At these words, translated by the interpreter to Caesar, the Roman laughed cynically, while his officers partook of the gaiety of their general. Caesar continued to empty cup after cup, fixing his eyes more and more ardently on Albinik's wife. He said a few words to the interpreter, who commenced to question the two prisoners, conveying as he proceeded, their answers to the general, who would then prompt new questions.
"Who are you!" said the interpreter, "Whence come you!"
"We are Bretons," answered Albinik. "We come from the Gallic camp, which is established under the walls of Vannes, two days' march from here."
"Why have you deserted the Gallic camp!"
Albinik answered not a word, but unwrapped the bloody bandage in which his arm was swathed. The Romans then saw that his left hand was cut off. The interpreter resumed:
"Who has thus mutilated you?"
"The Gauls."
"But you are a Gaul yourself?"
"Little does that matter to the Chief of the Hundred Valleys."
At the name of the Chief of the Hundred Valleys, Caesar knit his brows, and his face was filled with envy and hatred.