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He felt over his weapons, and told him long stories, of which Verronax understood only a word or two here and there, though the old man seemed little concerned thereat. Now and then he rode along chanting to himself an extemporary song, which ran somewhat thus
"He blasphemed," was all that was uttered by Verronax, on whose dress there was blood. "Open the gates," called out the Senator, as the cry outside waxed louder. "None shall cry for justice in vain at the gate of an AEmilius. Go, Marcus, admit such as have a right to enter and be heard. Rise, my daughter, show thyself a true Roman and Christian maiden before these barbarians.
Who are witnesses to the deed? Didst thou behold it, O Meinhard, son of Thorulf?" "No, noble AEmilius. It had not been wrought had I been present; but here are those who can avouch it. Stand forth, Egilulf, son of Amalrik." "It needs not," said Verronax. "I acknowledge the deed. The Goth scoffed at us for invoking a created Man.
Thither then they went, and soon saw the whole household on the steps in eager anticipation. A tall young figure, with a bandage still round his fair flowing locks, came down the steps as Verronax helped the blind man to dismount; and Odo, with a cry of 'My son! with a ring of ecstasy in the sound, held the youth to his breast and felt him all over.
Several younger men pressed rudely behind him, but they were evidently impressed by the dignity of the tribunal, though it was with a loud and fierce shout that they recognised Verronax standing so still and unmoved. "Silence!" exclaimed the Senator, lifting his ivory staff.
On one side of the judgment-seat stood Verronax, towering above all around; behind him Marina and Columba, clinging together, trembling and tearful, but their weeping restrained by the looks of the Senator, and by a certain remnant of hope. To the other side advanced the Goths, all much larger and taller men than any one except the young Gaulish chieftain.
A brief debate ended in an appeal to the Senator, who, in spite of all his fortitude, could not restrain himself from groaning aloud, hiding his face in his hands, and hoarsely saying, "Draw lots." "Yes," said Euric; "commit the judgment to Heaven." It was hailed as a relief; but Lucius stipulated that the lots should be blessed by a Catholic priest, and Verronax muttered impatiently
The Arvernii seem to have been Gael rather than Cymri, and the mountain chief, Titus Julius Verronax, as the Romans rendered his name of Fearnagh, was of the purest descent. He had thick, wavy chestnut hair, not cut so short as that of the Romans, though kept with the same care.
"Alas, my son, thou know'st mine oath." "I know it, my father." "It forbids not thy ransoming thyself." Verronax smiled slightly, and touched the collar at his throat. "This is all the gold that I possess." The Senator rapidly appraised it with his eye.
Oh, ABSIT OMEN! Columba was borne up by hopes which Verronax would not dash to the ground, and she received his embrace with steadfast, though brimming eyes, and an assurance that she would pray without ceasing.
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