"A greeting, O lawgiver of virtue and wisdom," answered Petronius.
But Vinicius inquired with affected calmness, "What dost thou bring?"
"The first time I came I brought thee hope, O lord; at present, I bring certainty that the maiden will be found."
"That means that thou hast not found her yet?"
"Yes, lord; but I have found what that sign means which she made. I know who the people are who rescued her, and I know the God among whose worshippers to seek her."
Vinicius wished to spring from the chair in which he was sitting; but Petronius placed his hand on his shoulder, and turning to Chilo said,—"Speak on!"