[OPLINLIST] looking for a book title

[Reference Desk]

A patron is trying to find a book (pre 1958) that was read to his fourth 
grade class. The book is set in ancient roman times. The main character 
was a thief/criminal, running from the police over rooftops and falls 
through a gap. As he falls he thinks he is going to die, but lands in a 
pool and gets away from the police. He continues his crime spree. Once 
again he finds himself on the same path, running over rooftops from the 
police. Remembering the pool, he jumps where he fell before, only to 
land in an empty pool. Is this story line familiar to anyone? Thanks.

Jennifer Wright
Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County