"Do let me know, I beg you; what has been done with Brunhild and her grandchildren?"
"There were only three of the children captured on the banks of the Saone. The fourth, Childebert, could be found nowhere.—Was he killed in the melee?—Did he escape?—No one can tell.—"
"And the other three?"
"The eldest and the second one were killed."
"In the battle?"
"No—no.—They were killed in the village—yonder. The King had them killed under his own eyes, in order to be certain of their death; he wanted to obviate having them turn up some day, and demand their kingdom back from him. But it is said that the King granted his life to the third.—I think he was wrong in that.—But what ails you, holy father; you seem to shiver. To be sure, the morning is rather chilly."
"And what became of Queen Brunhild?"
"She arrived at the village with a magnificent escort! A veritable triumphal march! Dung for incense, and hootings for acclamation!"
"I suppose the King ordered her to be put to death immediately upon her arrival?"
"No; she is still alive."