in
his arms forget that thine own are red. But first let us try the
easier plan. Daughter, I too hate this proud girl, who scorns me as her
father's light-of-love. I too long to see that bright head of hers dull
with the dust of death, or, at the least, those proud eyes weeping tears
of shame as the man she hates leads her hence as a bride. Were it not
for her I should be Asmund's wife, and, when she is gone, with thy
help--for he loves thee much and has cause to love thee--this I may be
yet. So in this matter, if in no other, let us go hand in hand and match
our wits against her innocence."

Now, Koll the Half-witted went upon his errand, and the time passed till
it lacked but a month to Yule, and men sat indoors, for the season was
dark and much snow fell. At length came frost, and with it a clear sky,
and Gudruda, ceasing from her spinning in the hall, went to the woman's
porch, and, looking out, saw that the snow was hard, and a great longing
came upon her to breathe the fresh air, for there was still an hour of
daylight. So she threw a cloak about her and walked forth, taking the
road towards Coldback in the Marsh that is by Ran River. But Swanhild
watched her till she was over the hill. Then she also took a cloak and
followed on that path, for she always watched Gudruda.

Gudruda walked on for the half of an hour or so, when she became aware
that the clouds gathered in the sky, and that the air was heavy with
snow to come. Seeing this she turned homewards, and Swanhild hid
herself to let her pass. Now flakes floated down as big and soft as fifa
flowers. Quicker and more quick they came till all the plain was one
white maze of mist, but through it Gudruda walked on, and after her
crept Swanhild, like a shadow. And now the darkness gathered and the
snow fell thick and fast, covering up the track of her footsteps and she
wandered from the path, and after her wandered Swanhild, being loath to
show herself. For an hour or more Gudruda wandered and then she called
aloud and her voice fell heavily against the cloak of snow. At the last
she grew weary and frightened, and sat down upon a shelving rock whence
the snow had slipped away. Now, a little way behind was another rock and
there Swanhild sat, for she wished to be unseen of Gudruda. So some time
passed, and Swanhild grew heavy as though with sleep, when of a sudden
a moving thing loomed upon the snowy darkness. Then Gudruda leapt to her
feet and called. A man's v