What will happen if they suspect me of having pointed out to him purposely the house in which his death met him?
Though it appear afterward, in the court, that I did not wish his death, they will say that I was the cause of it.

Besides, he is a patrician; hence in no event can I avoid punishment.

But if I leave Rome in silence, and go far away somewhere, I shall place myself under still greater suspicion." It was bad in every case.

The only question was to choose the less evil.
Rome was immense; still Chilo felt that it might become too small for him.

Any other man might go directly to the prefect of the city guards and tell what had happened, and, though some suspicion might fall on him, await the issue calmly.