s that there was
a rumour of Maximus's death which might bring down the Winged Hats, but
we were sure, even if it were true, that Theodosius, for the sake of
Britain, would send us help. Therefore, we must stand fast. ... My
friends, it is above all things strange to see how men bear ill news!
Often the strongest till then become the weakest, while the weakest, as
it were, reach up and steal strength from the Gods. So it was with us.
Yet my Pertinax by his jests and his courtesy and his labours had put
heart and training into our poor numbers during the past years--more
than I should have thought possible. Even our Libyan Cohort--the
Third--stood up in their padded cuirasses and did not whimper.

'In three days came seven chiefs and elders of the Winged Hats. Among
them was that tall young man, Amal, whom I had met on the beach, and he
smiled when he saw my necklace. We made them welcome, for they were
ambassadors. We showed them Allo, alive but bound. They thought we had
killed him, and I saw it would not have vexed them if we had. Allo saw
it too, and it vexed him. Then in our quarters at Hunno we came to
Council.

'They said that Rome was falling, and that we must join them. They
offered me all South Britain to govern after they had taken a tribute
out of it.

'I answered, "Patience. This Wall is not weighed off like plunder. Give
me proof that my General is dead."

'"Nay," said one elder, "prove to us that he lives"; and another said
cunningly, "What will you give us if we read you his last words?"

'"We are not merchants to bargain," cried Amal. "Moreover, I owe this
man my life. He shall have his proof." He threw across to me a letter
(well I knew the seal) from Maximus.

'"We took this out of the ship we sank," he cried. "I cannot read, but I
know one sign, at least, which makes me believe." He showed me a dark
stain on the outer roll that my heavy heart perceived was the valiant
blood of Maximus.

'"Read!" said Amal. "Read, and then let us hear whose servants you are!"

'Said Pertinax, very softly, after he had looked through it: "I will
read it all. Listen, barbarians!" He read that which I have carried next
my heart ever since.'

Parnesius drew from his neck a folded and spotted piece of parchment,
and began in a hushed voice:--

'"_To Parnesius and Pertinax, the not unworthy Captains of the Wall,
from Maximus, once Emperor of Gaul and Britain, now prisoner waiting
death by the sea in the camp of