warrior say what he means plainly."

There were many who agreed to this, and I did not wait for Hodulf any
longer. I told them who I was, and then showed them why that token was
to be held enough for any man; and as I spoke, there were black looks
toward the high seat among the older men. As for Hodulf, he sat with a
forced smile, and seemed to listen indulgently, as to a well-made tale.

And after that the matter was out of my hands, for the same chief who
had asked for the tale came and stood by my side, and he faced Hodulf
and spoke.

"For twelve years have I served you as king, and now I know that I have
wasted the faith I gave you. What became of the sisters of Havelok?
Answer me that, Hodulf, or I will go and ask their brother concerning
whom you have lied to me."

"Go and ask him," answered Hodulf, biting his lips; "go and hear more
lies. Who can know the son of Gunnar when he sees him?"

"That is answered out of your own mouth," said the chief. "Is Sigurd a
fool that he should hail the first man who asks him to do so?"

And from beside me Withelm answered also, "Maybe it is a pity that
Griffin of Wales was slain last night in trying to kill Havelok. He knew
him, and I have heard that he came here to warn Hodulf that his time was
come."

Hodulf's face grew whiter when he heard that; but it was what he needed,
as some sort of excuse to let loose his passion.