Actæon's dress and his countenance attracted the curious gaze of all the tribe. Many of the Celtiberians had never seen a Greek, and they looked upon this one with hostile eyes, recalling the clever tricks and sharp dealings of the Hellenic merchants experienced by their brethren when they went down to Saguntum to sell silver from the mines.
"He is my brother," he said, in the language of the country. "We have dwelt together in Saguntum. Besides, he is not a native of that city. He is from very far away, from a land where the men are almost gods, and he has journeyed hither with me to become acquainted with you."
The women gazed at Actæon in astonishment on hearing the almost divine origin which Alorcus attributed to him.
The members of the caravan had dismounted, and entered the immense log structure which had served the chief for a palace. A vast room blackened by smoke, lighted only by narrow apertures like loopholes, served as a place of reunion and council for the warriors of the tribe. At one end was an enormous stone, upon which was burning a wood fire, while a great opening in the roof did service as a chimney. Set in one wall was a stone slab, with the figure of the divinity of the tribe strangling two lions rudely sculptured upon it. Hung along the walls were lances and shields, skins of wild beasts, bleached craniums and twisted horns of large game. A stone bench ran along the sides of the room making way near the fireplace for a high masonry seat covered by a bear skin. Here the chieftain was accustomed to sit.
The warriors took their places on the bench as they entered.
One old man taking Alorcus by the hand, guided him to a place of honor.
"Sit here, son of Endovellicus. You are his only heir and you shall be our chief. May his valor and his prudence dwell in you."
The other warriors assented to the elder's words with grave nods of approval.
"Where is my father's body?" asked Alorcus, filled with emotion by the simple ceremony.
"Since the sun set it has slept in the meadow where you learned to break horses and to use arms. The young men of the tribe are keeping guard over it. The obsequies worthy of so great a chief will take place at sunrise. Then, as our new king, you will give us counsel upon the great affairs of the tribe."