THE RED HAND Resting at length from desire and intrigue, Marcian lay cold upon the bed where he had passed his haunted nights.

About his corpse were gathered all the servants of the house; men, with anger on their brows, muttering together, and women wailing low because of fear.

The girl who had met the horsemen by the bridge told her story, whence it became evident that Marcian's death was the result of private quarrel; but some of the slaves declared that this armed company came in advance of the Gothic host; and presently the loss of their master was all but forgotten in anxiety as to their own fate at the hands of the Emperor.
This talk was interrupted by the approach of Basil's men, who came to seek a meal for themselves and forage for their horses.

Having no choice but to obey, the servants went about the work required of them.
A quiet fell upon the house.

The strangers talked little, and, when they spoke, subdued their voices.