x 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 Thirds--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 sunk," 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 from 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 Theodosius--Greeting and Good-bye!_"

'"Enough," said young Amal; "there is your proof! You must join us now!"

'Pertinax looked long and silently at him, till that fair man blushed like
a girl. Then read Pertinax:--

'"_I have joyfully done much evil in my life to those who have wished me
evil, but if ever I did any evil to you two I repent, and I ask your
forgiveness. The three mules which I strove to drive have torn me in
pieces as your