66 The Flame-Flower

legion of the conquerors from the South,
marching toward the North.

First there came many horsemen in hel-
mets of brass, and at their head a captain;
and Evan knew this captain for a friend of
Licinius, and begged to speak with him.

So the captain stayed his horse, and drew
aside as the legion passed by; and Evan
made known to him his own friendship with
Licinius, at whose name the captain listened
willingly to him; and Evan besought succour,
showing him the child who was sick.

So the captain bade two foot-soldiers
bring a litter from the baggage, and place
Flamma within it, and so carry her; and
other two bore Honora in another litter ;
and for Evan a horse was found. So they
journeyed with the legion to the town of
Ratz, and there found a lodging. |

For many days Evan and Honora watched
by the couch of Flamma, while the flame-
flower on her breast grew ever paler and |
smaller; and one day, toward sunset, as
they stood watching the child, Evan took
Honora’s hand in his, and so they stood,
with their hands clasped together; for the