Men turned away their faces as from a sight of evil omen.

Who were they to set foot in the mansion of the servants of the awful Vesta?
But others from behind, who saw and heard nothing, pressed their fellows forward.

The mob swept on.

As with one consent all eyes were riveted on Fabia.

What had happened?
Who was guilty?
Why had these men of violence done this wrong to the home of the hearth goddess?
And then out of a farther corner, while yet the people hesitated from reverence, staggered a figure, its face streaming with blood, its hands pressing its side.
"_Quirites_," cried a voice, the voice of one speaking with but one remaining breath, "ye have rewarded me as the law demands; see that _she_" and a bloody forefinger pointed at Fabia, "who led me to this deed, is not unpunished.