"Here is the right place, under the wide sky, under the rustling oak; now is the right time, with a climbing sun, to hold a free tribunal of Gothic men on the sword-won soil of our Gothic inheritance."
"We are assembled," continued old Hildebrand, "to decide upon two cases: an accusation of murder against Gothelindis the Queen, and of cowardice and negligence, in this time of great danger, against Theodahad our King. I ask----"
But his speech was interrupted by the loud flourish of horns, which sounded nearer and nearer from the west.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Goths turned in astonishment, and saw a troop of horsemen hurrying down the hill in the direction of the place of justice.
The sun flashed upon the armed figures with such dazzling brilliancy that they could not be recognised, although they approached rapidly.
But old Hildebrand rose up in his elevated seat, shaded his eagle eyes with his hand, and at once exclaimed:
"Those are Gothic weapons! The waving banner bears the figure of the scales: that is the crest of Earl Witichis! and there he is himself at the head of the troop! and the tall figure on his left is the sturdy Hildebad! What brings the generals back? Their troops should be far on their way to Gaul and Dalmatia."
There ensued an uproar of excited voices. Meanwhile the riders had reached the place and sprang from their smoking horses. Received with enthusiasm, the two generals, Witichis and Hildebad, went through the crowd up to Hildebrand's judgment-seat.
"What?" cried Hildebad, still out of breath; "you sit here and hold a tribunal as if in time of peace, and the enemy Belisarius has landed!"