f the best man in the world!" said Teja, and signed
to Wachis, who now related the sufferings and death of the King and his
wife.

"I escaped the arrows of the Huns by hiding amongst the rushes. Thus I
still live. But only for one thing; that is, to revenge my master upon
his betrayer and murderer--Cethegus the Prefect."

"No; the Prefect is mine!" said Teja.

"Thou, Totila, hast the first right to his life," said Hildebrand, "for
thou hast a brother to revenge."

"My brother Hildebad!" cried Totila. "What of him?"

"He has been shamefully murdered by the Prefect," said Thorismuth,
"before my very eyes, and I could not prevent it."

"My strong Hildebad dead!" exclaimed Totila. "Speak!"

"The hero lay with us in the Castle of Castra Nova, near Mantua,"
related Thorismuth. "The report of the King's treacherous death had
reached us. Hildebad challenged Belisarius and Cethegus to mortal
combat. Presently a herald arrived, who said that Belisarius had
accepted the challenge, and expected thy brother on the plain between
our walls and their camp. Thy brother set forth rejoicing; we horsemen
followed. And verily, there rode out of a tent, in his golden armour,
with closed helm and white plume, with his round shield--well known to
us all--the hero, Belisarius. Only twelve horsemen followed him;
foremost of all, Cethegus the Prefect. The other Byzantines halted just
outside the camp. Hildebad ordered me to follow him with an equal
number of horsemen. The two combatants greeted each other with their
spears; the trumpets sounded, and Hildebad rushed at his enemy. The
next moment the latter lay upon the ground, pierced through and
through. Thy brother, unhurt, dismounted, crying: 'That was no thrust
from Belisarius!' and opened the visor of the dying man. 'Bessas!'
cried Hildebad, and looked, furious at the deception, towards his
enemies. Then the Prefect gave a sign. The twelve Moorish horsemen
hurled their spears, and, severely hit, thy brother fell."

Totila covered his face. Teja went sympathisingly up to him.

"Listen to the end," said Thorismuth. "When we saw this murder, we were
filled with fury. We threw ourselves upon the enemy, who, trusting that
we should be discouraged, pressed forward from the camp. After a hot
fight, we compelled them to fly. Only the speed of his devilish horse
saved the Prefect, who was wounded in the shoulder by my spear. Thy
brother lived to see our victory. He caused the chest which he