"Come, come quickly, my life!" cried Rauthgundis.
She drew a little key from her bosom and felt at the chains, seeking the small opening of the lock.
"What? Shall I really breathe once more the air of freedom?" asked the prisoner, half sinking back into his stupor.
"Yes; the free and open air!" cried Rauthgundis, and threw the loosened chains to the ground. "Here, Witichis, here is a weapon! an axe! Take it!"
Eagerly the Goth took the axe and weighed it in his hand.
"Ha! how the weapon strengthens my arm and soul!"
"I knew it, my brave Witichis," said Rauthgundis, kneeling down and unlocking the chain which bound his left foot to the block of stone. "Now step out, for thou art free!"
Witichis, raising the axe in his right hand, made a step toward the door.
"And she is permitted to loose his chains!" whispered Mataswintha.
"Yes, free!" cried Witichis, drawing a deep breath. "Come, Rauthgundis, let us go!"