He took one or two fellow-spirits in his company, and ventured over hill and valley to the suburbs of the city on a reconnoissance, while by night he ventured inside the walls.
The capital he found in the ferment that preceded the expulsion of the tribunes, on the fateful seventh of January.

Along with many another evil-doer, he and his followers filched more than one wallet during the commotions and tumults.

He dared not show himself very openly.

His crime had been too notorious to be passed over, even if committed against a doomed Caesarian like Drusus; besides, he was utterly without any political influence that would stand him in good stead.

But around the Atrium Vestae he lurked in the dark, spying out the land and waiting for a glimpse of Fabia.