Even our Libyan Cohort -- the Third -- stood up in their padded cuirasses and did not whimper . ` In three days came seven chiefs and elders of the Winged Hats . Among them was that tall young man , Amal , whom I had met on the beach , and he smiled when he saw my necklace . We made them welcome , for they were ambassadors . We showed them Allo , alive but bound . They thought we had killed him , and I saw it would not have vexed them if we had . Allo saw it too , and it vexed him . Then in our quarters at Hunno we came to Council . ` They said that Rome was falling , and that we must join them . They offered me all South Britain to govern after they had taken a tribute out of it . ' I answered , `` Patience . This Wall is not weighed off like plunder . Give me proof that my General is dead . '' ' `` Nay , '' said one elder , `` prove to us that he lives '' ; and another said cunningly , `` What will you give us if we read you his last words ? '' ' `` We are not merchants to bargain , '' cried Amal . `` Moreover , I owe this man my life . He shall have his proof . '' He threw across to me a letter -LRB- well I knew the seal -RRB- from Maximus . ' `` We took this out of the ship we sank , '' he cried . `` I can not read , but I know one sign , at least , which makes me believe . ''
He showed me a dark stain on the outer roll that my heavy heart perceived was the valiant blood of XXXXX . '
Allo Britain Cohort General Hunno Maximus Rome Third cuirasses days