"How is the King? What of his wound? Is he dying?"
The old man shook his head sadly.
"No; but if I guess rightly, judging him by his honest heart, it would be far better for him to die."
"What meanest thou? What dost thou suspect?"
"Peace, peace," said Hildebrand sadly, and seating himself, "poor Witichis! it will be spoken of soon enough, I fear."
And he was silent.
"Well," said Teja, "how didst thou leave him?"
"The fever has left him, thanks to my herbs. He will be able to mount his horse to-morrow. But he spoke of strange things in his confused dreams--I hope that they are but dreams--else, woe to the faithful man!"
Nothing more could be got out of the taciturn old man.
Some hours after, Witichis sent for the three leaders. To their astonishment, they found him in full armour, although he was obliged, while standing, to support himself on his sword. On a table near him lay his crown-shaped helmet and a sceptre of white ivory, surmounted with a golden ball.