"Then he lied, for you have just now heard him say that his own
evil thoughts bade him do the deed."

"Aye--maybe he lied at first; but we shall see," said Ingvar.

Now I understood not that saying, but if a man lies once, who shall
know where the lie's doings will stop? What came from this lie I
must tell, but now it seemed to have passed for naught.

"Now shall you slay the man in what way you will, as I have said.
There are weapons," and Ingvar pointed to the store on the walls.

"I will not touch him," I said, "and I think that he dies."

"Then shall you see the vengeance of Ingvar on his father's
murderer," the jarl said savagely. "Call the men together into the
courtyard, Raud, and let them bring the man there."

"Let him die, Jarl," I said boldly; "he has suffered already."

"I think that if you knew, Wulfric of Reedham, how near you have
been to this yourself, through his doings, you would not hold your
hand," answered Ingvar, scowling at Beorn again.

"Maybe, Jarl," I answered, "but though you may make a liar speak
truth thus, you cannot make an honest man say more than he has to
speak."

"One cannot well mistake an honest saying," said Ingvar. "And that