with other treasures by a band of Cumanian plunderers. Probably it now forms the only memorial sent by the gallant Otakar that can be found.”
“The case,” added Pietro, “remains with my fellow traveler, who has, I fear, departed towards Hungary and Poland, whither he was bound. But it can be recovered, as the excellent Solomon will preserve it in all fidelity.”
Here a summons to the presence of Lord Zawis compelled Pietro to retire, and another full, fond look, another clasp of confiding hands, another smile of tenderness, with open eye that beamed full of the guileless soul within, and Pietro and Eudocia went from each other’s presence, happy indeed, but soon to need all the elastic strength that inspiring sympathy can impart.
Arrived in presence of Lord Zawis, Pietro saluted with much gravity. “Worthy stranger,” exclaimed the knight somewhat abruptly, “I have reason to inquire your errand in these countries.” Calmly Pietro withdrew from his robe the packet containing the pennon handed to him by Lord Boppo. Tendering this symbol in silence. Pietro again saluted gravely. Taking the token, Zawis regarded it with care. Then raising his Jooks full to Pietro’s face and being thus further assured, Zawis said: “My good friend, how came you by this? I ask that question, as I know that many similar tokens have lately fallen into unworthy hands.” In reply Pietro drew from his wallet a manuscript carefully enveloped. It was a Catharic translation of the New Testament, with
