hs had me and took me
to my chamber, where they barred me in. A while later the Augusta came
raging like a lioness. She accused me of treachery, and when I denied
it struck me in the face. Look, here are the marks of the jewels on her
hands. Oh, alas! what said I? You cannot see. She had learned that the
lady Heliodore had escaped her, and that I had some hand in her escape.
She vowed that I, your god-mother, was your lover, and as this is a
crime against the Church, promised me that after other sufferings I
should be burned alive in the Hippodrome before all the people. Lastly
she said this, 'Know that your Olaf of whom you are so fond dies within
an hour and thus: He will be taken to the Hall of the Pit and there
given leave to walk till the judges come. Being blind, you may guess
where he will walk. Before this door is unlocked again I tell you he'll
be but a heap of splintered bones. Aye, you may start and weep; but save
your tears for yourself,' and she called me a foul name. 'I have got you
fast at length, you night-prowling cat, and God Himself cannot give you
strength to stretch out your hand and guide this accursed Olaf from the
edge of the Pit of Death.'

"'God alone knows what He can do, Augusta,' I answered, for the words
seemed to be put into my lips.

"Then she cursed and struck me again, and so left me barred in my
chamber.

"When she had gone I flung myself upon my knees and prayed to God to
save you, Olaf, since I was helpless; prayed as I had never prayed
before. Praying thus, I think that I fell into a swoon, for my agony
was more than I could bear, and in the swoon I dreamed. I dreamed that I
stood in this place, where till now I have never been before. I saw the
judges, the jailers, and a few others watching from that gallery. I saw
you walk along the hall towards the great open pit. Then I seemed to
glide to you and take your hand and guide you round the pit. And, Olaf,
this happened thrice. Afterwards came a tumult while you were on the
very edge of the pit and I held you, not suffering you to stir. Then in
rushed the Northmen and I with them. Yes, standing there with you upon
the edge of the pit, I saw myself and the Northmen rush into the hall."

"Martina," I whispered, "a hand that seemed to be a woman's did guide me
thrice round the edge of the pit, and did hold me almost until you and
the Northmen rushed in."

"Oh! God is great!" she gasped. "God is very great, and to Him I give
thanks.