Snorting and trembling, the noble animal looked at the black water. His mane was blown wildly about his head--he held his fore-feet stretched out, his haunches drawn in.
"Forward, Wallada!" said Witichis, and called softly into the faithful animal's ear, "Theodoric!"
At this the charger sprang willingly into the water.
The pursuing horsemen had already galloped out of the wood, Cethegus foremost; at his side rode Syphax with a torch.
"Here the track disappears in the sand, master."
"They are in the river. Forward, Huns!"
But the horsemen drew rein and stood stock-still.
"Well, Ellak, why do you linger? At once into the flood!"
"Sir, we cannot. Before we ride into running water at night-time, we must ask forgiveness of Phug, the water-spirit. We must first pray to him."
"Pray when you are across as long as you like; but now----"