orward, out of the pass with the spike of his shield.

The sudden return of the King with his little troop of heroes relieved
the almost overpowered guardians of the pass. The Longobardians fell in
heaps before the unexpected assault in their rear. With loud cries the
two guardians of the pass rushed forth, and the Longobardians, carrying
their leaders along irresistibly, ran and leaped over the jagged lava
in their downward retreat. But they did not run far. They were absorbed
by the ranks of Isaurians, and Illyrians, Gepidians and Alamannians,
who advanced in force, led by Johannes. Gnashing his teeth, he had
risen from his fall, had set his helmet straight, and at once led his
men against the pass, into which Teja had now entered.

"Forward!" cried Johannes; "up and at him, Alboin, Gisulf, Vitalianus,
Zenon! Let us see if this King be really spear-proof!"

Teja had now taken up his old position at the mouth of the pass, and
leaning upon the shaft of his battle-axe, he rested awhile to cool
himself.

"Now, barbarian King! the end is at hand! Have you crept again into
your snail-shell? Come out, or I will make a hole in your house. Come
out, if you be a man!"

Thus cried Johannes, twirling his spear over his head in defiance.

"Give me three spears!" cried Teja, and gave his shield and battle-axe
to Adalgoth, who stood near him still, though wounded. "There! Now, as
soon as he falls, follow me out."

And he took one step forward out of the pass, without his shield, and
holding his three spears in his hands.

"Welcome to the open! and to death!" cried Johannes, as he hurled his
spear.

The spear was accurately aimed at the King's visor. But Teja bent to
one side, and the strong ashen lance was shattered against the opposite
rock.

As soon as Teja hurled his first spear in return, Johannes cast himself
upon his face; the spear flew over him and killed Zenon, who stood
close behind.

Johannes quickly recovered his feet, and rushed at the King like
lightning, catching the King's second spear, which immediately followed
the first, upon his shield. But Teja, immediately after hurling this
second lance with his right hand, had followed it up by a third with
his left, and this spear, unnoticed by Johannes, passed completely
through the latter's body, the point coming out at his back. The brave
man fell.

At this his Isaurians and Illyrians were seized with terror; for, after
Belisarius, Johannes was looked up