Drusus speedily found that the general's vision was far more keen than his own.
Indeed, although the road, he knew, was rough and crooked, they met with no mishaps.

Presently a light could be seen twinkling in the distance.
"We must get a guide," remarked the Imperator decisively, and he struck the mules again.
They at last approached what the owl-like discernment of Caesar pronounced to be a small farmhouse with a few out-buildings.

But it was no easy matter to arouse the drowsy countrymen, and a still more difficult task to convince the good man of the house that his nocturnal visitors were not brigands.

At last it was explained that two gentlemen from Ravenna were bound for Ariminum, on urgent business, and he must furnish a guide for which he would be amply paid.

As a result, the German driver at last resumed the reins, and sped away with a fresh lantern, and at his side a stupid peasant boy, who was almost too shy to make himself useful.
But more misfortune was in store.