Look at the abbot's torn and dusty robes, look at the thane's care-worn face--are they in the plight of men who are bribed ?" But the queen made no answer, and her face was like stone as she looked on none of us, gazing straight before her.
"What lies on yonder deck ?" the girl went on, pointing to where the two bodies lay under their covering.

"It is the thane's sword and risk of life that stayed them from laying hands on you.

Does a bought man slay his buyers ?" Still the queen was silent, and then I said: "I think that you misjudge us, my queen.

Had we wished to betray you it would have been long ere this that the Danes would have been summoned to take you." I do not think that she heard me, and I am glad, for I spoke in anger.

I saw her lean against the bulkhead, and her hand sought her heart, and she reeled a little.