Modestus and Strythio, having entered the prison, began to inspect the cells in which there were prisoners. Srythio had a writing tablet in which the names of prisoners were written. Modestus asked him in which cell Vercobrix was imprisoned. Strythio, examining the writing tablet, found out where Vercobrix laid and led Modestus to the cell. When Modestus had arrived at the door of the cell, he halted uncertain.
Strythio said "why are you afraid to enter the cell?" "The son of the chieftain of the Deceangli is tied up. He cannot harm you."
When he had said this, Modestus angry shouted, "Blockhead, I am not afraid of the chieftain's son! I halted because I was waiting for you. I want you to open the door for me!"
When Strythio opened the door, Modestus hesitated.
"The room is dark," Modestus said anxious. "Fetch me a lamp."
Strythio, a man of great patience, brought a lamp to his friend and handed it over. He, having entered the cell, left out of sight.
In the corner of the cell, lay Vercobrix. Modestus, when he had seen him, drew out his word. Then, having advanced to the middle of the room, began to curse Vercobrix. Vercobrix, however, could not head the Modestus' insults, because he was sleeping heavily.
Suddenly a spider, having fallen from the ceiling of the cell, fell onto Modestus' nose and ran across his face. Modestus, terrified by the spider, fled the cell, crying out violently.
Strythio, who was standing outside the cell, was astonished. For he did not know why Modestus was shouting.
"Strythio! Strythio!" shouted Modestus. "shut the door of the cell. It is necessary for us to guard Vercobrix with the greatest care. Even the spider are helping him!"
Stythio, when he had shut the door, asked the Modestus terrified what had happened.
"Modestus," he said", "How pail you are! Surely you are not afraid of the prisoner?"
"Not at all! I am pale, because I have not eaten dinner," he replied.
"Do you want me to go to the kitchen and bring you dinner?" asked Strythio.
"That is an excellent idea!" he said. "You stay here, however. It is better for me myself to go to the kitchen, because the cook owes me den denarii."
Having said these words, he ran immediately to the kitchen.