out the state of affairs there. The news they
brought was terrible. A fearful massacre, known in history as the Blood
Bath, had taken place by order of the King. Citizens, bishops, nobles,
and even servants had been executed in the public market, and the King's
thirst for blood was not satisfied until some hundreds of Swedes had
laid down their lives. Among those who fell on the first day was the
father of Gustavus Vasa, who is said to have indignantly rejected the
pardon offered him by the King for his fidelity to his country. 'No,' he
exclaimed; 'let me die with all these honest men.' So he died, and his
son-in-law after him, and his wife, her mother, sister, and three
daughters were thrown into prison, where some of them were starved to
death. To crown all, a price was set on the head of Gustavus.

On hearing this last news Gustavus resolved to take refuge in the
province of Dalecarlia, and to trust to the loyalty of the peasants. By
this time it was the end of November (1520), and the snow lay thick upon
the ground; but this was rather in his favour, as his enemies would be
less likely to pursue him. So he cut his hair short and put on the dress
of a peasant, which in those days consisted of a short, thick jacket,
breeches with huge buttons, and a low soft hat. Then he bought an axe
and plunged into the forest. Here he soon made a friend for life in a
very tall, strong woodcutter, known to his neighbours by the name of the
'Bear-slayer.' This woodcutter was employed by a rich man, Petersen by
name, who had a large property near by, and had been at school with
Gustavus Vasa at Upsala. But hearing that Danish spies were lurking
around, Gustavus would not confide even in him, but patiently did what
work was given him like a common servant. An accident betrayed him. A
maid-servant happened one day to see the golden collar that Gustavus
wore next his skin, and told her master. Petersen then recognised his
old schoolfellow; but knowing that he would lose his own head if he gave
him shelter, he advised the young noble to leave his hiding-place, and
take shelter with another old friend, Arendt, who had once served under
him. Here he was received with open arms; but this hospitality only
concealed treachery, for his old comrade had formed a close friendship
with the Danish stewards who ruled the land, and only wanted an
opportunity to deliver Gustavus up to them. However, he was careful not
to let his guest see anything of h