And taking the Ting-shield from the tree, he cried:
"The Ting is over. I dissolve the Assembly."
The sajones at once knocked down the hazel staffs with the cords, and in disorderly confusion the masses mingled over the wide plain.
The Romans, who, curiously but shyly, had observed from a distance this custom of a free people, such as Italy had not witnessed for more than five hundred years, now also mixed freely with the Gothic soldiers, to whom they sold wine and meat.
Witichis prepared to go with his friends and the leaders of the army to one of the tents which were erected on the bank of the river.
There a man in Roman costume--as it seemed, a well-to-do citizen--pressed among his followers, and asked eagerly for Earl Teja, the son of Tagila.
"I am he. What would you, Roman?" asked Teja, turning.
"Nought, sir, except to deliver this vase to you. See, the seal, the scorpion, is intact."
"What shall I do with the vase? I buy no such things."
"The vase is yours, sir. It is full of documents and rolls which belong to you. My guest desired me to give it to you. I beg you, take it."