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"My royal position again compels me to deny thee thy request. How can I resist the cry of the whole country, if I conceal thee? If I could help thee secretly, I would do it willingly, from meaning well to thee, but because it is useful to me. But do thou consider how I can help thee by counsel and secret deed. Only I can not open my treasure-house to thee; for I must keep armlets and Roman coins for myself, that I may obtain warriors in time of need."

"The great host of the people shows his graciousness when he distributes his treasures, or holds his King's shield over the oppressed. How will the King help me, if he deny me both?" asked Ingo, undeceived.

King Bisino screwed up his eyes, and nodded slyly. "The King closes his eyes as I do now: let that satisfy the Hero." Although indignant, Ingo could not help smiling at the broad face of his host, who squinted at him out of the corners of his eyes; and the King was pleased with his smile. "It is all right; and now cast off the cares that trouble thee, and pledge me --- for I would rather drink with thee than with any other, since I know that the young bear has no better hole to creep into than my cage. Therefore I will now confide to thee a secret. The Roman Tertullus has lately whispered to me divers things, and made a high offer, if I deliver thee to Caesar. And when thou camest hither I did not feel very favorably disposed toward thee; but now that I know thee as thou art, I would rather keep thee for myself."

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