The Wanderer's Necklace Page 35
Afterwards what happened? It comes back to me but dimly. I think theyswore the Empress on the Blood of Christ that I should go unharmed.I think I embraced Heliodore before them all, and gave her into theirkeeping. I think I whispered into the ear of Jodd to seek out the BishopBarnabas, and pray him to get her and her father away to Egypt withoutdelay--yes, even by force, if it were needful. Then I think I left theirlines, and that, as I went, leading the Augusta by the hand, they gaveto me the general's salute. That I turned and saluted them in answerere I yielded myself into the power of my god-father, Stauracius, whogreeted me with a false and sickly smile.