NEXT morning, Petronius had barely finished dressing in the unctorium when Vinicius came, called by Tiresias.

He knew that no news had come from the gates.

This information, instead of comforting him, as a proof that Lygia was still in Rome, weighed him down still more, for he began to think that Ursus might have conducted her out of the city immediately after her seizure, and hence before Petronius's slaves had begun to keep watch at the gates.

It is true that in autumn, when the days become shorter, the gates are closed rather early; but it is true, also, that they are opened for persons going out, and the number of these is considerable.

It was possible, also, to pass the walls by other ways, well known, for instance, to slaves who wish to escape from the city.
Vinicius had sent out his people to all roads leading to the provinces, to watchmen in the smaller towns, proclaiming a pair of fugitive slaves, with a detailed description of Ursus and Lygia, coupled with the offer of a reward for seizing them.