Basil, impatient to arrive, was generally a little ahead.

Their attendants numbered half a dozen men, among them Felix and Sagaris, and two mules laden with packs came in the rear.

Earthworks and rough buildings of military purpose, again recalling the twelve months' blockade, presently appeared; churches and oratories told them they were passing the sacred ground of the catacombs; then they crossed the little Almo, rode at a trot along a hollow way, and saw before them the Appian Gate.

Only a couple of soldiers were on guard; these took a careless view of the travellers, and let them pass without speaking.
Marcian rode up to his friend's side, and spoke softly.
'You have promised to be advised by me.' Basil answered only with a dull nod.
'I will see her to-day,' continued the other, 'and will bring you the news before I sleep.' 'Do so.' No more words passed between them.

On their left hand they saw the Thermae of Caracalla, their external magnificence scarce touched by decay, but waterless, desolate; in front rose the Caelian, covered with edifices, many in ruin, and with neglected or altogether wild gardens; the road along which they went was almost as silent as that without the walls.