Thither did Marcian straightway betake himself. The
bishop, a friend and ally of Leander, received him with cordiality,
and eagerly read the letter he brought. Asked whether Vigilius had
left Rome, Marcian was able to tell something of the Pope's
departure, having heard the story just before his own setting forth;
whereat the prelate, a man of jovial aspect, laughed unrestrainedly.
'To supper! to supper!' he exclaimed with hospitable note. 'Time
enough for our business afterwards.'
But Marcian could not postpone what he had to say. Begging the
bishop's patience, he told how all day long he had been followed by
certain horsemen from Rome, who assuredly were sent to track him.
His servant, he added, was watching for their entrance into the
town, and would observe where they lodged. This, the bishop
admitted, was a matter of some gravity.
'Your guard is ready,' he said. 'Six stout fellows on good horses.
But these pursuers outman you. Let me think, let me think.'
Marcian had but to suggest his scheme. This was, to resume his
journey as soon as the townsfolk were all asleep, and travel through
the night, for there was a moon all but at the full.
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