he order came from Reykjavik that I was to keep
close guard and watch on him, nothing would satisfy him but that I
should turn the key on him. That was out of fear for me. He is as
brave as a lion, and as gentle as a lamb. Come, the sooner he hears
his wife's message the better for all of us. It will be a sad blow to
him, badly as she treated him. But come!"

So saying, the old priest was fumbling his deep pockets for a key,
and shuffling along, candle in hand, towards a door at the end of a
low passage, when Jason laid hold of his arm and said in a whisper,
"Wait! It isn't fair that I should let you go farther in this matter.
You should be ignorant of what we are doing until it is done."

"As you will," said the priest.

"Can you trust me?" said Jason.

"That I can."

"Then give me the key."

The old man gave it.

"When do you make your next signal?"

"At daybreak to-morrow."

"And when does the bell on the ship answer it?"

"Immediately."

"Go to your room, your reverence," said Jason, "and never stir out of
it until you hear the ship's bell in the morning. Then come here, and
you will find me waiting on this spot to return this key to you. But
first answer me again, Do you trust me?"

"I do," said the old priest.

"You believe I will keep to my bargain, come what may?"

"I believe you will keep to it."

"And so I will, as sure as God's above me."

IV.

Jason opened the door and entered the room. It was quite dark, save
for a dull red fire of dry moss that burned on the hearth in one
corner. By this little fire Michael Sunlocks sat, with only his sad
face visible in the gloom. His long thin hands were clasped about one
knee which was half-raised; his noble head was held down, and his
flaxen hair fell across his cheeks to his shoulders.

He had heard the key turn in the lock, and said quietly, "Is that
you, Sir Sigfus?"

"No," said Jason.

"Who is it?" said Sunlocks.

"A friend," said Jason.

Sunlocks twisted about as though his blind eyes could see. "Whose
voice was that?" he said, with a tremor in his own.

"A brother's," said Jason.

Sunlocks rose to his feet. "Jason?" he cried,

"Yes, Jason."

"Come to me! Come! Where are you? Let me touch you," cried Sunlocks,
stretching out both his hands.

Then they fell into each other's arms, and laughed and wept for joy.
After a while Jason said,--

"Sunlocks, I have brought you a message."

"Not from her, Jason?--no."

"No, not f