He moved rapidly forward a few steps, and signed hurriedly to the young girl to fly by the door; but her terror had by this time divested her of all her ordinary powers of perception and comprehension.

She looked up vacantly at Hermanric, and then shuddering violently, crept into a corner of the tent.

During the short silence that now ensued, the Goth could hear her shiver and sigh, as he stood watching, with all the anxiety of apprehension, Goisvintha's darkening brow.
'She is Roman--she is the first dweller in the city who has appeared before you!--remember your promise!--remember your kindred!--remember the massacre of Aquileia!' said the woman in fierce, quick, concentrated tones.
'I remember that I am a warrior and a Goth,' replied Hermanric, disdainfully.

'I have promised to avenge you, but it must be on a man that my promise must be fulfilled--an armed man, who can come forth with weapons in his hand--a strong man of courage whom I will slay in single combat before your eyes! The girl is too young to die, too weak to be assailed!' Not a syllable that he had spoken had passed unheeded by the fugitive, every word seemed to revive her torpid faculties.

As he ceased she arose, and with the quick instinct of terror, ran up to the side of the young Goth.