TALES OF THE ROMANS
placed on the ground a bed of dry reeds, and bade the tired general rest there in safety. Soon, however, the noise of pursuers was heard. Marius hastened from the cave, and waded through the muddy marsh, up to his neck in the mire. He was soon discovered; and, soiled and damp, he was carried prisoner to the magistrates of the nearest town.
They resolved he should be put to death, and a man, sword in hand, entered the room where Marius was shut up, intending to slay him. The chamber was dark. Through the dim shadows could just be seen the figure of Marius, his eyes flashing with scorn as he cried:
“Dost thou dare to kill Marius?”
And such was the majesty of his look and voice that the would-be slayer was terrified, and fled, exclaiming:
“I cannot kill Marius!”
By this time a number of the townspeople had gathered in the hope of saving the general. They swarmed round the prison door.
“Let Marius go,” they shouted; “it was he who preserved Italy!”
And he was set free, and the people led him to the sea-shore, and saw him on board a ship that was provided for him by one of his faithful followers. After a time he landed on the coast of Africa, at the place where broken walls and ruined
74
