He was
so completely absorbed in the contemplation of the Runic characters,
traced among the carved figures on his immense shield, that he did not
notice the entry of Hermanric and the stranger until the growl of the
watchful dog suddenly disturbed him in his occupation. He looked up
instantly, his quick, penetrating glance dwelling for a moment on the
young chieftain, and then resting steadily and inquiringly on his
companion's feeble and mutilated form.
Accustomed to the military brevity and promptitude exacted by his
commander in all communications addressed to him by his inferiors,
Hermanric, without waiting to be interrogated or attempting to preface
or excuse his narrative, shortly related the conversation that had taken
place between the stranger and himself on the plain near the Pincian
Gate; and then waited respectfully to receive the commendation or incur
the rebuke of the king, as the chance of the moment might happen to
decide.
After again fixing his eyes in severe scrutiny on the person of the
Roman, Alaric spoke to the young warrior in the Gothic language thus:--
'Leave the man with me--return to your post, and there await whatever
commands it may be necessary that I should despatch to you to-night.
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