ecame pale, but was
very calm, and listened attentively while the man went on to say that
Haabrok was such a tyrant that the whole district was ready to start up
as one man and dethrone him, if they had only someone who was fit to
lead them.

"That they shall not long want for," said Kettle.

After some more earnest conversation he turned away, and went down to
the shore.

"Now, Erling and Glumm," said he, "we must do a little fighting before I
can offer ye the hospitality I spoke of. Will ye aid me in a venture I
have in my mind?"

"That will we," they replied heartily.

Kettle thereupon explained his views, and said that he had learned from
the man that his wife was still alive and well, but in the hands of the
king of the district, who was a regicide and a tyrant. It was then
arranged that the Swan should be rowed quietly up towards the town, and
the men landed in the night at a spot where they could be ready to
answer the summons of Kettle, Erling, Glumm, and Ulf, who were to go up
unattended to the King's house in Dublin, with no other arms than their
short swords.

On drawing near, these four found the hall of the King's house
brilliantly lighted, for great festivities were going on there. No one
interfered with them, because none guessed that so small a party would
dare to go up half-armed for any other than peaceful purposes. They
therefore went through the streets unmolested, and easily passed the
guards, because Kettle plied them with a good deal of that which has
since come to be known by the name of "blarney."

When they got into the hall, Kettle went straight up to the high seat or
throne on which Haabrok the Black was seated.

"Ye are presumptuous knaves," said the tyrant, eyeing the strangers
sternly; "is it thus that ye have been taught to approach the King?
What is your errand?"

"For the matter of that, thou well-named villain," said Kettle, "our
errand will but add to our presumption, for we have come to slay thee."

With that Kettle whipped out his sword and cut off Haabrok's head, so
that it went rolling over the floor, while the body fell back and
spouted blood all over the horrified court men!

Instantly every man drew his sword; but Erling, Ulf, and Glumm leaped on
the low platform of the throne, and presented such a bold front, that
the bravest men there hesitated to attack them. At the same moment
Kettle raised his sword and shouted, "If there be yet a true man in this
hall