noon
The soldier looked at him with pity , and answered , -- `` Yes , lord , a command of Cæsar . In the prison there are many sick , and perhaps it is feared that visitors might spread infection through the city . '' `` But hast thou said that the order was for to-day only ? '' `` The guards change at noon . '' Vinicius was silent and uncovered his head , for it seemed to him that the pileolus which he wore was of lead . Meanwhile the soldier approached him , and said in a low voice , `` Be at rest , lord , the guard and Ursus are watching over her . '' When he had said this , he bent and , in the twinkle of an eye , drew with his long Gallic sword on the flag stone the form of a fish .