Turning him over , we saw by his belt-buckle that he was a Goth of an Eastern Legion . Suddenly he opened his eyes and cried loudly , `` He is dead ! The letters were with me , but the Winged Hats sank the ship . '' So saying , he died between our hands . ` We asked not who was dead . We knew ! We raced before the driving snow to Hunno , thinking perhaps Allo might be there . We found him already at our stables , and he saw by our faces what we had heard . ' `` It was in a tent by the sea , '' he stammered . `` He was beheaded by Theodosius . He sent a letter to you , written while he waited to be slain . The Winged Hats met the ship and took it . The news is running through the heather like fire . Blame me not ! I can not hold back my young men any more . '' ' `` I would we could say as much for our men , '' said Pertinax , laughing . `` But , Gods be praised , they can not run away . '' ' `` What do you do ? '' said Allo . `` I bring an order -- a message -- from the Winged Hats that you join them with your men , and march South to plunder Britain . '' '
`` It grieves me , '' said XXXXX , `` but we are stationed here to stop that thing . '' '
Allo Britain Goth Hunno Legion Pertinax Theodosius fire hands sea