Volume Ii Part 55 (1/2)

He left the corpse, and at once ascended the steps which led into the church.

On the threshold he was met by Mataswintha. Behind her came Syphax, and Aspa with the lantern.

For a moment Teja and Mataswintha measured each other with distrustful looks.

”I must thank thee, Earl Teja of Tarentum,” at last the Princess said.

”I was in danger while pursuing my lonely devotions.”

”A strange place and time for thee to choose for thy prayers. Let us see if this Roman was the only enemy.”

He took the light from Aspa's hand, and went into the chapel.

Presently he returned, a leathern shoe, inlaid with gold, in his hand.

”I found nothing--but this sandal by the altar, close to the statue of the Apostle. It is a man's shoe.”

”A votive offering of mine,” said Syphax quickly. ”The Apostle healed my foot, which a thorn had wounded.”

”I thought the Snake-G.o.d was thine only G.o.d?”

”I wors.h.i.+p whatever can help me.”

”In which foot did the thorn wound thee?”

For a moment Syphax hesitated.

”In the right foot,” he then answered.

”It is a pity,” said Teja, ”the sandal is for the left foot.” And he put it into his belt. ”I warn thee, Queen, against such midnight devotions.”

”I shall do my duty,” answered Mataswintha harshly.

”And I mine!”

With these words Teja turned, and led the way to the camp. Silently the Queen and her slaves followed.

At sunrise Teja stood before the King and told him everything.

”What thou sayest is no proof,” said Witichis.

”But a strong cause of suspicion. And thou thyself hast told me that the conduct of the Queen was mysterious.”

”Just for that reason I must guard myself against acting on mere suspicion. I often fear that we have acted wrongly by her, almost as much so as by Rauthgundis.”

”Possibly. But these midnight walks?”

”I shall put an end to them, were it only for her own sake.”