At last, having meditated what spot he should choose for the fight--for he said that he was unskilled in combat by land and in all warfare--he demanded it should be on the frozen sea.

To this both sides agreed.

The king granted a truce for preparations, and bade the sons of Westmar withdraw, saying that it was amiss that a guest, even if he had deserved ill should be driven from his lodging.

Then he went back to examine into the manner of the punishment, which he had left to the queen's own choice to exact.

For she forebore to give judgment, and begged pardon for her slip.