Hardly had he done so than a loud clatter of hoofs sounded without.

With a bound that twisted his confined ankles and wrists sadly, Agias was back at his post.

A single rider on a handsome bay horse was coming up from the direction of Rome.

As he drew near to the villa, he pulled at his reins, and brought his steed down to a walk.

The horseman passed close to the loophole, and there was no mistaking his identity.