But, in truth, the king knows nothing of it." "What is the man's name ?" said Sigurd.
"I know not." "Did you see his face or hear his voice ?" "No; why should we?
We could believe those who brought him here." "And were they the king's officers ?" "The king's that is now," said the guard.
"Why ?" exclaimed Sigurd; "what do you mean?
Is not Ulf the king ?" "No," said the man.

"When you went out two hours ago he was, but now Sigurd is king." "False villain!" cried Sigurd, catching the fellow by the throat; "thou art a traitor like all the rest." The soldier, astonished to be thus assailed by a monk, stood for a moment speechless; and before he could find words Sigurd had cast back the hood from his own head.
The man, who knew him at once, turned pale as ashes, and, trembling from head to foot, fell on his knees.
But Sigurd scornfully bade him rise and summon the guard, which he did.
Great was the amazement of the soldiers as they assembled, to see a monk bareheaded stand with his hand on the throat of their comrade.

And greater still did it become when they recognised in those stern, noble features their own Prince Sigurd.
Before they could recover their presence of mind, Sigurd held up his hand to enjoin silence, and said-- "Let two men go at once to the dungeon and bring the prisoner out." While they were gone the group stood silent, as men half dazed, and wondered what would happen next.
In a few moments the two guards returned, bringing with them the prisoner, whom Sigurd greeted with every token of gratitude and joy.
"Brave friend," he exclaimed, "but for thy generous devotion this night might have ended in murder and ruin, and these knaves and their friends might have done their king and me a grievous wrong.

Accept Sigurd's thanks." "What!" exclaimed the prisoner, falling on his knees, "art thou Sigurd?
Do I owe my poor life to the bravest of all heroes ?" "I owe my life to thee, rather," said Sigurd; "and not mine only, but my brother's." Then turning to the bewildered and shame-struck soldiers, he said-- "Men!--for I scorn to call you friends!--it remains for you to choose between your duty or the punishment reserved for traitors.

You may thank Heaven your wicked plans for this night have been foiled, and that, traitors though you be, you do not stand here as murderers also.
Let those who refuse to return to their allegiance stand forward." Not a man moved.
"Then," said Sigurd, "I demand a pledge of your loyalty." "We will prove it with our lives!" cried the men, conscience-struck, and meaning what they said.
"All I ask," said Sigurd, "is, that not a man here breathes a word of this night's doing.