But Mataswintha, who had risen, tottered to the wall. She slowly stroked her loose red hair out of her eyes and looked at the pair, who were illuminated by the bright moonlight from the chink in the wall. "How he loves her! Yes, he will follow _her_! But he shall not! He shall remain and die with me!" "Delay no longer!" said the voice of Dromon at the door. "Come, come quickly, my life!" cried Rauthgundis. She drew a little key from her bosom and felt at the chains, seeking the small opening of the lock. "What? Shall I really breathe once more the air of freedom?" asked the prisoner, half sinking back into his stupor. "Yes; the free and open air!" cried Rauthgundis, and threw the loosened chains to the ground. "Here, Witichis, here is a weapon! an axe! Take it!" Eagerly the Goth took the axe and weighed it in his hand. "Ha! how the weapon strengthens my arm and soul!" "I knew it, my brave Witichis," said Rauthgundis, kneeling down and unlocking the chain which bound his left foot to the block of stone. "Now step out, for thou art free!" Witichis, raising the axe in his right hand, made a step toward the door. "And _she_ is permitted to loose his chains!" whispered Mataswintha. "Yes, free!" cried Witichis, drawing a deep breath. "Come, Rauthgundis, let us go!" "He goes with _her_!" screamed Mataswintha, and cast herself before the pair. "Witichis--farewell--but tell me once more--that thou hast forgiven me!" "Forgiven thee!" cried Rauthgundis. "Never--never! She has destroyed our kingdom--she has betrayed thee! It was no lightning--it was her hand which kindled the granaries!" "Ha--then be thou accursed!" cried Witichis. "Away, away from this serpent!" and, thrusting Mataswintha violently away, he crossed the threshold, followed by Rauthgundis. "Witichis," screamed Mataswintha, dragging herself up--"stay--stay! Hear one word--Witichis!" "Be silent," said Dromon, grasping her arm. "You will alarm the guard!" But Mataswintha, now no more mistress of herself, ran up the steps into the passage. "Stay, Witichis--stay!" she screamed. "Thou canst not leave me thus!" and fell fainting to the earth. Dromon hurried past her, and followed the fugitives. But the shrill cries of Mataswintha had already reached the ear of one who ever slept lightly. Cethegus, his sword in his hand, and only half dressed, came out of his chamber into the gallery which looked over the square court of the palace. "Guards!" he cried. "To arms!" The soldiers were already astir. Scarcely had Witichis, Rauthgundis, and Dromon left the passage and safely reached the dwelling of the latter, when six Isaurian mercenaries rushed noisily into the passage. Quick as thought Rauthgundis ran out of the house to the heavy iron door, shut it, turned the key, and took it out. "Now they can do no harm," she whispered.