he whole army, for its decision--"

"I know in advance," Ebarbold angrily interrupted, "what they will
determine, guided by you, you disciple of Odin, you giver of victims to
Zio! But your decision is one thing; it is another--"

He checked the word on his tongue and hesitated.

"That you will do, you wish to say. King of the Ebergau! I warn you,
Ebarbold. Your father was a gallant hero; he fell by my side twenty
winters ago in the murderous battle against Julian. Remembering him, I
once more warn you: beware!"

"Look to yourself," cried Ebarbold angrily. "You are not my guardian!"

Springing up, he rushed out of the tent.

CHAPTER XXI.

Adalo, too, rose hastily. "Will you let him go in this threatening
mood? Shall I follow?"

But the Duke remained unmoved. "I fear no danger from this man." A
shudder ran through the youth's limbs and he started, as the old chief,
lightly raising the spear, added: "He is dedicated to Odin."

"You will--?"

"Not I. He will--must sacrifice himself. Do not wonder. Wait."

"And the news about the Goths, Duke? Were you in earnest? Or did you
merely wish to encourage the faint-hearted Ebarbold?"

"Aha, do you credit me with such craft in the good work?" asked the old
man, smiling?

"You are Odin's favorite."

"It is as I said. One of the men in our ranks has been serving in the
army of the other Emperor; he came home on leave of absence, and said
that such countless throngs of Goths had crossed the Danube and were
assailing that Emperor so closely that he certainly could not march
here to his young nephew's assistance. Nay, the nephew's whole army
will perhaps be compelled to hasten to the uncle's relief. Because I
knew this I permitted, nay, commanded our young leaders to cross the
frontier early this spring to renew the war. But do you keep silence
about it. And open your eyes wide in the Roman camp to-morrow: do not
think only of the child, much as I hope you may see her, perhaps ransom
her, or save her by stratagem. For, by Frigga's girdle, she is lovely!
and I would fain see the fairest ornament of our land at liberty
again."

Adalo clasped the Duke's right hand; but the latter withdrew it, adding
sternly:

"Note carefully the height of the wall, the depth of the ditch, the
position of the gates, the number of the tents, the direction of the
paths between them, so that you can report everything accurately to me.
Now go, and send Zerch