I am Martina.

Oh, now I understand why yonder tigress sent me on that distant mission." "How did you come here, Martina ?" I asked.
"I still have the signet, Olaf, which Irene, who begins to mistrust me, forgets.

Only this morning I learned the truth on my return to the palace; yet I have not been idle.

Within an hour Jodd and the Northmen knew it also.

Within three they had blinded every hostage whom they held, aye, and caught two of the brutes who did the deed on you, and crucified them upon their barrack walls." "Oh! Martina," I broke in, "I did not desire that others who are innocent should share my woes." "Nor did I, Olaf; but these Northmen are ill to play with.