The effect was immediate. Back fell the first rank of rioters,
pressing against those in the rear; and without another cry, with
only a low, terrified growling and snarling, the crowd scattered in
flight.
'There again I see Petronilla,' declared Basil, watching the rout
with fierce eyes. 'I'll swear that, before starting, she set this
game afoot. I must after her, Venantius.'
'Alone?'
'Mother of God! if I had your men! But I will make soldiers of my
own. Some of the likeliest from our folk here shall follow me;
enough to stay that she-wolf's journey till I can choke the truth
out of her.'
Venantius, his eyes fixed on the descending road by which the rabble
had disappeared, caught sight of something which held him mute for a
moment. Then he gave a snort of surprise.
'What's this? There are no Greek soldiers in Surrentum.'
Yet unmistakable soldiers of the Imperial army were approaching.
First came into sight a commanding officer; he rode a little in
advance of the troop, which soon showed itself to consist of some
two score mounted men, armed with bows and swords.
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