y Yule feast," answered
Biorn. "We are going to make vows on the boar's head, and then pass the
goblet round to their fulfilment."

"We no longer keep what our ancestors called the Yule feast," said
Folko; "we are good Christians, and we keep holy Christmas-tide."

"To do the one, and not to leave the other undone," answered Biorn. "I
hold my ancestors too dear to forget their knightly customs. Those who
think otherwise may act according to their wisdom, but that shall not
hinder me. I swear by the golden boar's head--" And he stretched out his
hand, to lay it solemnly upon it.

But Folko called out, "In the name of our holy Saviour, forbear. Where I
am, and still have breath and will, none shall celebrate undisturbed the
rites of the wild heathens."

Biorn of the Fiery Eyes glared angrily at him. The men of the two barons
separated from each other, with a hollow sound of rattling armour, and
ranged themselves in two bodies on either side of the hall, each behind
its leader. Already here and there helmets were fastened and visors
closed.

"Bethink thee yet what thou art doing," said Biorn. "I was about to vow
an eternal union with the house of Montfaucon, nay, even to bind myself
to do it grateful homage; but if thou disturb me in the customs which
have come to me from my forefathers, look to thy safety and the safety
of all that is dear to thee. My wrath no longer knows any bounds."

Folko made a sign to the pale Gabrielle to retire behind his followers,
saying to her, "Be of good cheer, my noble wife, weaker Christians have
braved, for the sake of God and of His holy Church, greater dangers than
now seem to threaten us. Believe me, the Lord of Montfaucon is not so
easily ensnared."

Gabrielle obeyed, something comforted by Folko's fearless smile, but
this smile inflamed yet more the fury of Biorn. He again stretched out
his hand towards the boar's head, as if about to make some dreadful vow,
when Folko snatched a gauntlet of Biorn's off the table, with which he,
with his unwounded left arm, struck so powerful a blow on the gilt idol,
that it fell crashing to the ground, shivered to pieces. Biorn and his
followers stood as if turned to stone. But soon swords were grasped
by armed hands, shields were taken down from the walls, and an angry,
threatening murmur sounded through the hall.

At a sign from Folko, a battle-axe was brought him by one of his
faithful retainers; he swung it high in air with his powerful