Volume Iii Part 6 (2/2)

Wachis was trying to urge his rearing steed into the dark flood. The animal shyed and resisted.

The freedman sprang off.

”It is very deep, very rapid,” he said. ”For three days the river has been unusually full. The ford is useless. The horses will have to swim, and the current will drag us far to the left. There are rocks in the stream, and the moonlight is so inconstant and deceptive.”

He looked doubtfully and searchingly up and down the river.

”Hark! what was that?” asked Rauthgundis. ”It was not the wind in the trees.”

”It is horses!” cried Witichis. ”They approach rapidly. I hear the clatter of arms. There--torches! Now into the river for life or death--but softly!”

He urged his horse into the water.

”There is no footing. The horses must swim. Hold fast by the mane, Rauthgundis. Forward, Wallada!”

Snorting and trembling, the n.o.ble animal looked at the black water. His mane was blown wildly about his head--he held his fore-feet stretched out, his haunches drawn in.

”Forward, Wallada!” said Witichis, and called softly into the faithful animal's ear, ”Theodoric!”

At this the charger sprang willingly into the water.

The pursuing hors.e.m.e.n had already galloped out of the wood, Cethegus foremost; at his side rode Syphax with a torch.

”Here the track disappears in the sand, master.”

”They are in the river. Forward, Huns!”

But the hors.e.m.e.n drew rein and stood stock-still.

”Well, Ellak, why do you linger? At once into the flood!”

”Sir, we cannot. Before we ride into running water at night-time, we must ask forgiveness of Phug, the water-spirit. We must first pray to him.”

”Pray when you are across as long as you like; but now----”

Just then a strong gust of wind blew from the river and extinguished all the torches.

The river rushed and roared.

”You see, sir, that Phug is angry.”

”Be silent. Did you see nothing? There to the left.”

The moon just then glanced between the driving clouds. It shone upon the light-coloured garments of Rauthgundis. She had lost her brown mantle.

”Aim quickly; there!”

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