The fool, without replying, continued in a low and solemn tone:
"We are here now, as we were sixteen hundred years ago, on the eve of a great battle. Then I, the chief of so many nations, came to thy clan to demand a passage—"
"Sixteen hundred years ago!" interrupted Hullin; "that would make us fearfully old, Yegof. But no matter; go on."
"Yes," said the fool; "but thine obstinacy would hear nothing; hundreds of dead lie at Blutfeld; they cry for vengeance!"
"Ah! yes, Blutfeld," said Jean-Claude; "it is an old story; I have heard you tell it before."
Yegof rose with flushed face and flashing eyes.
"Barest thou boast of thy victory?" he cried. "But beware, beware! Blood calls for blood!"
Then his tone softened, and he added:
"Listen! I would not harm thee; thou art brave, and the children of thy race may mingle their blood with mine. I desire thy alliance—thou knowest it."
"He is coming back to Louise," thought Jean-Claude, and, foreseeing another demand in form, he said: