“In sooth, most potent Queen,” cried Hagen, “’tis many a day since I have seen the hoard. Wouldst thou know the spot where it is hidden? Full deep beneath the broad Rhine was it sunk, and there shall it abide until the Judgment Day!” “I knew full well thou wouldst not bring it hither,” continued Kriemhild; “and for it I will hold thee to account; as also for the murder of my noble lord!” With a scornful look, Hagen replied: “Now by my faith, this buckler broad, and my coat of mail and two-edged sword beside, are weight enough to carry. In sooth, I nothing else have brought.” Thereupon Kriemhild declared that no weapons might be worn within the royal hall; but if he would entrust his arms to the care of her retainers, she would see to it that they were well guarded. “Gramercy!” cried Hagen, “it were an honor far too great--for a Queen to serve as armorer. It must not be. Thou hast my thanks, fair dame; but for my arms, methinks they best were guarded by myself.” “Ah! now I see,” said Kriemhild, angrily, “it must be thou hast had warning to doubt my faith. Would I but knew who spake such words to thee!” Whereupon Dietrich of Bern stepped proudly forth and said, “’Twas I, O Queen, who warned thy kin, and I do not shame to own it.” At this Kriemhild grew red with shame and anger, and turned away without a word, but cast upon her enemy, as she went, a swift glance of deadly hatred. _Chapter XXIII_ _The Comrades_ Hagen, seeing Volker not far away, called to him, and together they crossed the courtyard and seated themselves upon a stone bench which faced the Queen’s palace hall. Many wondering glances followed the two mighty Burgundian heroes, and soon Kriemhild from her window beheld her foe. Whereupon a passion of grief and rage seized her, and she broke into such bitter weeping that one of her knights drew near and said: “Most gracious Queen, make known to us what wrong doth grieve thee so, for fain would we avenge it.” “Now, on my faith, thou speakest in good time, Sir Knight; for whoso doth avenge this wrong of mine shall thereby earn my lifelong thanks, and well will I reward him.” Then pointing to Hagen, she cried: “’Tis vengeance on yon chief I seek. Most basely did he slay my lord, and for that would I have his life!” Quickly arming themselves, sixty stout warriors declared that Hagen and Volker should die forthwith; but Kriemhild restrained them, saying: “Too few are ye to cope with yonder pair. Little ye reck of Hagen’s mighty strength, though somewhat thereof doth his look bespeak. And Volker is yet mightier.” When the Huns heard this they hastened to summon more heroes to their aid, and Kriemhild said to them: “Bide ye here a space, my gallant friends, whilst I place the crown upon my head. I will confront my foe as Queen of Huns and tax him with his crime, that you may hear from his own lips ’twas he that did the deed.”