"Halt, Wallada!" cried Witichis, as he dismounted in order to lighten the burden, and held fast by the horse's mane. "Here is a rock. Take care, Rauthgundis."
Horse, man, and woman were checked for a moment while balancing upon the top of the rock, past which the water rushed and gurgled in a deep whirl.
Suddenly the moon shone out clear and bright. It illuminated the surface of the stream and the group on the rock.
"It is they!" cried Cethegus, who held his bow and arrow ready.
He took a rapid aim, and pulled the string.
Whistling, the long black-feathered arrow flew from the string.
"Rauthgundis!" cried Witichis in terror; for his wife started convulsively and sank forward upon the horse's neck. But she did not utter a groan. "Rauthgundis, thou art hit?"
"I believe so. Leave me here and save thyself."
"Never! Let me support thee."
"For God's sake, sir, stoop! dive! They take aim again!"