ly
established themselves on the eastern and southeastern coasts, while
other allied tribes constantly harassed the western districts.

Since the second century Rome's army in Britain had dwindled to four
legions. At Deva, in the west, was the Twentieth Legion, holding in
check the fierce mountain tribes of the Silures, and, with the Second,
farther south, at Isca Silurum, keeping at bay the pirates who at times
sailed up the broad Sabrina on plunder bent. In the north, at Eboracum,
was the famous Sixth, within quick reaching-distance of Valentia and
Caledonia. At Ratae was the Ninth, guarding the low country and the
eastern fens. But after the Emperor's letter, the Ninth and the
Twentieth sailed away, and the proconsul at Eboracum perforce sent part
of his own troops to fill their places. Two years later, the Sixth was
recalled. And then the consul abandoned Eboracum, that great city which
since its foundation had been the seat of government for all the land,
and with his forces moved farther south, leaving it deserted.

But not for long. For Caledonians and Saxons came down from the north
and occupied it, and settled there to stay. And after that, whenever
Romans left the northern towns, seeking greater security in the
southward provinces, the barbarians advanced and took possession, and
thus gained the foothold for which they had been struggling ever since
the Conquest. And so the coming of the end was hastened.

Those later days of the departure of the troops were stirring days. The
island, governed by the lords of the cities, each in feudal
independence, had shaken off the leading-strings of Rome. It was
wealthy; as yet it was prosperous; the advance of the barbarians, though
it might be sure, was slow. When Rome's troubles were past, she would
send her troops again, and the invaders would be driven out for good and
all. Yet there were many folk abroad in those days, asking anxious
questions, filled with responsibility and care. And ever and again,
along the great white roads, a cohort would go flashing past, lined up
to full number, gallant in fighting trim, with standards flying, and
eyes set always southward, toward the sea and Rome.

* * * * *

There were many other folk upon the busy highways,--an endless
procession that went and came. Pack-horses, war chariots, slaves and
soldiers, nobles, merchants, and artificers, men with goods to sell and
men without,--a motley throng f