Transcriber's Notes:
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http://www.archive.org/details/astruggleforrom01dahngoog
"If there be anything more powerful than Fate,
It is the courage which bears it undismayed."
Geibel.
On the evening of the third day after the arrival of theGothic escortsent by Totila, Valerius had terminated his arrangements and fixed thenext morning for his departure from the villa.
He was sitting with Valeria and Julius at the evening meal,andspeaking of the prospect of preserving peace, which was no doubtundervalued by the young hero, Totila, who was filled with the ardourof war. The old Roman could not endure the thought of seeing armedGreeks enter his beloved country.
"I, too, wish for peace," said Valeria reflectively, "andyet----"
"Well?" asked Valerius.
"I am certain," continued the girl, "that if war broke out youwouldthen learn to love Totila as he deserves. He would defend me andItaly----
"Yes," said Julius, "he has an heroic nature, and somethingstillgreater than that----"
"I know of nothing greater!" cried Valerius.
At that moment clattering footsteps were heard in the atrium,andyoung Thorismuth, the leader of the Gothic escort, and Totila'sshield-bearer, entered abruptly.
"Valerius," he said, "let the carriages be harnessed, thelittersbrought out; you must go at once."
They all started from their seats.
"What has happened? Have they landed?"
"Speak," said Julius, "what do you fear?"
"Nothing for myself," answered the Goth, smiling.
"I did not wish to startle you sooner than was necessary. Butnow Idare no longer be silent. Yesterday early, the waves washed a corpseashore----"
"A corpse!"
"A Goth, one of our sailors; it was Alb, the steersman ofTotila'sship."
Valeria grew pale, but did not tremble.
"It may be an accident--the man was drowned."
"No," said the Goth, "he was not drowned; hi» breast waspierced by anarrow."
"That means a naval combat, nothing more," said Valerius.
"But to-day----"
"To-day?" cried Julius.
"To-day none of the country people who usually pass on theirway fromRegium to Colum, made their appearance, and a trooper, whom I sent toRegium for news, has never returned.
"That still proves nothing," said Valerius obstinately. Hisheartrebelled against the thought of a landing of his hated enemies. "Thewaves have often before rendered the way impassable."
"But just now I have been some distance on the road to Regium,and whenI laid my ear to the ground, I fel