on Christian never a whit.
Sweyn's coxcombery was always frank, and most forgiveable, and not
without fair colour.

"If you want an ally," continued Sweyn, "confide in old Trella.
Out of her stores of wisdom, if her memory holds good, she can
instruct you in the orthodox manner of tackling a Were-Wolf. If I
remember aright, you should watch the suspected person till
midnight, when the beast's form must be resumed, and retained ever
after if a human eye sees the change; or, better still, sprinkle
hands and feet with holy water, which is certain death. Oh! never
fear, but old Trella will be equal to the occasion."

Sweyn's contempt was no longer good-humoured; some touch of
irritation or resentment rose at this monstrous doubt of White
Fell. But Christian was too deeply distressed to take offence.

"You speak of them as old wives' tales; but if you had seen the
proof I have seen, you would be ready at least to wish them true,
if not also to put them to the test."

"Well," said Sweyn, with a laugh that had a little sneer in it,
"put them to the test! I will not object to that, if you will only
keep your notions to yourself. Now, Christian, give me your word
for silence, and we will freeze here no longer."

Christian remained silent.

Sweyn put his hands on his shoulders again and vainly tried to see
his face in the darkness.

"We have never quarrelled yet, Christian?"

"I have never quarrelled," returned the other, aware for the first
time that his dictatorial brother had sometimes offered occasion
for quarrel, had he been ready to take it.

"Well," said Sweyn emphatically, "if you speak against White Fell
to any other, as to-night you have spoken to me--we shall."

He delivered the words like an ultimatum, turned sharp round, and
re-entered the house. Christian, more fearful and wretched than
before, followed.

"Snow is falling fast: not a single light is to be seen."

White Fell's eyes passed over Christian without apparent notice,
and turned bright and shining upon Sweyn.

"Nor any signal to be heard?" she queried. "Did you not hear the
sound of a sea-horn?"

"I saw nothing, and heard nothing; and signal or no signal, the
heavy snow would keep you here perforce."

She smiled her thanks beautifully. And Christian's heart sank like
lead with a deadly foreboding, as he noted what a light was
kindled in Sweyn's eyes by her smile.

That night, when all others slept, Christian, the weariest of all,
wat