and his figure was straight and hard and supple as a young pine tree.
A frayed suit of brown leather clung close to his giant body, and a
cloak of undressed sheep-skin was slung from his shoulder. His bold
blue eyes, shock of yellow hair and fair skin showed that he was of
Gothic or northern blood, and the amazed expression upon his broad frank
face as he stared at the passing troops told of a simple and uneventful
life in some back valley of the Macedonian mountains.

"I fear your mother was right when she advised that we keep you at
home," said the old man anxiously. "Tree-cutting and wood-carrying will
seem but dull work after such a sight as this."

"When I see mother next it will be to put a golden torque round her
neck," said the young giant. "And you, daddy; I will fill your leather
pouch with gold pieces before I have done."

The old man looked at his son with startled eyes. "You would not leave
us, Theckla! What could we do without you?"

"My place is down among yonder men," said the young man. "I was not
born to drive goats and carry logs, but to sell this manhood of mine in
the best market. There is my market in the Emperor's own Guard.
Say nothing, daddy, for my mind is set, and if you weep now it will be
to laugh hereafter. I will to great Rome with the soldiers."

The daily march of the heavily laden Roman legionary was fixed at twenty
miles; but on this afternoon, though only half the distance had been
accomplished, the silver trumpets blared out their welcome news that a
camp was to be formed. As the men broke their ranks, the reason of
their light march was announced by the decurions. It was the birthday