THE BETRAYER BETRAYED Sagaris, making his best speed, soon arrived at Aquinum.

He and his horse were bathed in sweat; the shelter of an inn, where he had dinner, tempted him to linger more than he need have done, and the fierce sun was already declining when he rode forth along the Latin Way.

As yet he had seen no Goths.

Every one talked of Totila, but he had a difficulty in ascertaining where at this moment the king was to be found; some declared he was as near as Venafrum, others that he lay much further down the valley of the Vulturnus.

Arrived at Venafrum, the messenger learnt that he could not have less than another whole day's journey before him, so here be harboured for the night.
His wily and unscrupulous mind had all day long been busy with speculations as to the errand on which he was sent.