"Give me the office, general," begged Johannes; "I owe him a return for an ill stroke."
And he rushed back to the Porta Capuana, ordered the corpses and all trace of combat to be removed, and took his further measures.
As the men were busy obeying his orders, a veiled figure forced its way among them.
"For the good God's sake," begged a sweet voice, "let me get to him! I will only see his body--oh, take care! Oh, my father! my father!"
It was Miriam, who had hastened home terrified by the noise made by the plundering Huns. With the strength of despair she pushed back the spears and took Isaac's grey head into her arms.
"Get away, girl!" said the soldier next to her, a very tall Bajuvar, a mercenary of Byzantium; his name was Garizo. "Do not hinder us! we must make the way clear. Into the grave with the Jew!"
"No, no!" cried Miriam, and pushed the man back.
"Woman!" he cried angrily, and lifted his axe.
But, spreading her arms protectingly over her father's body, and with sparkling eyes, the girl fearlessly stood her ground. The soldier suddenly fell back as if paralysed.
"Thou hast a bold heart, girl!" he cried, dropping his axe, "and thou art as beautiful as the wood-nymph of the Liusacha! What can I do for thee? Thou art wonderful to look at."