stern voice, "I wonder you did not do so in the boat. Better for
him if you had."

"I wonder not," said Hubba. "The man is fit for naught; I could not
lay hand on such a cur."

I had no answer to make after that, for the warrior spoke my own
thoughts, and I held my peace as they took me to the further side
of the hearth, past the fire, beyond which I had not yet been able
to see.

Then I knew how Beorn had been made to speak the truth. They had
tortured him, and there was no strength left in him at all, so that
I almost started back from the cruel marks that he bore. Yet I had
things to hear from him, now that he had no need to speak falsely,
and I went to his side. The two jarls stood and looked at him
unmoved.

"The justice of Ulfkytel is on you, Beorn," I said slowly; "there
is no need to hide aught. Tell me how you slew Lodbrok, and why."

Then came a voice, so hollow that I should not have known it for
the lusty falconer's of past days:

"Aye; justice is on me, and I am glad. I will tell you, but first
say that you forgive me."

Then I could not but tell this poor creature that for all the harm
he had done me I would surely forgive him; but that the deed of
murder was not for me to forgive.