Why, Redwald, what home have you to give her ?" Now that word of common sense was the best that he could have spoken, for I was waxing angry at being thus played with, as I thought.

But at that moment Olaf and Ottar came in with clang and ring of mail and sword, and so no more was said, and soon Ailwin rose to depart.

But I followed him out, and asked him for the last time: "Will you not tell me where Hertha bides ?" "No, my son--not yet.

Believe me it is best." "Well, then," I answered, "I shall try to find her; but if I cannot, you mind what I said." "I will not forget.

But I will add this--that there are many fair maidens, and but one Hertha." Then he turned away into the dark, and was gone with an uplifting of his hand in parting blessing.