The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1904-10-14

breast, that day. my heart got AFRAID
that you were obliged to do it to
save yourself. Even after heard how
you had made bargain to inherit
after each other. never suspected
what kind of plan was in your
mind"
Standing in silent listening, Canute's
gaze travelled from face to face until
! 1t came to the spot where Elfgiva flut-
tered among her women, holding her
exquisite head as il it already wore
crown. An odd CLEAN flickered over
his eyes, and he made a step toward
her. "You!" he said. What do you
believer"
Pealing her silvery laughter, she
turned toward him, her eyes peeping
at him like bright birds from under
the caves Of her hood. Lord, I be-
lieve that l am afraid of you'll she
coquetted. when | bethink me that
all the time have been Gliding you
for being unambitious for glory, you
have had this in your mind" Laugh
ing, she stopped and kissed his hand
with the first semblance of respect
which she had ever shown him.
His face was curiously still as he
regarded the beautiful Elfgiva,-and
Silly curious, as though he were ex-
aiming some familiar object in
new light you believe then that
had him murderer" he asked. And
you find pleasure in believing it?'
Now, it is not murder" she pro-
tested. when king kills-in war
But this is not war;" he said SLOW
ly. Lifting one of the jeweled braids
from her shoulder, he played with it
as he studied her. This is not war,
for had reconciled myself to him.
had plghted faith with Edmund
Ethelredsson and vowed to avenge his
death like brother"
Her white forehead drew itself into
a puzzled frown. But you were not
so foolish as to swear it on the holy
ring were you?" When he did not
answer, she raised her shoulders
lightly. What should l know about
such matters? Have you not told me,
many times and oft, that it behooves
a woman to shun meddling with great
affairs?"
He gave short laugh, And when
were you ever before content to fol-
low that advice?" Letting the braid
slip from his fingers, he stood looking
her up and down, his lips curling with
scorn.
Randalin spoke abruptly to her COM
panion. "Dearwyn, | can tell you
something. Elfgiva will never get
the queenship over England
What moves you to say that?" the
little English girl asked her, startled.
But Randalins attention had gone
back to the King, who had turned
where the son of Lodbrok waited re.
garding him over sternlyfolded arms.
Brother" he was saying gravey,
your opinion is powerful with me,
so | will openly tell you that you
are wrong in your belief. Never have
so much as limited to yonder peace
nithing a word of harm against Ed
mund Ironside."
From Thorkel the Tall came one of
his rare laughs,-a sound like the
grating of a rusty hinge,-Rothgar
unfolded his arms to fling them out
in angry rejection.
This is useful to learnt" he sheer.
ed. do you think | could not guess
that you had no need to put your
desire into words after you had shown
Edric by your actions that your mind
and his are one, after you had adj
mitted by your bond with him that
YOU hold the same curious belief about
honor?"
This time it was Randalin who
clutched the English girl. oh" she
gasped.
For Canute's eyes were less like |
eyes than holes through which light |
was pouring, while his fingers opened
and shut as though he had forgotten |
his sword and would leap upon the |
scoffer with bare hands.
Thorkel left off laughing to grasp |
the Jotun's arm and try to drag him |
backwards. do you want to drive it |
from his mind that he has loved you? |
Go hide yourself in Fenrir's mouth"
Ito be continued)