cendune, dispossessed by your father, and being myself the legitimate
heir."

"We do not dispute your title; give my brother his life and liberty, and
take all; we have never injured you."

"All would be nothing without vengeance; you appeal in vain to me. Did I
wish to spare you I could not; an oath, a fearful oath, binds me, taken
to one from whom I derived life, one whose death was far more agonising
and lingering than yours shall be."

"Let us at least die together."

"Do you scorn the company of your thrall in death?"

"God forbid!

"Oswy, you have given your life for us; we die in company. God protect
my poor mother, my poor childless mother! She will be alone!"

"You shall die together as you desire."

He addressed a few words in an unknown tongue to his men; his face was
now pale as death, his lips compressed as of one who has taken a
desperate resolution.

"Retire to your brother's chamber again. You will not compel me to use
force?"

They retired up the stairs; Ragnar followed, two or three of his men at
a respectful distance from him.

They re-entered the chamber; Ragnar followed and stood before them.

"I will grant you all that is in my power; you shall all die together,
and you may tend your brother to the last."

"What shall be the manner of our death?" asked Alfred, who was very
calm, fearfully calm.

"You will soon discover; my hand shall not be upon you, or red with your
blood. Believe me, I am, like you, the victim of stern necessity,
although I am the avenger, you the victims."

"You cannot thus deceive yourself, or shake off the guilt of murder; our
father's blood is upon you. You will answer for this, for him and for
us, at the judgment seat."

"I am willing to do so, if there be a judgment seat whereat to answer. I
had a father, too, who was condemned to a lingering death, by thirst,
hunger, and madness; I witnessed his agonies; I swore to avenge them.
You appeal to the memory of your father, who has perished a victim to
avenging justice; I appeal to that of mine. If there be a God, let Him
deliver you, and perhaps I will believe in Him. Farewell for ever!"

He closed the door, and, with the aid of his men, securely fastened it
on the outside, so that no strength from within could open it; he
descended to the hall.

"Warriors," he said, "the moment I predicted has come; I have received a
warning that the usurper Edgar already marches against us; tomorrow, at
the latest, he