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"There are more men at the boundary fence," explained the watchman. "We fear little an inroad of hostile bands through the mountain forest, for it would be difficult for the foot of the stranger to penetrate over rock and forest stream up to the fence. But report says that a short time since a fierce war has been kindled between the Allemans and the Caesar whom they call Julian, and ten days ago the wild army of the gods swept past us through the air at night-time" - he looked timidly up to the skies - "since then we have guarded the boundary."

The stranger turned his head, and looked now for the first time toward the native land of his companion. The long waving mountain heights rose in successionone behind the other; across where the opening widened lay a deep valley, and the white foam of the forest torrents sparkled in the sunlight.

“And now let me know, good comrade, whose badge thou wearest, and whither thou art about to conduct me?”

“In all the valleys on which your eyes rest, and farther down into the plain, he whom I serve, Answald, the son of Imfried, rules as cheiftain.”

“In a foreign land I heard that a great king ruled over the people of Thuringia; they called him King Bisino,” answered the stranger.

“Thou hast heard right,” assented the youth. “But this forest country is free under its own race of chieftains from the most ancient time, and the great King of the country is contented that we should guard the boundary, and send every year horses to his court. Little do we forest people care about the King, and our Chieftain seldom goes to court at the King's castle.”

“And does not King Bisino count your herds of cattle, which I see there among the huts?” asked the stranger.

“Hum! - there was once a noise of arms in the villages, because the King would fatten his boars under our oaks, also the King took pleasure in hunting wild oxen in our woods, but one has heard no more of that.”

The stranger looked earnestly down into the valley. “And where is the residence of your lord?”

The watchman pointed along the opening of the valley. “It lies at the outlet of the mountains; for a quick walker it is about three hours down the valley, but a horse from the pasture-ground would carry us there in shorter time. Dost thou not hear the sound of hoofs? The horn has announced to my comrades that a stranger needs guidance; he who relieves me is coming.”

A horseman was trotting up the forest path - a fine-looking youth, like the watchman in countenance and bearing; he flung himself from his horse, and spoke in a low tone to his companion. The watchman delivered over to him his horn, threw his leather pouch over his shoulder, and offered the horse to the stranger. “I follow your steps,” said the latter, declining it; he greeted the new watchman with hand and head, who was regarding him with curiosity, and turned with his leader toward the valley.

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