'I know, too, that you will be no match for the Thracian robber.' Heliodora caught his arm.
'What if I can make him believe that Belisarius has the Emperor's command to send him in chains to Constantinople! Would he not rather come to terms with Totila, who, as I know well, long ago offered to let him carry off half his plunder ?' 'You know that?
How ?' 'Clod-pate! Have you forgotten your master whom Basil slew?
Did I not worm out of him, love-sick simpleton that he was, all the secrets of his traffic with Greeks and Goths ?' Again they glanced at each other like wild creatures before the leap.
'Choose,' said Heliodora.

'Leave me free to make your fortune, for Totila is generous to those who serve him well; or stay here and spy upon me till your belly pinches, and the great opportunity of your life is lost.' There was a silence.

The Syrian's features showed how his mind was rocking this way and that.
'You have not cunning for this,' he snarled.

'The Thracian will use you and laugh at you.

And when you think to come back to me....' He touched the dagger at his waist.
In that moment there came confused sounds from without the room.
Suddenly the curtain was pulled aside, and there appeared the face of a frightened woman, who exclaimed: 'Soldiers, lady, soldiers are in the house!' Heliodora started up.