Their change of garb had given rise to so much fun; and now, on hearing how they were to be smuggled into the town, their merriment grew higher, and proved catching to those who were taken into the secret.

Only Melissa was oppressed with anxious care, in spite of her lover's eager consolation.
Glaukias, a man of scarcely middle height, was sure of not being recognized, and he and his comrades looked forward to whatever might happen as merely an amusing jest.

At the same time they had to balk the hated chief of the city guards and his menials of their immediate prey; but they had played them a trick or two ere now.

It might turn out really badly for Alexander; still, it was only needful to keep him concealed till Caesar should arrive; then he would be safe, for the Emperor would certainly absorb all the thoughts and time of the captain of the night-watch and his chief officers.

In Alexandria, anything once past was so soon forgotten! When once Caracalla was gone--and it was to be hoped that he would not stay long--no one would ever think again of any biting speech made before his arrival.
The morning must bring what it might, so long as the present moment was gay! So, refreshed and cheered by rest and wine, the party of mystics prepared to set out again; and, as the procession started, no one who did not know it had observed that the two artists, disguised as sailors, were, by Melissa's advice, hidden inside the kalathos of Serapis, which would easily have held six, and was breast-high even for Alexander, who was a tall man.