If two of the three bear an even number of nicks, the neigh of your horse signifies that Odin accepted the sacrifice; if two of them bear unequal numbers, then it meant that his coming was propitious to you." The bag was again shaken.

Edmund looked on calmly, for Saxons and Northmen alike disdained to show the slightest fear of death; even the colour did not fade from his cheek as he watched the trial upon which his life depended.
The first stick drawn out bore five marks; the priest showed it to the jarl, and without a word dropped it in the bag again.

This was again shaken and another stick drawn out; this bore but four notches; the chances were even.

The silence was unbroken until the third twig was drawn.
"Odin has spoken," the priest said.

"The neigh of the horse indicated that the coming of this Saxon was propitious to your house." The jarl gave an exclamation of satisfaction, while Sweyn's brow darkened.