A short shrift is all the villain deserves." With that the door closed again, and Sigurd and the monk were left in darkness.
"I am to die, then ?" asked the hero of the holy man.
"'Tis reported," said the monk, "you seek the king's life; therefore in the morning you are to die.

But," added he, speaking lower, "you shall not die, my lord." Sigurd started, not at the words, but at the voice that uttered them.
"Who art thou ?" he whispered.
"One who owes thee his life, and would repay thee, my lord.

I am he whom thou sparedst but lately in the wood." In the dark Sigurd could not see his face, but he knew he spoke the truth.
"Quick," said the man, throwing off his gown and hood; "off with thy armour, my lord, and don these.

There is no time to spare." For a moment Sigurd paused, amazed at the man's offer.

Then the thought of Ulf decided him.
"Brave friend," said he, "Heaven bless you for your aid.