They resumed their advance.
But something was running behind them under the trees; and Matho, who bore the veil, several times felt that it was being pulled very gently from below.

It was a large cynocephalus, one of those which dwelt at liberty within the enclosure of the goddess.

It clung to the mantle as though it had been conscious of the theft.

They did not dare to strike it, however, fearing that it might redouble its cries; suddenly its anger subsided, and it trotted close beside them swinging its body with its long hanging arms.

Then at the barrier it leaped at a bound into a palm tree.
When they had left the last enclosure they directed their steps towards Hamilcar's palace, Spendius understanding that it would be useless to try to dissuade Matho.
They went by the street of the Tanners, the square of Muthumbal, the green market and the crossways of Cynasyn.