Where a fugitive slave comes among persons to whom he is unknown, and asserting that he is freeborn, afterwards marries a freeborn woman, and said woman, or her parents, or relatives, should be convinced of the fact that he is a slave, and the judge should have investigated the matter, in behalf of the woman, and the master of said slave should add his testimony; no reproach shall attach to said woman, nor shall she be liable for any damages, but she shall continue to be free, and any children she may have had by said slave, shall follow the condition of their mother. She shall not be separated from said slave should she desire to remain with him, provided his master gives his consent. =FLAVIUS CHINTASVINTUS, KING.= =XVI. Where a Fugitive Slave, Declaring that he is Freeborn, Marries a Freeborn Woman.= For the reason that fugitive slaves falsely declaring themselves to be freemen, frequently contract marriages with freeborn women, we now decree by the following law, that where a slave, having escaped from his master, by any means whatever, takes refuge with anyone, whether he declares that he is free or not, and, under such circumstances, marries a freeborn woman, the issue of said fraudulent union shall invariably follow the condition of the father; and when the master of the slave appears, he shall have a right to claim as his own, not only said fugitive, but also his children, and such property as they may be possessed of. A similar rule shall apply to female slaves who, escaping from their masters, presume to contract marriages with freeborn men.[45] =FLAVIUS CHINTASVINTUS, KING.= =XVII. Concerning Property Acquired by Fugitive Slaves.= If a fugitive slave should acquire any property through his labor and skill, when his master appears, the latter shall have the right to the whole of it. But where his master finds him in possession of property stolen from another, he can advance no claim to it, but must restore said property to him who lost it. If, however, said fugitive slave should have caused any damage, or committed any crime, he who concealed him must render satisfaction for the same. =FLAVIUS CHINTASVINTUS, KING.= =XVIII. Concerning Those who Refuse to Restore Fugitive Slaves to their Masters.=