TARZAN AND THE LOST EMPIRE
“Some more searchers,” said Mallius Lepus. “When they have passed on their way, it will be safe to depart.”
The light from the torches of the legionaries approached until it shone through the cracks in the wooden blinds, but it did not pass on as they had expected. Mallius Lepus put an eye to an opening in one of the blinds.
“They have halted in front of the house,” he said. “A part of them are turning the corner, but the rest are remaining.”
They stood in silence for what seemed a long time, though it was only a few minutes, and then they heard sounds coming from the garden behind the house and the light of torches was visible through the open kitchen door.
“We are surrounded,” said Lepus. “They are coming in the front way. They are going to search the house.”
“What shall we do?” cried Favonia.
“The roof is our only hope,” whispered von Harben, but even as he spoke the sound of sandaled feet was heard upon the roof and the light of torches shone through the open trap.
“We are lost,” said Mallius Lepus. “We cannot defeat an entire century of legionaries.”
“We can fight them, though,” said von Harben.
“And risk Favonia’s life uselessly?” said Lepus.
“You are right,” said von Harben, sadly, and then, “Wait, I have a plan. Come, Favonia, quickly. Lie down here upon the floor and I will cover you with these rags. There is no reason why we should all be taken. Mallius Lepus, Gabula, and I may not escape, but they will never guess that you are here, and when they are gone you can easily make your way to the guard-house in the Colosseum, where the officer in charge will see that you are given protection and an escort to your home.”
“Let them take me,” said the girl. “If you are to be captured, let me be captured also.”
“It will do no good,” said von Harben. “They will only separate us, and if you are found here with us it may bring suspicion upon Septimus Favonius.”
Without further argument she threw herself upon the
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