Some of these were wounded men, and you mind that I am skilled in leechcraft.

So I dressed myself in a freeman's garb and tended them, winning their respect at least, if not gratitude.

So I have been the leech ever since, for the church was burnt, and many a priest was slain, and these Danes are but half Christian if they are not open pagans; and I might not don my frock, else would there have been no one left to christen and say mass and marry for our poor folk in quiet places." Then I said: "Where did you find a hiding place, father ?" "It was shown me by one who made me promise--aye and take oath, moreover, as if my word were not enough--that I would tell no man where it is.

For such a place once known to any but those who use it is safe no longer." "Was it Gunnhild who helped you thus ?" I said, for I remembered now my last words to him, that he should seek her.
"I may say that it was Gunnhild.

There she and Hertha and I were safe till the worst was over," he answered, and looked in my face.
Then I must say what was in my mind all the while, and I asked him plainly: "Where is Hertha now, father?
Is she yet well and safe ?" "Both well and safe with Gunnhild," he said.
"Where is she--can I seek her ?" The old man looked at me meaningly for a minute, and I grew hot under his kindly gaze.
"What remember you of Hertha, my son ?" he said gently.
"All, father," I answered; "but does she remember aught ?" "She remembers--she has never forgotten," he said.
And I had forgotten for so long.