alked
slowly from the cell and on towards the gate.

Here no man stopped him, but some more devout than the rest rendered
obeisance, and crossed themselves as he passed.

Once out of the castle Sigurd breathed freely, and with thankful heart
quickened his pace through the fast emptying streets in the direction of
Niflheim.

A double care now pressed on him. The first on account of his brother's
danger, the other lest he himself, in his efforts to save the king,
should be detained, and so unable to keep faith with the brave man he
had left in his place in the dungeon.

He therefore pressed on with all speed, unheeded by passers-by, to whom
the sight of a monk hurrying on some mission of mercy was no strange
thing.

In due time, in the dim twilight, the castle of Niflheim rose before
him, and he felt that his journey was nearly done.

Late as it was, there was revelling going on in the palace. Knights and
ladies crowded the halls, whilst without, in the outer rooms, persons of
all degrees congregated to witness the festivities and share in the
hospitalities of the royal bridegroom. For though Ulf was hated by all,
some, either through fear or greediness, failed not to keep up a show of
loyalty and even mirth in the royal presence.

Sigurd entered the palace unchallenged, and mingled with the outer
throng of onlookers. No one noticed him, but he, looking round from
under his hood, could see many faces that he knew, and amongst them the
conspirators whom he had that evening overheard plotting in the streets
of Jockjen. The sight of these men doubled his uneasiness, for the
appointed hour was nearly come, and unless he fulfilled his errand
forthwith he might yet be too late.

He therefore approached a knight whom he knew to be still faithful to
the king, and drawing him aside, said--

"Sir, I would speak with the king. I have great news for him."

"You cannot speak to-night, holy friar," said the knight, "for the king
is banqueting. Come in the morning."

"It may be too late in the morning," said Sigurd.

"Why, what news have you that is so urgent?" demanded the soldier.

"I bear news of Sigurd, the king's brother, who is approaching, and may
be here to-night."

"Ha!" exclaimed the knight, eagerly; "Sigurd advancing! How many has he
with him? and does he come in peace or war?"

"You know," said Sigurd, "there is no peace between Ulf and Sigurd; but
I pray you take me to the king, for I have more ne