"Glory, eternal glory to the Lord!" "Glory, glory, our blessed bishop!" "Hosanna! _Gloria in excelsis Deo!_" "The Lord miraculously turned from us the angry fire of heaven!" "The impious man bowed down his rebellious head!" "Glory! Glory to the Lord!" CHAPTER V. IN THE TREASURE CHAMBER. While the slaves of Chram were busy leading the horses to the stables, and placing the loaded carts and the saddles under the shelter of a broad shed that served for cover to large stocks of hay, the royal leudes ate and drank with the appetite and thirst of men who were on the road since early morn. Having, together with his three favorites, done honor to the count's repast, Chram said to Neroweg: "Take me to a place where we can talk privately. You surely have some secret chamber where you keep your treasure--let us closet ourselves there." Neroweg seemed in no haste to comply. Doubtlessly he was not over-anxious to introduce the son of his King into the secret retreat. Noticing the count's hesitation, Chram proceeded to say: "If there is another apartment in your burg that is more secluded than your treasure chamber, it will suit me better. Your wife's chamber, perhaps? Let us go there." "No--no. Come to my treasure chamber. But first wait till I have issued the necessary orders so that your people may not want for anything and the horses be properly tended." Saying this Neroweg took one of his leudes aside and whispered to him: "Ansowald, you and Bertefred will arm yourselves well and remain near the door of the apartment into which I am to go with Chram. Hold yourselves in readiness to run in at my first call." "What do you fear, seigneur count?" "The family of Clovis has a strong liking for other people's goods. Although my coffers are under triple locks and ribbed with iron, I like to feel that you and Bertefred are ready at the door with your hands on your swords." "We shall do as you bid us." "Order Rigomer and Bertechram to hold themselves equally well armed at the door of the women's apartment. Let them strike without mercy whomsoever should attempt to introduce himself into Godegisele's chamber. Let them immediately give the alarm. I mistrust the Lion of Poitiers. Neither do I take the other two favorites of Chram to be less pagan or less dissolute than the wild lion himself. I hold them capable of anything--just as their royal master. Did you count the number of armed men in Chram's suite?" "He brought in only one-half of his leudes--his _antrustions_, as the haughty crew style themselves. They look down with contempt upon us because they are pursuivants of a King." "Shortly ago as they were at table," put in Bertechram, "they affected to eat with disgust and they examined the bottom of the pots as if to make sure that they were clean. They do not cease sneering at our earthen and tin wares--especially at our kitchen utensils."