For an analysis of a similar talmudic story, of a rabbi in the generation of Bar Kochba rebellion (~130) fleeing from the Romans (where I mention a different passage about Tineius Rufus as well), see my previous: “R' Meir's Suspicious Brushes with Sexual Indiscretions, and His Encounters with Roman Troops, as Depicted in the Talmud
fascinating. and love that you include the descriptions for the graphics. it's good disclosure, but also interesting to see how the sausage is made.