Gilpin observer., 1904-11-10

breast, that day, my heart got AFRAID
that you we're obliged to do 1t to
save yourself. Even after heard how
you had made a bargain to inherit
after each other, 1 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 fut-
tered among her women. holding her
exquisite head as If it already wore
a crown. An odd CLEAN fickered over
his eyes, and he made a step toward
her. "You!" he said. What do you
believer r
Pealing her silvery laughter, she
turned toward him. her eyes peeping
at him like bright birds from under
the caves OF her hood. Lord, be-
lieve that l am afraid of you!' she
eoquetted. when I bethink me that
all the time l have been chiding 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,-an
stilly curious, as though he were ex-
amining some familiar object In a
new light. You believe then that
| had him murderer" he asked. And
you find pleasure in believing it?'
Now, 1t is not murder!" she pro-
tested. '"Wheh 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 plighted faith with Edmund
Ethelredsson and vowed to avenge his
| death like 8 brother" .ls
/ 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?" hu
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 abrcptly to her com.
panion. ''Dearwyn, can tell you
something. Elfgiva will never gel
the queenship over England
What moves you to say that?" the
little English girl asked her. startled
But Randalin's attention had gone
back to the King. who had turned
where the son Of Lodbrok waited re-
garding him over sternly-folded arms
Brother" he was saying gravely
your opinion is powerful with me
so I will openly tell you that you
are wrong in your belief. Never have
I SO much as limited to yonder peace
nithing a word of harm against Ed
mund Ironside."
From Thorkel the Tall came one oi
his rare laughs.-a sound like the
grating Of a rusty hinge.-Rothgai
unfolded his arms to fling them oui
in angry rejection.
This is useful to Learnt" he sneer
| GU. bo sOu thiih SOuiu uOt 6uCSs
that you had no need to put youl
desire into words after you had showr
Edric by your actions that your mint
and his are one, after you had ad
mitted by your bond with him tha
you hold the same curious belief abou
honor?"
This time 1t was Randalin wht
clutched the English girl. Obi" sh,
gasped.
For Canute's eyes were less lik,
eyes than holes through which ligh
was pouring. while his fingers opened
and shut as though he had forgotten
his sword and would leap upon tn,
scoffer with bare hands.
Thorkel left of laughing to grasl
the Jotun's arm and try to drag hin
backwards. do you want to drive i
from his mind that he has loved you
Go hide yourself in Fenrir's mouth"
| ITO ha rCntinuoIN