The tone of the answer was mysterious.

"Why?" queried Christian. "Has anything strange happened? Tell
me."

For answer he was told in a low undertone of the summons at the
door thrice repeated without human agency; and of Tyr's ominous
howls; and of Sweyn's fruitless watch outside.

Christian turned towards his brother in a torment of impatience
for a word apart. The board was spread, and Sweyn was leading
White Fell to the guest's place. This was more awful: she would
break bread with them under the roof-tree!

He started forward, and touching Sweyn's arm, whispered an urgent
entreaty. Sweyn stared, and shook his head in angry impatience.

Thereupon Christian would take no morsel of food.

His opportunity came at last. White Fell questioned of the
landmarks of the country, and of one Cairn Hill, which was an
appointed meeting-place at which she was due that night. The
house-mistress and Sweyn both exclaimed.

"It is three long miles away," said Sweyn; "with no place for
shelter but a wretched hut. Stay with us this night, and I will
show you the way to-morrow."

White Fell seemed to hesitate. "Three miles," she said; "then I
should be able to see or hear a signal."