in the same way when he is overtaken. So it's no disgrace to
you." Laughing heartily, he straightened the heavy helmet with the
bear's head.

"We reached the two at once," Gibamund continued, "bound the man, who
fought like a wild boar, and snatched from his teeth this strip of
parchment which he was trying to swallow."

The prisoner groaned.

"What is your name?" asked the King, glancing hastily at the parchment.

"Bleda."

"How strong is your army in horsemen?"

"Go and count them."

"Friend Hun," said Thrasaric, in a threatening tone, "a king is
speaking to you. Behave civilly, little wolf. Answer politely the
questions you are asked, or--"

The prisoner glanced defiantly toward Gelimer, saying, "This gold disk
was given to me by the great General with his own hands after our third
victory over the Persians. Do you think I would betray Belisarius?"

"Lead him away," said Gelimer, waving his hand. "Bind up his wound.
Treat him kindly."

The Hun cast another glance of mortal hate at Ammata, then he followed
his guards.

Gelimer again looked at the parchment. "I thank you, my boy," he said,
"I thank you. You have indeed brought us no trivial thing, the order of
the enemy's march to-day. Follow me to my tent, my generals; there you
shall hear my plan of attack. We need not wait for the arrival of the
Moors. I think, if the Lord is not wrathful with us--but let us have no
sinful arrogance--Oh, Ammata, how I rejoice to have you again alive!
After your departure I had a terrible dream about you. God has restored
you to me once--I will not tempt Him a second time." Going close to the
boy and laying his hand on his shoulder, he said in his sternest tone:
"Listen; I forbid you to fight in the battle to-day."

"What?" cried Ammata, furiously, turning deadly pale. "That is
impossible! Gelimer, I beseech--"

"Silence," said the King, frowning, "and obey."

"Why," cried Gibamund; "I should think you might let him go. He has
shown--"

"Oh, brother, brother," exclaimed Ammata, tears streaming from his
eyes, "how have I deserved this punishment?"

"Is this his reward for to-night's deed?" warned Thrasaric.

"Silence, all of you," Gelimer commanded sternly. "It is decided. He
shall _not_ fight with us. He is still a boy."

Ammata stamped his foot angrily.

"And oh, my darling," Gelimer added, clasping the vehemently resisting
lad in his arms, "let me confess it. I love you so tenderly, with such
undue affecti