They opened the gates sooner than I had expected, and I found the village inhabited only by women, old men, and children, the whole of the fighting men having been called away to join the Romans.

They were, as you may imagine, in a terrible fright, and expected every one of them to be killed.

However, I told them that we would not only spare their lives, but also their property, if they would obey my orders.
"They agreed willingly enough, and I ordered all those who were strong enough to be of any good to take each sufficient provisions for a week and to accompany me.

Astonished as they were at the order, there was nothing for them to do but to obey, and they accordingly set out.

I found by questioning them that the road we had travelled was the regular one up to the village, and that you would be sure to be brought down by it if the chief intended to send you to Rome.
"By nightfall we reached this valley.