Do you understand ?" Artemisia nodded her little head, and bit her pretty lips very hard to keep from speaking.

The fear of Pratinas made her all obedience.
It was after sundown, and driving was permitted in the city, though nearly all the teams that blocked Agias's way, as he drove down the crowded streets to turn on to the Via Appia, were heavy wagons loaded with timber and builders' stone.
So far, all was safe enough; but Agias knew perfectly well that Pratinas was an awkward man to have for an enemy.

The critical moment, however, was close at hand, and Agias called up all his wits to meet it.

Under the damp arch of the ancient Porta Capena were pacing several men, whose lanterns and clinking sword-scabbards proclaimed them to be members of the city constabulary.

There was no possibility of evading their scrutiny.