had armed themselves with all sorts of rude
weapons, which they brandished menacingly, shouting confused
maledictions.
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