Around the litter came a rush, an uproar, a struggle.
Atacinus saw that this was simply an attack; and when he saw it he was frightened.

It was known to all that Caesar with a crowd of attendants made attacks frequently for amusement in the Subura and in other parts of the city.

It was known that even at times he brought out of these night adventures black and blue spots; but whoso defended himself went to his death, even if a senator.

The house of the guards, whose duty it was to watch over the city, was not very far; but during such attacks the guards feigned to be deaf and blind.
Meanwhile there was an uproar around the litter; people struck, struggled, threw, and trampled one another.

The thought flashed on Atacinus to save Lygia and himself, above all, and leave the rest to their fate.