"A votive offering of mine," said Syphax quickly. "The Apostle healed my foot, which a thorn had wounded." "I thought the Snake-god was thine only god?" "I worship whatever can help me." "In which foot did the thorn wound thee?" For a moment Syphax hesitated. "In the right foot," he then answered. "It is a pity," said Teja, "the sandal is for the left foot." And he put it into his belt. "I warn thee, Queen, against such midnight devotions." "I shall do my duty," answered Mataswintha harshly. "And I mine!" With these words Teja turned, and led the way to the camp. Silently the Queen and her slaves followed. At sunrise Teja stood before the King and told him everything. "What thou sayest is no proof," said Witichis. "But a strong cause of suspicion. And thou thyself hast told me that the conduct of the Queen was mysterious." "Just for that reason I must guard myself against acting on mere suspicion. I often fear that we have acted wrongly by her, almost as much so as by Rauthgundis." "Possibly. But these midnight walks?" "I shall put an end to them, were it only for her own sake." "And the Moor? I mistrust him. I know that he is often absent for days together; afterwards appearing again in the camp. He is a spy." "Yes, friend," said Witichis, with a smile; "but he is my spy. He goes in and out of Rome with my knowledge. It is he who betrays all their plans to me." "And yet it has done no good? And the false sandal?" "It is really a votive offering. Before thou camest, Syphax confessed all to me. Once, as he was waiting for the Queen, he got weary, and began to rummage in a vault of the church; and there he found, amongst all sorts of things, some priestly garments and hidden treasures, which he stole. Later, fearing the wrath of the saint, he wished to atone, and offered up in his heathen manner this golden sandal from his booty. He described it to me exactly. With golden side-stripes, and an agate button engraved with the letter C. Thou seest that it is so. Therefore he knew it well, and it cannot have been dropped by a fugitive. He has promised to bring the fellow-shoe as a proof. But, more than all, he has discovered to me a new plan, which will put an end to all our trouble, and deliver Belisarius himself into our hands." CHAPTER IX. While the King of the Goths communicated this plan to his friends, Cethegus, in the early morning, was summoned to speak with Belisarius and Johannes. "Prefect of Rome," cried the general in a severe tone, as Cethegus entered his quarters, "where were you last night?" "At my post, as was my duty. At the Gate of St. Paul." "Do you know that, last night, one of my best leaders, Perseus the archon and the brother of Johannes here, left the city and has not been seen since?" "I am sorry for it. But you know that it is forbidden to leave the walls without permission."