is willing to set him free; and Adalo, the
Adeling, by his wish, will speak and act for him. Bring the bondman."

Then Zercho, who had been waiting outside the body of freemen, was led
before the stone seat by two heralds. His eyes were sparkling with joy.

Adalo, holding in his hand a bow and arrow, stepped forward, saying:
"As the representative of Suomar, your master, I announce in the open
assembly that he has received from Hariowald, Count of the Linzgau, a
faultless stallion four years old, two cows of Roman breed, twenty
sheep, a bronze armlet seven times twisted, and a silver solidus; in
exchange for which he frees you, Zercho, the Jazyge whom he bought as a
prisoner of war from a dealer in Vindonissa. By my hand and word he
liberates you: take the last blow which you have to bear as a slave."
He gave him a light stroke on the cheek. "And see, look, all ye
freemen: as I shoot this arrow, so free and far, unrestrained and
unfettered, Suomar, who hitherto has been your master, leaves you. You
may go forth as free as this arrow flies--free and restrained by no
one!"

As he spoke he sent the arrow, winged with heron feathers, high into
the air. The missile whirred from the long bow, whose string struck
echoing against the beautifully polished wood. Zercho watched the
arrow. High, high up it flew, till it vanished in the blue sky. But he
did not see clearly; his eyes were swimming in tears; it was hard to
force back a loud sob. From long years of custom, he was about to throw
himself prostrate on the ground and, clasping the Adeling's feet, kiss
his hands in token of gratitude. But the latter quickly stopped him,
and the Duke said:

"You are free now, Zercho! Rejoice, freeman! For, though your master's
hand was gentle, bondage is pitiable and withers strength and courage.
Only the life of the free is life: the slave breathes, but he does not
live."

Adalo handed him the bow, saying: "Here is this weapon, which proves
your freedom before the whole people. Let it be the first one you carry
in the army and for the people of the Alemanni, which has now become
your nation too."

With radiant eyes and head erect the freedman now entered the ranks of
the free.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

A frown darkened the Duke's brow. "Now for the last judgment of the
assembly! Other gods are drawing near, unlike those which have just
viewlessly hovered above the boy's fair locks--terrible gods! Complaint