quite true that she
was a daughter of the late Governor, and had been badly treated by
her father. But she had been yet more badly treated by her husband,
who married again while she was still alive, and had another son by
the other wife. On her deathbed she had heard of this, and told the
prisoner, who then and there, this witness being present, made an
awful vow of vengeance upon his father and his father's son.

The old priest was heard in silence, and his words sent a quiver
through the courthouse. Even Jason, who had shown no interest save
when Greeba was removed, lifted up his bloodshot eyes again and
listened.

And the Bishop, visibly moved, turned to the Court and said, "Let us
put this prisoner back to be tried by the High Court and the
Lagmann."

"What, my lord!" cried the little spokesman, with a lofty look, "and
set him at liberty in the meantime, to carry out the crime he
threatens?"

"Heaven forbid!" said the Bishop.

"Remember, until he has been condemned we have no power to hold him,"
said the spokesman.

The Bishop turned to an usher and said, "Bring me the Statute Book,"
and the great tome was brought. The Bishop opened it and again turned
to the prisoner. "The Almighty," said he, "created one man at the
beginning to teach us that all men are brethren, and the law of our
old country provides that when two have had disputes and pursued each
other on account of hatred, even as brethren they shall make peace
before their neighbors. Now listen to the words I shall read to you,
and be ready to say if you will swear to them."

Then a great silence fell upon the people, while in solemn tones the
old Bishop read the Peace Oath.

"Ye two shall be set at one and live friendly together, at meat and
at drink, in the Althing and at meetings, at kirk prayers and in
King's palace; and in whatever place else men meet together, there
shall ye be so set at one, as if this quarrel had never come between
you. Ye shall share knife and meat together, and all things besides,
as friends and not as enemies."

The Bishop paused and looked over his spectacles at Jason, who stood
as before, with the cloud on his brow and the slow fire in his deep
eyes, but with no sign of feeling or interest.

"Will you promise to swear to this, when he shall have returned who
should swear to it with you?" said the Bishop.

Then all eyes turned towards Jason, and there came across his face at
that moment the look of a bated dog.