You must not accompany me because of the duty I have laid upon you here.

When I return, be sure I'll summon you," and, knowing that Stauracius could not see her from where he lay, for a moment she let her splendid eyes meet my own.

In them there was a message I could not mistake.
"The Augusta shall be obeyed," I answered, saluting.

"May the Augusta return in health and glory and more beautiful than----" "Iduna the Fair!" she broke in.

"Captain, you are dismissed." Again I saluted, retreating from the presence backwards and staying to bow at each third step, as was the custom.