’I answered, “Patience.  This Wall is not weighed off like plunder.  Give me proof that my General is dead.”

’"Nay,” said one elder, “prove to us that he lives”; and another said cunningly, “What will you give us if we read you his last words?”

’"We are not merchants to bargain,” cried Amal.  “Moreover, I owe this man my life.  He shall have his proof.”  He threw across to me a letter (well I knew the seal) from Maximus.

’"We took this out of the ship we sank,” he cried.  “I cannot read, but I know one sign, at least, which makes me believe.”  He showed me a dark stain on the outer roll that my heavy heart perceived was the valiant blood of Maximus.

’"Read!” said Amal.  “Read, and then let us hear whose servants you are!”

’Said Pertinax, very softly, after he had looked through it:  “I will read it all.  Listen, barbarians!” He read that which I have carried next my heart ever since.’

Parnesius drew from his neck a folded and spotted piece of parchment, and began in a hushed voice:—­

’"To Parnesius and Pertinax, the not unworthy Captains of the Wall, from Maximus, once Emperor of Gaul and Britain, now prisoner waiting death by the sea in the camp of Theodosius—­Greeting and Good-bye!”

’"Enough,” said young Amal; “there is your proof!  You must join us now!”

’Pertinax looked long and silently at him, till that fair man blushed like a girl.  Then read Pertinax:—­

’"I have joyfully done much evil in my life to those who have wished me evil, but if ever I did any evil to you two I repent, and I ask your forgiveness.  The three mules which I strove to drive have torn me in pieces as your Father prophesied.  The naked swords wait at the tent door to give me the death I gave to Gratian.  Therefore I, your General and your emperor, send you free and honourable dismissal from my service, which you entered, not for money or office, but, as it makes me warm to believe, because you loved me!”

’"By the Light of the Sun,” Amal broke in.  “This was in some sort a Man!  We may have been mistaken in his servants!”

’And Pertinax read on:  “You gave me the time for which I asked.  If I have failed to use it, do not lament.  We have gambled very splendidly against the Gods, but they hold weighted dice, and I must pay the forfeit.  Remember, I have been; but Rome is; and Rome will be.  Tell Pertinax his Mother is in safety at Nicaea, and her monies are in charge of the Prefect at Antipolis.  Make my remembrances to your Father and to your Mother, whose friendship was great gain to me.  Give also to my little Picts and to the Winged Hats such messages as their thick heads can understand.  I would have sent you three Legions this very day if all had gone aright.  Do not forget me.  We have worked together.  Farewell!  Farewell!  Farewell!”

‘Now, that was my Emperor’s last letter.’ (The children heard the parchment crackle as Parnesius returned it to its place.)