EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
“Whoever comes comes silently and alone,” said Maximus Praeclarus.
“Then it is not Fastus,” said Hasta.
“But it might be an assassin sent by him,” suggested Praeclarus.
“We shall be ready for him,” said Tarzan.
A moment later there appeared beyond the grating of the cell door the commander of the Colosseum guards, who had accompanied Fastus and who had stood between the prince and the prisoner.
“Appius Applosus!” exclaimed Maximus Praeclarus, “He is no assassin, my friends.”
“I am not the assassin of your body, Praeclarus,” said Applosus, “but I am indeed the assassin of your happiness.”
“What do you mean, my friend?” demanded Praeclarus.
“In his anger Fastus told me more than he told you.”
“He told you what?” asked Praeclarus.
“He told me that Dilecta had consented to become his wife only in the hope of saving her father and mother and you, Praeclarus, and your mother, Festivitas.”
“To call him swine is to insult the swine,” said Praeclarus.
“Take word to her, Applosus, that I would rather die than to see her wed to Fastus.”
“She knows that, my friend,” said the officer, “but she thinks also of her father and her mother and yours.”
Praeclarus’s chin dropped upon his chest. “I had forgotten that,” he moaned, “Oh, there must be some way to stop it.”
“He is the son of Caesar,” Applosus reminded him, “and the time is short.”
“I know it! I know it!” cried Praeclarus, “but it is too hideous. It cannot be.”
“This officer is your friend, Praeclarus?” asked Tarzan, indicating Appius Applosus.
“Yes,” said Praeclarus.
“You would trust him fully?” demanded the ape-man.
“With my life and my honor,” said Praeclarus.
“Tell him where your keys are and let him fetch them,” said the ape-man.
134
