The evening world., 1921-01-06

~ OTHBR, King of the Langobardi-
* ans. was a powerful monarch,
with an extensive kingdom, un-
bounded wealth and everything to
make a man happy Yet he was not
satisfied One day, however, on see-
ing the portrait OF a women he real
lied that what he ycarnod for was a
wife. discovering that this portrait
represented the daughter Of Constln-
tine, ruler Of the Eastern Empire, lie
sent a large embassy, attended by
numerous suite Of warriors, TO bear
his plea for Oda's hand to the En-
peror Constantine. The latter, as
soon ar he learnt their mission, was
exceedingly angry and cast them into
a filthy dungeon.
When a whole year had passed and
no word came from his ambassadors,
Rother decided to go in disguise TO
Constantinople to discover the fate
OF his men and win for himself the
hand OF the lovely Oda. With him
went Duke Berchtung, his most pow
orful vassal, several nobomen, Os-
nOfIlt lIlt klHE Ol NlAN -A'l ''iNAA a. oAN'i'N-1
aud a dozen Of his tailest, strongest
men.
Arriving at Constantinople they
presented themselves as men ban
ished from their country and seeking
service with tho Emperor. Pleased
with their appearance, COnstantlno
enrolled them as his servants, and
soon. in spite OF their violence, theif
courage and upright bearing made
them great favorites OF his
nv means Of cunning and brboery
Rotber made his way into the pres
ono, of Oda, and disclosing his iden-
titv and acknowledging his love, soon
cxactcd n promise from her TO be bis
wife. Then. at his instigatlon, she
persuaded the Emperor to release the
imprisoned ambassadors. This ne dld'
Giving them clothing, baths ban-
auots, presents and generally making
M for his former behavior
Inst about that time lmelot KING
or Desert Babylonia, invaded Con-
stantinc's empire The latter unpre-
nared for this, was very much AFRAID
| FOR Imclot was universally dreaded
Rother. however persuaded HIM 10
Get an army together and oppose nm.
IThe two armies cuCamplng before each
other, Rothcr and his companions stole
| into Imelots camp, slew the guards,
and while Rothor and Osborn carried
! him off. the rest Of them fell upon the
sleeping men and routed the vast
| Rabylontan horde.
The next morning they presented
| themselves tn Constantine, who heard
with amazement Of the uIEhts exploit
/ and who willingly granted that they
! should be the bearers Of the good
news 10 Constant.nople, while he re-
mainod behind to take possession or
! Babylonia
on reaching Constantinoplo, how
ever Rother told the queen that Con-
stantine had been defeated apd that
| he had come to take her and the
| Princess away. IN an haste the two
women made ready. All the IauCo-
! bardiaus embarked, and ROther Ectv
ting Oda on board first, pushed the
ship of. leaving thc Queen stranded
but cheering her with tho news that
| the Emperor was not defeated, but
victorious.
Rother, however, was not 10 enjoy
| his wife undisputcd. Constantine,
! angry at having been deceived. snut n
| nobleman to roCapturC his daughter.
| This man taking advantage of Ro-
| thcr's absence, succeeded in his turn
| in getting Oda aboard a vessel and
making his escape.
Once more Rothor embarked for
| Constantinoplc. Dreadful news greet
/ ed him on his landing. Tmelot had
/ escaped and; overcoming Constantine.
was no" IN possession Of jlc city. and
/ that night Oda was 90 hc married to
/ his hunchbaCk son Nothing daunted,
| however, RothCr and his followers ar
| ranged an ambush and. surprising
| ImelOt and his son at the feast, slew
/ them and their followers and rescued
constantine.
| Constantine had no more objections
| to raise against their union, and Ro-
| ther and Odu sailed away in triumph
| to finish their lives in happiness. 1t is
| recorded that their daughter after
| ward married Etzel (Attila), the
| dreaded King OF tho Huns who was
| later to conquer practically the whole
| Of Europe