Through the corridor
came the rush of feet, the arras in the doorway was rudely flung
aside, and the poor child's fierce pursuers, with her cruel uncle
at their head, rushed into the room.
"Hollo! Here hides the game!" he cried in savage exultation.
"Thrust her away, Sir Priest, or thou diest in her stead. Not one
of the tyrant's brood shall live. I say it!"
"And who art thou to judge of life or death?" demanded the priest
sternly, as he still shielded the trembling child.
"I am Gundebald, King of Burgundy by the grace of mine own good
sword and the right of succession," was the reply. "Trifle not
with me, Sir Priest, but thrust away the child. She is my lawful
prize to do with as I will. Ho, Sigebert, drag her forth!"
Quick as a flash the brave priest stepped before, the cowering
child, and, with one hand still resting protectingly on the
girl's fair hair, he raised the other in stern and fearless
protest, and boldly faced the murderous throng.
"Back, men of blood!" he cried. "Back! Nor dare to lay hand on
this young maid who hath here sought sanctuary!"[1]
[1] Under the Goths and Franks the protection of churches and
priests, when extended to persons in peril, was called the "right
of sanctuary," and was respected even by the fiercest of
pursuers.
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