Then there sounded a knock at the door of his cell. Commanding
himself, and turning away so as to hide his face, he bade enter.
And, looking up, he beheld his servant Felix.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE KING OF THE GOTHS
Transported from grief to joy, Basil sprang forward and clasped
Felix in his arms.
'God be thanked,' he exclaimed, 'that I see you alive and well!
Whence come you? What is your news?'
With his wonted grave simplicity, Felix told that he had long since
recovered from the effects of the wound, but had remained at
Aesernia, unable to obtain permission to go in search of his master.
The Gothic army was now advancing along the Via Latina; Basil's
followers were united with the troop under Venantius; and on their
arrival at Casinum, Felix succeeded in getting leave to climb to the
monastery. He had been assured that his lord had recovered health,
and was still sojourning with the holy men; but by whom this news
had been brought he could not say. Doubtless Venantius had held
communication with the monastery.
'And you are here alone?' asked Basil, fearing still to utter the
question which was foremost in his mind.
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