But unable to discover the place, and afraid of losing his liberty if he delayed longer, Felix, after hesitating some time, determined to apply direct to the guard at the gate of the circular entrenchment.
As he crossed the open ground towards it, he noticed that the king's quarters were the closest to the enemy.

Across the little stream were some corn-fields, and beyond these the walls of the city, scarcely half a mile distant.

There was no outpost, the stream was but a brook, and could be crossed with ease.

He marvelled at the lack of precaution; but he had yet to learn that the enemy, and all the armies of the age, were equally ignorant and equally careless.
With as humble a demeanour as he could assume, Felix doffed his cap and began to speak to the guard at the gateway of the entrenchment.

The nearest man-at-arms immediately raised his spear and struck him with the butt.