Spendius stooped down from time to time to feel the stones with his hand.
"Here it is," he said; "let us begin!" And leaning on the pick which Matho had brought they succeeded in dislodging one of the flagstones.
In the distance they perceived a troop of horse-men galloping on horses without bridles.

Their golden bracelets leaped in the vague drapings of their cloaks.

A man could be seen in front crowned with ostrich feathers, and galloping with a lance in each hand.
"Narr' Havas!" exclaimed Matho.
"What matter ?" returned Spendius, and he leaped into the hole which they had just made by removing the flagstone.
Matho at his command tried to thrust out one of the blocks.

But he could not move his elbows for want of room.
"We shall return," said Spendius; "go in front." Then they ventured into the channel of water.
It reached to their waists.

Soon they staggered, and were obliged to swim.