"My name is Johannes. The enemies of Justinian call me 'the bloody,' and I lead Belisarius's light horse. The whole country, from Regium till here, has received us with rejoicing; this is the first hindrance. We should have got much farther long ago had not a dog of a Goth led us into the vilest swamp that ever swallowed up a good horse. Valuable time was lost. So do not hinder us! Life and property will be spared to you, and you will receive a rich reward into the bargain, if you will, guide us. Speed is victory! The enemy is bewildered; they must not have time to recover themselves before we stand before Neapolis, yea, even before Rome. 'Johannes,' said Belisarius to me, 'as I cannot order the storm-wind to sweep the land before me, I order _you_ to do it!' So get away and let us through!" And he spurred his horse. "Tell Belisarius--so long as Cnejus Valerius lives, he shall not advance one step in Italy! Back, you robbers!" "Madman! would you stand by the Goths and oppose us?" "By hell, if against you!" The leader again cast searching glances to the right and left. "Listen," he said; "you can really stop us here for a time. But not for long. If you yield, you shall live. If not, I will first have you skinned alive, and then impaled!" He lifted his torch, looking for a weak point. "Back!" cried Valerius; "shoot, friend!" "The twang of a bow-string was heard, and an arrow struck the helm of the horseman. "The devil!" he exclaimed, and spurred his horse back. "Dismount!" he ordered, "every man of you!" But the Huns did not like to part with their horses. "What, sir? Dismount?" asked one of the nearest. Johannes struck him in the face. The man did not move. "Dismount!" thundered Johannes again. "Would you go into that mouse-hole on horseback!" and he flung himself out of the saddle. "Six climb the trees and shoot from above. Six lie down and creep forward on each side of this road, shooting as they lie. Ten shoot standing; breast high. Ten guard the horses. You others follow me with the spear as soon as the strings twang. Forwards!" He handed his torch to one of the men and took a lance. While the Huns were carrying out his orders, Johannes again examined the pass as well as he could. "Yield!" he cried. "Come on!" shouted the Goths. Johannes gave a sign and twenty arrows whistled at once. A cry, and the foremost Goth on the right fell. He had been struck in the forehead by one of the men on the trees. Valerius, under shelter of his shield, sprang into his place. He came just at the right moment to repulse the furious attack of Johannes, who ran at the gap with his lance in rest. Valerius received the thrust on his shield, and struck at the Byzantine, who stumbled and fell, close to the entrance. The Huns behind him fell back.