"So," he said, "that will do me good all my life long. Now I must go; we must catch the Earl Totila. Farewell."
That name went to Miriam's heart. She cast one more look at the quiet grave, and then slipped quickly out of the garden.
She wished to go through the gate on to the highroad, but the portcullis was down, and at the gate stood men with Gothic helmets and shields. She looked about her in surprise.
"Is all ready, Chanaranzes?" said a voice.
"All; he is as good as taken!"
"Hark! before the walls! horses trampling! It is they! Back, woman!"
Outside, a few horsemen were seen trotting towards the gate.
"Open, open the gate!" cried Totila from a distance.
Thorismuth rode up to him.
"I don't know how it is, I have no confidence," he cried. "The road was so quiet, and so was the enemy's camp out there; scarcely a few watch-fires were burning."