loading a file using a variable name

[oxyopes]

hi friends,
i would like to load a file in octave, which name is given
by a variable, like:
datfile = 'xxx.dat'
load datfile

And to load a file with variables set in it like:
var1=100;
var2=200;

the load command gives an error. Command fopens runs,
but then the variables are no loaded, i do not konw how to do that.
I know executing the filename works, but if the filename is given
by a variable, then i do not know how to execute it.
Any idea?
Thanks in advance ...