"I have already done so."
"It is the duplicate intended for my master."
"Then give it me," said Witichis, and stretched out his hand to take it.
But before he could do so, Duke Guntharis hurried into the room with the attendant.
"Witichis," he cried, "the royal insignia have disappeared!"
"What sayest thou?" asked Witichis. "Hildebad alone kept the key!"
"The golden chest and other chests are gone. Within the empty niche, where they usually stood, lay this strip of parchment. The characters are those of Hildebad's secretary."
The King took it and read:
"'Crown, helm and sword, purple and shield of Theodoric are in my care. If Belisarius will have them, he may fetch them.' The Runic character H-- for Hildebad!"
"He must be followed until he yield them up," cried Cethegus.