, and then
broke into a roar of laughter as one of the false judges, feeling space
before him, leapt, leapt short, and with a shriek departed for ever.

It was over. I heard someone enter the hall and whisper in Jodd's ear;
heard his answer also.

"Let her be brought hither," he said. "For the rest, bid the captains
hold Stauracius and the others fast. If there is any sign of stir
against us, cut their throats, advising them that this will be done
should they allow trouble to arise. Do not fire the palace unless I give
the word, for it would be a pity to burn so fine a building. It is those
who dwell in it who should be burned; but doubtless Constantine will see
to that. Collect the richest of the booty, that which is most portable,
and let it be carried to our quarters in the baggage carts. See that
these things are done quickly, before the Armenians get their hands into
the bag. I'll be with you soon; but if the Emperor Constantine should
arrive first, tell him that all has gone well, better than he hoped,
indeed, and pray him to come hither, where we may take counsel."

The messenger went. Jodd and some of the Northmen began to consult
together, and Martina led me aside.

"Tell me what has chanced, Martina," I asked, "for I am bewildered."

"A revolution, that is all, Olaf. Jodd and the Northmen are the point of
the spear, its handle is Constantine, and the hands that hold it are the
Armenians. It has been very well done. Some of the guards who remained
were bribed, others frightened away. Only a few fought, and of them
the Northmen made short work. Irene and her ministers were fooled. They
thought the blow would not fall for a week or more, if at all, since the
Empress believed that she had appeased Constantine by her promises. I'll
tell you more later."

"How did you find me, Martina, and in time?"

"Oh! Olaf, it is a terrible story. Almost I swoon again to think of it.
It was thus: Irene discovered that I had visited you in your cell;
she grew suspicious of me. This morning I was seized and ordered to
surrender the signet; but first I had heard that they planned your death
to-day, not a sentence of banishment and murder afar off, as I told you.
My last act before I was taken was to dispatch a trusted messenger to
Jodd and the Northmen, telling them that if they would save you alive
they must strike at once, and not to-night, as had been arranged. Within
thirty seconds after he had left my side the eunuc