During the whole scene, in which the military genius of Victorin, his tender deference for his mother, the controlling influence that both she and he exercised over the chiefs of the army were displayed, I more than once cast a covert look at the Governor of Gascony, who had withdrawn into a corner of the room. Was it fear at the approach of the Franks? Was it secret rage at witnessing how idle were his calumnies against Victorin?--because, despite the blandness and skilfulness of his defense, my suspicions were not lulled to sleep--I know not; but his livid and disturbed face grew by degrees more horrid to behold. Doubtlessly, evil thoughts and impulses, that he meant to keep concealed, came to the surface in that moment. Immediately after the departure of the chiefs, and as the Mother of the Camps turned to speak with the governor, the latter strove to resume his customary mask of mildness. Making an effort to smile he said to Victoria: "You and your son are endowed with a sort of magic power. According to my feeble understanding nothing can be more alarming than this march of the Frankish army upon our camp, while neither of you seem to be particularly concerned, and you deliberate as calmly as if the battle was to be to-morrow. And yet, I must confess, the tranquility that you display under such circumstances inspires me with blind confidence." "There is nothing more natural than our tranquility," replied Victorin. "I have calculated the time that it will take the Franks to cross the Rhine and disembark their troops, form their columns and arrive at a place that they are forced to cross. To hasten my movements would be a mistake, a grave strategic error. Delay serves my purposes well." Victorin thereupon turned to me: "Schanvoch, go and put on your armor; I shall have orders for you after I shall have conferred with my mother." "You will join me here, before proceeding to the parade ground," Victoria said to me. "I also have some recommendations to make to you." "I almost forgot to notify you of an important thing," said I. "The sister of one of the Frankish kings feared that her brother would put her to death, and fled the camp of the barbarians. She accompanied me to ours." "The woman can serve as a hostage," remarked Tetrik. "It is a valuable capture. She should be kept a prisoner." "No," I answered the governor. "I promised the woman that she would be free in the Gallic camp, and I assured her of Victoria's protection." "I shall keep the promise that you made," replied my foster-sister. "Where is the woman?" "At my house." "Have her sent to me after the departure of our troops. I wish to see her." I left the room together with the Governor of Gascony. As I stepped out several bards and druids, who, adhering to our ancient custom, always marched at the head of the armies in order to encourage the troops with their songs, stepped in to confer with Victoria and Victorin. CHAPTER XII. TO BATTLE!