h green moss. But little
sleep had Walthar known since his escape from the Hunland, so, spying
this cool retreat, he crept inside it to rest. Putting off his heavy
armour, he placed his head on Hildegund's lap, bidding her keep watch
and wake him by a touch if she saw aught of danger. But the covetous
Gunther had seen his tracks in the dust, and ever urging on his
companions soon came near the cave where Walthar reposed. Hagen warned
him of Walthar's powers as a champion, and told him that he was too
great a warrior to permit himself to be despoiled easily.

Hildegund, noticing their approach, gently aroused Walthar, who put on
his armour. At first she thought the approaching band were Huns pursuing
them, and implored him to slay her; but Walthar smilingly bade her be of
good cheer, as he had recognized Hagen's helm. He was evidently aware,
however, of the purpose for which he had been followed, and going to
the mouth of the cave, he addressed the assembled warriors, telling them
that no Frank should ever return to say that he had taken aught of his
treasure unpunished.

Hagen advised a parley in case Walthar should be ready to give up the
treasure without bloodshed, and Camillo, the prefect of Metz, was sent
to him for this purpose. Camillo told him that if he would give up his
charger, the two chests, and the maiden, Gunther would grant him life;
but Walthar laughed in his face.

"Go tell King Gunther," he said, "that if he will not oppose my passage
I will present him with one hundred armlets of red metal."

Hagen strongly advised the king to accept the offer, for on the night
before he had had an evil dream of a bear which tore off one of the
king's legs in conflict, and put out one of his own eyes when he came
to Gunther's aid. Gunther replied with a sneer, and Hagen, greatly
humiliated, declared that he would share neither the fight nor the
spoil.

"There is your foe," he said. "I will stay here and see how you fare at
his hands."

Now only one warrior could attack Walthar at a time. It is needless to
go into details of his several conflicts, which are varied with very
considerable skill and fancy, but all of which end in his triumph. The
sixth champion he had to meet was Patavrid, sister's son to Hagen, who
vainly endeavoured to restrain him, but who also was worsted, and after
the fall of the next warrior the Franks themselves urged Gunther to end
the combat; but he, furious at his want of success, only d