Such is the offer, comrades." "And if we refuse it, what ?" asked a voice.
"This: That we shall be ringed round, and either starved out or shot down by archers.

Or, if we try to escape, that we shall be overwhelmed by numbers, and any of us who chance to be taken living shall be hanged, sound and wounded together." Now the leaders of the Northmen consulted.

Irene watched them for awhile, then turned to me and asked, "What will they do, Olaf ?" "I cannot say, Augusta," I answered, "but I think that they will offer to surrender you and not myself, since they may doubt them of that fair trial which is promised to me." "Which means," she said, "that, whether I live or die, all these brave men will be sacrificed to you, Olaf, who, after all, must perish with them, as will this Egyptian.

Are you prepared to accept that blood-offering, Olaf?
If so, you must have changed from the man I loved." "No, Augusta," I answered, "I am not prepared.

Rather would I trust myself into your power, Augusta." The conference of the officers had come to an end.