I felt, when struggling with temptation and deadly fear, how the heavenly breath of holy men floated round me and aided me." "I am most willing to believe that, my noble son, and everything thou sayest to me," answered the old man; and at the same moment the chaplain also coming in, Biorn stretched out his hand towards him with a smile of peace and joy.

And now all seemed to be surrounded with a bright circle of unity and blessedness.

"But see," said old Biorn, "how the faithful Skovmark jumps upon me now, and tries to caress me.

It is not long since he used always to howl with terror when he saw me." "My dear lord," said the chaplain, "there is a spirit dwelling in good beasts, though dreamy and unconscious." As the day wore on, the stillness in the hall increased.

The last hour of the aged knight was drawing near, but he met it calmly and fearlessly.