In view of this, there was risk in inquiring of strangers.

Vinicius stopped to think whether it would not be better to go for his slaves.

Just then, from behind a screen hiding a remoter lodging, came a man with a sieve in his hand, and approached the fountain.
At the first glance the young tribune recognized Ursus.
"That is the Lygian!" whispered Vinicius.
"Am I to break his bones now ?" "Wait awhile!" Ursus did not notice the two men, as they were in the shadow of the entrance, and he began quietly to sink in water vegetables which filled the sieve.

It was evident that, after a whole night spent in the cemetery, he intended to prepare a meal.

After a while the washing was finished; he took the wet sieve and disappeared behind the screen.
Croton and Vinicius followed him, thinking that they would come directly to Lygia's lodgings.