Volume Ii Part 62 (1/2)

The King was the first in the court.

There, it is true, the progress of the Goths was for a time arrested.

For Quintus Piso and Kallistratos stood on the ramparts of the inner wall, with a hundred legionaries and a few Isaurians. They had hastened thither from the Pancratian Gate. They hurled a thick hail of spears and arrows at the Goths as they descended singly into the court. Their catapults were also not without effect.

”Send for a.s.sistance to Cethegus!” cried Piso, on the wall; and Kallistratos immediately rushed away.

Below in the court the Goths fell right and left at the side of Witichis.

”What shall we do?” asked Markja.

”Wait until they have exhausted their projectiles. It cannot last much longer. They shoot and hurl too hastily in their fright. Do you see?

Already more stones are flying than arrows, and there are no more spears.”

”But their balistas?”

”They will presently be able to hurt us no longer. Prepare to storm!

See, the hail is much thinner; now be ready with the ladders and axes.

Follow me quickly!”

And the Goths ran at a quick step across the court. Very few fell. The greater part reached the second and inner wall in safety, and a hundred ladders were raised.

And now all Procopius's balistas and machines were useless; for being directed for a wide range, they could not be placed in a perpendicular direction without great trouble and loss of time.

Piso observed this, and turned pale.

”Spears! spears! or all is lost!”

”They are all cast away,” panted fat Balbus, who stood near him, with a look of despair.

”Then all is lost!” sighed Piso, letting fall his wearied arms.

”Come, Ma.s.surius, let us save ourselves,” cried Balbus.

”No, let us stand and die,” cried Piso.

Over the edge of the wall appeared the first Gothic helmet.

All at once a cry was heard upon the steps leading on to the wall citywards.

”Cethegus! Cethegus the Prefect!”

And he it was. He sprang upon the ramparts, and attacking the Goth, who had just laid his hand upon the breastwork before swinging himself over, he cut off hand and arm. The man screamed and fell.

”Oh, Cethegus!” cried Piso; ”you come in the very nick of time!”

”I hope so,” said Cethegus, and overturned the ladder which was raised against the wall just in front of him.

Witichis had mounted it--he sprang down with agility.