grandson and the tomb, but having no
time, held my peace.

"All my life have I kept that sword," went on my mother, "not giving it
to your father or brothers, lest the fate written on it should befall
them, for those old wizards of the north, who fashioned such weapons
with toil and skill, could foresee the future--as at times I can, for
it is in my blood. Yet now I am moved to bid you take it, Hubert, and go
where its flame leads you and dree your gloom, whatever it may be, for I
know you will use it like Thorgrimmer's self."

She paused for a moment, then went on:

"Hubert, perhaps we part for the last time, for I think that my hour
is at hand. But let not that trouble you, since I am glad to go to join
those who went before, and others with them, perchance Thorgrimmer's
self. Hearken, Hubert. If aught befalls me, or this place, stay not
here. Go to London town and seek out John Grimmer, my brother, the rich
merchant and goldsmith who dwells in the place called Cheap. He knew you
as a child and loved you, and lacking offspring of his own will welcome
you for both our sakes. My father would not give John the sword lest its
fate should be on him, but I say that John will be glad to welcome one
of our race who holds it in his hand. Take it then, and with it that bag
of gold, which may prove of service ere all be done.

"Aye, and there is one more thing--this ring which, so says the tale,
came down with the sword and the bow, and once had writing on it like
the sword, though that is long since rubbed away. Take it and wear it
till perchance, in some day to come, you give it to another as I did."

Wondering at all this tale which, after her secret fashion, my mother
had kept from me till that hour, I set the ring upon my finger.

"I gave yonder ring to your father on the day that we were betrothed,"
went on my mother, "and I took it back again from his corpse after he
had been found floating in the sea. Now I pass it on to you who soon
will be all that is left of both of us."

"Hark!" she continued, "the crier summons all men with their arms to the
market-place to fight England's foes. Therefore one word more while I
buckle the sword Wave-Flame on to you, as doubtless his women folk did
on to Thorgrimmer, your ancestor. My blessing on you, Hubert. Be you
such a one as Thorgrimmer was, for we of the Norse blood desire that
our loves and sons should prove not backward when swords are aloft
and arrows fly. But be you