They lifted the body of that cursing
wretch. Back and forth they swung it as one counted. Then over it
went with reaching hands and fell upon the moonlit plane of water.
They could see him rise and turn towards the isle, swimming. Weighted
by his burden, he swam not twice his length before the sea closed above
him.
"I thought he had struck you with his dagger," said one of the seamen.
"It would have done no harm," Appius replied. "I have a corselet under
my tunic. Is the ship still leaking?"
"A little, good sire. We found a wedge in the planks. He would have
driven it through, no doubt, if all had gone well with him. I know not
why, unless he meant to beach her under the cliffs yonder."
The young Roman stood silent for a little time. Presently his thought
came in a whisper to his lips: "And hold my sister until Antipater
should come."
He called the seamen to his side.
"I, who am a friend of the great father of Rome," said he, "shall see
you well rewarded. The little I gave you is not enough. Without your
help and warning worse luck than death might soon have come to us.
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