And so it shall be; I will torment myself no more.'
He hastened back into the villa, summoned Sagaris, and bade him be
ready in half an hour to set forth on a journey of a day or two. He
then wrote a brief letter to the king of the Goths. It was in the
Gothic tongue, such Gothic as a few Romans could command for
everyday use. Herein he told that Veranilda, intrusted to him by the
deacon Leander to be conducted to the king's camp, had arrived in
safety at his villa by Arpinum. The country being disturbed, he had
thought better to wait here with his charge until he could learn the
king's pleasure, which he begged might be made known to him as soon
as possible.
'This,' he said, when Sagaris appeared before him equipped for
travel, 'you will deliver into the king's own hands. At Aquinum you
will be directed to his camp, which cannot be far beyond. Danger
there is none between here and there. Make your utmost speed.'
Many were the confidential missions which Sagaris had discharged;
yet, looking now into his man's face, the master was troubled by a
sudden misgiving.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393