"What is the name of the prisoner?"
"Hildebrand--like mine."
"Meseems thou hatest him--this Hildebrand. Thou mayst judge; but beware of exaggerated severity. Do not forget that I pardon gladly."
"The well-being of the Goths demands his death," said Hildebrand quietly; "and he will die!"
CHAPTER XVI.
Early the next morning the prisoner, with his head covered, was led to a meadow on the north, the "cold corner" of the camp, where were assembled the leaders of the army and a great part of the troops.
"Listen," said the prisoner to one of his escort; "is old Hildebrand on the Ting-place?"
"He is the head of the Ting."
"They are and will ever remain barbarians! Do me a favour, friend--I will give thee this purple belt for it. Go to the old man; tell him that I know that I must die, but I beg him to spare me, and still more my family--dost thou hear? my family--the shame of the gallows. Beg him to send me a weapon secretly."
The Goth, Gunthamund, went to seek Hildebrand, who had already opened the court.