The lictors and soldiers had sprung forward, but a second had been lost by rushing to the eastern side of the bridge, where the barge had just disappeared from sight.

Agias, Antonius, and Drusus were already standing on the western parapet.

The lictors and soldiers were on them in an instant.

The blow of one of the fasces smote down Antonius, but he fell directly into the vessel beneath--stunned but safe.

A soldier caught Agias by the leg to drag him down.