But the bracelet suddenly took the form of a snake, and attacked him who was carrying it with its poisoned tooth; the horn lengthened out into a serpent, and took the life of the man who bore it; the tusk wrought itself into a sword, and plunged into the vitals of its bearer.
The rest dreaded the fate of perishing with their friends, and thought that the guiltless would be destroyed like the guilty; they durst not hope that even innocence would be safe.

Then the side-door of another room showed them a narrow alcove: and a privy chamber with a yet richer treasure was revealed, wherein arms were laid out too great for those of human stature.

Among these were seen a royal mantle, a handsome hat, and a belt marvellously wrought.

Thorkill, struck with amazement at these things, gave rein to his covetousness, and cast off all his purposed self-restraint.

He who so oft had trained others could not so much as conquer his own cravings.