"I know of another course to take; a painful, but the only one. Thou must take this course, my Witichis, even if thy heart should break."
Witichis looked at him inquiringly. Even Teja and Hildebad were struck by the tender manner of the old man.
"Go out," continued Hildebrand, turning to Hildebad and Teja. "I must speak to the King alone."
CHAPTER XIV.
Silently the two Goths left the tent, and walked up and down, awaiting the result.
From the tent they now and then heard Hildebrand's voice, who appeared to warn and argue with the King; and now and then an outcry from the latter.
"What can the old man be thinking of?" asked Hildebad, stopping in his walk. "Dost thou not know?"
"I guess," sighed Teja; "poor Witichis!"
"What the devil dost thou mean?"
"Let me alone," said Teja; "it will all come out soon enough."