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"He may also bring Roman treachery into the country. Roman manners creep like a pest through our valleys; they have filled the King's citizens with arrogance. Our nobles also parade themselves in purple dresses, and maintain roguish bodyguards, who plant their knives in the back of the free man, when his looks do not please their master. But whoever the stranger may be, he shall receive whatever is due to a famishing man. Do thou, however, take care that by judicious talk thou discoverest his secret."

The Chieftain entered the house, and placed himself on the chair of state, a carved oak chair covered with the skin of a young black bear, that stood opposite the door. The Prince's feet rested on a stool, and in his hand he held his Prince's staff.

Outside the entrance the two horsemen dismounted; the stranger leaned his spear against the doorpost, and seated himself silently before the door. The Herald came out and invited him, with solemn greeting, to appear before the Chieftain. The stranger trod the threshold of the house with head erect; he and the Chief for a moment exchanged searching looks, and both were pleased with what they saw.

"Hail to thee, Prince Answald, son of Irmfried!"

"Hail to thee, also!" was returned from the seat of state.

"Bestow on the way-weary man a drink from thy horn, fruit from thy fields, and the protection of thy roof; I come friendless, homeless, defenseless, to thy hearth; bestow upon me what the hospitality of thy people allows to the wanderer."

Hildebrand stepped forward and said, "The Prince bestows upon thee, according to the custom of the people, three days' rest and three days' food. Then the Prince will inquire of the people their ill. Place him a seat at the hearth, boys, and offer him the gifts of the gods."

Three youths brought the things that he ordered --- one a stool on which the stranger sat down, another bread and salt in two dishes, and the third a wooden mug filled with dark beer. This one offered the drink first to the Prince, who merely touched the mug with his lips, then gave it to the stranger.

After this the herald gave a sign to the attendants, and all left the room.

"And now, stranger," began Hildebrand, familiarly seating himself at the feet of the Prince, "as thou hast obtained security for body and limb, give us an account, as far as thou canst, whether thou hast seen or heard aught behind our hills which can be of use tous and not injure thee. For these are anxious times, and the prudent host endeavors to obtain information from wandering men. Wilt thou narrate, if the gods have given thee the power of freely uttering thy words; or shall I ask what it needs us to know?"

The stranger rose. "I bring information which will move the hearts of men; I know not whether it will occasion you joy or sorrow. A battle has been fought, the greatest in the memory of man. Wolves howl on the battle-field, and ravens fly over the bones of the Allemanns, to whom our God has refused victory. The Franks have won the battle for the Romans; the kings of the Allemanns, Huodomar and Athanarich, are prisoners, and many of the king's children with them; the hosts of Cæsar carry fire and sword into the valleys of the Black Forest, as far as the Main, and drive before them prisoners in crowds. Cæsar has become so powerful, they say, over the borderland, that the Catts have sent an embassy to his camp to offer an alliance."

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