Folkolookedonallthewhilewithanapprovingsmile，whilstGabrielle，inmuchembarrassment，seemedhardlytoknowhowtotreatthehalf-wild，half-tamedyoungstranger。Aftersomehesitation，however，sheheldoutherfairhandtohim，andsaidasshegentlyraisedhim："Surelyonewholistenswithsuchdelighttomusicmusthimselfknowhowtoawakenitsstrains。Takemylute，andletushearagracefulinspiredsong。"
ButSintramdrewback，andwouldnottaketheinstrument;andhesaid，"Heavenforbidthatmyroughuntutoredhandshouldtouchthosedelicatestrings！ForevenwereItobeginwithsomesoftstrains，yetbeforelongthewildspiritwhichdwellsinmewouldbreakout，andtherewouldbeanendoftheformandsoundofthebeautifulinstrument。No，no;suffermerathertofetchmyownhugeharp，strungwithbears’sinewssetinbrass，forintruthIdofeelmyselfinspiredtoplayandsing。"
Gabriellemurmuredahalf-frightenedassent;andSintramhavingquicklybroughthisharp，begantostrikeitloudly，andtosingthesewordswithavoicenolesspowerful：
"Sirknight，sirknight，oh！whitherawayWiththysnow-whitesailonthefoamingspray？"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
"ToolonghaveItroduponiceandsnow;
Iseekthebowerswhererosesblow。"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
Hesteer’donhiscoursebynightanddayTillhecasthisanchorinNaplesBay。
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
Therewander’daladyuponthestrand，Herfairhairboundwithagoldenband。
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
"Hailtothee！hailtothee！ladybright，Mineownshaltthoubeeremorninglight。"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers’
"Notso，sirknight，"theladyreplied，"Foryouspeaktothemargrave’schosenbride。"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
"Yourlovermaycomewithhisshieldandspear，Andthevictorshallwinthee，ladydear！"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
"Nay，seekforanotherbride，Ipray;
MostfairarethemaidensofNaplesBay。"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
"No，lady;fortheemyheartdothburn，Andtheworldcannotnowmypurposeturn。"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
Thencametheyoungmargrave，boldandbrave;
Butlowwashelaidinagrassygrave。
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
AndthenthefierceNorthmanjoyouslycried，"NowshallIpossesslands，castle，andbride！"
Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers！
Sintram’ssongwasended，buthiseyesglaredwildly，andthevibrationsoftheharp-stringsstillresoundedinamarvellousmanner。Biorn’sattitudewasagainerect;hestrokedhislongbeardandrattledhissword，asifingreatdelightatwhathehadjustheard。MuchshudderedGabriellebeforethewildsongandthesestrangeforms，butonlytillshecastaglanceontheLordofMontfaucon，sattheresmilinginallhisherostrength，unmoved，theroughuproarpassedbyhimlikeanautumnalstorm。
CHAPTER7
Someweeksafterthis，inthetwilightofevening，Sintram，verydisturbed，camedowntothecastle-garden。AlthoughthepresenceofGabrielleneverfailedtosootheandcalmhim，yetifshelefttheapartmentforevenafewinstants，thefearfulwildnessofhisspiritseemedtoreturnwithrenewedstrength。Soevennow，afterhavinglongandkindlyreadlegendsoftheoldentimestohisfatherBiorn，shehadretiredtoherchamber。Thetonesofherlutecouldbedistinctlyheardinthegardenbelow;butthesoundsonlydrovethebewilderedyouthmoreimpetuouslythroughtheshadesoftheancientelms。Stoopingsuddenlytoavoidsomeoverhangingbranches，heunexpectedlycameuponsomethingagainstwhichhehadalmoststruck，andwhich，atfirstsight，hetookforasmallbearstandingonitshindlegs，withalongandstrangelycrookedhornonitshead。Hedrewbackinsurpriseandfear。Itaddressedhiminagratingman’svoice："Well，mybraveyoungknight，whencecomeyou？whithergoyou？
whereforesoterrified？"Andthenfirsthesawthathehadbeforehimalittleoldmansowrappedupinaroughgarmentoffur，thatscarcelyoneofhisfeatureswasvisible，andwearinginhiscapastrange-lookinglongfeather。
"ButwhencecomeYOUandwhithergoYOU？"returnedtheangrySintram。
"Forofyousuchquestionsshouldbeasked。Whathaveyoutodoinourdomains，youhideouslittlebeing？"
"Well，well，"sneeredtheotherone，"IamthinkingthatIamquitebigenoughasIam——onecannotalwaysbeagiant。Andastotherest，whyshouldyoufindfaultthatIgoherehuntingforsnails？
Surelysnailsdonotbelongtothegamewhichyourhighmightinessesconsiderthatyoualonehavearighttofollow！Now，ontheotherhand，Iknowhowtopreparefromthemanexcellenthigh-flavoureddrink;andIhavetakenenoughforto-day：marvellousfatlittlebeasts，withwisefaceslikeaman’s，andlongtwistedhornsontheirheads。Wouldyouliketoseethem？Lookhere！"
Andthenhebegantounfastenandfumbleabouthisfurgarment;butSintram，filledwithdisgustandhorror，said，"Psha！Idetestsuchanimals！Bequiet，andtellmeatoncewhoandwhatyouyourselfare。"
"Areyousobentuponknowingmyname？"repliedthelittleman。
"LetitcontentyouthatIammasterofallsecretknowledge，andwellversedinthemostintricatedepthsofancienthistory。Ah！myyoungsir，ifyouwouldonlyhearthem！Butyouareafraidofme。"
"Afraidofyou！"criedSintram，withawildlaugh。
"Manyabettermanthanyouhasbeensobeforenow，"mutteredthelittleMaster;"buttheydidnotlikebeingtoldofitanymorethanyoudo。"
"Toprovethatyouaremistaken，"saidSintram，"Iwillremainherewithyoutillthemoonstandshighintheheavens。Butyoumusttellmeoneofyourstoriesthewhile。"
Thelittleman，muchpleased，noddedhishead;andastheypacedtogetherupanddownaretiredelm-walk，hebegandiscoursingasfollows：——
"Manyhundredyearsagoayoungknight，calledParisofTroy，livedinthatsunnylandofthesouthwherearefoundthesweetestsongs，thebrightestflowers，andthemostbeautifulladies。Youknowasongthattellsofthatfairland，doyounot，youngsir？’Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers。’"Sintrambowedhisheadinassent，andsigheddeeply。"Now，"resumedthelittleMaster，"ithappenedthatParisledthatkindoflifewhichisnotuncommoninthosecountries，andofwhichtheirpoetsoftensing——hewouldpasswholemonthstogetherinthegarbofapeasant，pipinginthewoodsandmountainsandpasturinghisflocks。Hereonedaythreebeautifulsorceressesappearedtohim，disputingaboutagoldenapple;andfromhimtheysoughttoknowwhichofthemwasthemostbeautiful，sincetoherthegoldenfruitwastobeawarded。Thefirstknewhowtogivethrones，andsceptres，andcrowns;thesecondcouldgivewisdomandknowledge;andthethirdcouldpreparephiltresandlove-charmswhichcouldnotfailofsecuringtheaffectionsofthefairestofwomen。Eachoneinturnprofferedherchoicestgiftstotheyoungshepherd，inorderthat，temptedbythem，hemightadjudgetheappletoher。Butasfairwomencharmedhimmorethananythingelseintheworld，hesaidthatthethirdwasthemostbeautiful——hernamewasVenus。Thetwoothersdepartedingreatdispleasure;butVenusbidhimputonhisknightlyarmourandhishelmetadornedwithwavingfeathers，andthensheledhimtoafamouscitycalledSparta，whereruledthenobleDukeMenelaus。HisyoungDuchessHelenwastheloveliestwomanonearth，andthesorceressofferedhertoParisinreturnforthegoldenapple。Hewasmostreadytohaveherandwishedfornothingbetter;butheaskedhowhewastogainpossessionofher。"
"Parismusthavebeenasorryknight，"interruptedSintram。"Suchthingsareeasilysettled。Thehusbandischallengedtoasinglecombat，andhethatisvictoriouscarriesoffthewife。"
"ButDukeMenelauswasthehostoftheyoungknight，"saidthenarrator。
"Listentome，littleMaster，"criedSintram;"hemighthaveaskedthesorceressforsomeotherbeautifulwoman，andthenhavemountedhishorse，orweighedanchor，anddeparted。"
"Yes，yes;itisveryeasytosayso，"repliedtheoldman。"ButifyouonlyknewhowbewitchinglylovelythisDuchessHelenwas，noroomwasleftforchange。"Andthenhebeganaglowingdescriptionofthecharmsofthiswondrouslybeautifulwoman，butlikeningtheimagetoGabriellesoclosely，featureforfeature，thatSintram，tottering，wasforcedtoleanagainstatree。ThelittleMasterstoodoppositetohimgrinning，andasked，"Wellnow，couldyouhaveadvisedthatpoorknightParistoflyfromher？"
"Tellmeatoncewhathappenednext，"stammeredSintram。
"ThesorceressactedhonourablytowardsParis，"continuedtheoldman。"ShedeclaredtohimthatifhewouldcarryawaythelovelyduchesstohisowncityTroy，hemightdoso，andthuscausetheruinofhiswholehouseandofhiscountry;butthatduringtenyearshewouldbeabletodefendhimselfinTroy，andrejoiceinthesweetloveofHelen。"
"Andheacceptedthoseterms，orhewasafool！"criedtheyouth。
"Tobesureheacceptedthem，"whisperedthelittleMaster。"Iwouldhavedonesoinhisplace！Anddoyouknow，youngsir，thelookofthingsthenwasjustastheyarehappeningto-day。Thenewly-risenmoon，partlyveiledbyclouds，wasshiningdimlythroughthethickbranchesofthetreesinthesilenceofevening。Leaningagainstanoldtree，asyounowaredoing，stoodtheyoungenamouredknightParis，andathissidetheenchantressVenus，butsodisguisedandtransformed，thatshedidnotlookmuchmorebeautifulthanIdo。
Andbythesilverylightofthemoon，theformofthebeautifulbelovedonewasseensweepingbyaloneamidstthewhisperingboughs。"
Hewassilent，andlikeasinthemirrorofhisdeludingwords，Gabriellejustthenactuallyherselfappeared，musingasshewalkedalonedownthealleyofelms。
"Man，——fearfulMaster，——bywhatnameshallIcallyou？Towhatwouldyoudriveme？"mutteredthetremblingSintram。
"Thouknowestthyfather’sstrongstonecastleontheMoon-rocks？"
repliedtheoldman。"Thecastellanandthegarrisonaretrueanddevotedtothee。Itcouldstandatenyears’siege;andthelittlegatewhichleadstothehillsisopen，aswasthatofthecitadelofSpartaforParis。"
And，infact，theyouthsawthroughagate，leftopenheknewnothow，thedim，distantmountainsglitteringinthemoonlight。"Andifhedidnotaccept，hewasafool，"saidthelittleMaster，withagrin，echoingSintram’sformerwords。
AtthatmomentGabriellestoodclosebyhim。Shewaswithinreachofhisgrasp，hadhemadetheleastmovement;andamoonbeam，suddenlybreakingforth，transfigured，asitwere，herheavenlybeauty。Theyouthhadalreadybentforward——
"MyLordandGod，Ipray，TurnfromhisheartawayThisworld’sturmoil;
AndcallhimtoThylight，Beitthroughsorrow’snight，Throughpainortoil。"
ThesewordsweresungbyoldRolfatthatverytime，ashelingeredonthestillmarginofthecastlefish-pond，whereheprayedalonetoHeaven，fullofforebodingcare。TheyreachedSintram’sear;hestoodasifspellboundandmadetheSignoftheCross。Immediatelythelittlemasterfledaway，jumpinguncouthlyononeleg，throughthegatesandshuttingthemafterhimwithayell。
Gabrielleshuddered，terrifiedatthewildnoise。Sintramapproachedhersoftly，andsaid，offeringhisarmtoher："Suffermetoleadyoubacktothecastle。Thenightinthesenorthernregionsisoftenwildandfearful。"
CHAPTER8
Theyfoundthetwoknightsdrinkingwinewithin。Folkowasrelatingstoriesinhisusualmildandcheerfulmanner，andBiornwaslisteningwithamoodyair，butyetasif，againsthiswill，thedarkcloudmightpassawaybeforethatbrightandgentlecourtesy。
Gabriellesalutedthebaronwithasmile，andsignedtohimtocontinuehisdiscourse，asshetookherplaceneartheknightBiorn，fullofwatchfulkindness。Sintramstoodbythehearth，abstractedandmelancholy;andtheembers，ashestirredthem，castastrangeglowoverhispallidfeatures。
"AndofalltheGermantrading-towns，"continuedMontfaucon，"thelargestandrichestisHamburgh。InNormandywewillinglyseetheirmerchantslandonourcoasts，andthoseexcellentpeopleneverfailtoprovethemselvesourfriendswhenweseektheiradviceandassistance。WhenIfirstvisitedHamburgh，everyhonourandrespectwaspaidtome。Ifounditsinhabitantsengagedinawarwithaneighbouringcount，andimmediatelyIusedmyswordforthem，vigorouslyandsuccessfully。"
"Yoursword！yourknightlysword！"interruptedBiorn;andtheoldwontedfireflashedfromhiseyes。"Againstaknight，andforshopkeepers！"
"Sirknight，"repliedFolko，calmly，"thebaronsofMontfauconhaveeverusedtheirswordsastheychose，withouttheinterferenceofanother;andasIhavereceivedthisgoodcustom，sodoIwishtohanditon。Ifyouagreenottothis，sospeakitfreelyout。ButI
forbideveryrudewordagainstthemenofHamburgh，sinceIhavedeclaredthemtobemyfriends。"
Biorncastdownhishaughtyeyes，andtheirfirefadedaway。Inalowvoicehesaid，"Proceed，noblebaron。Youareright，andIamwrong。"
ThenFolkostretchedouthishandtohimacrossthetable，andresumedhisnarration："AmongstallmybelovedHamburghersthedearesttomearetwomenofmarvellousexperience——afatherandson。
Whathavetheynotseenanddoneintheremotestcornersoftheearth，andinstitutedintheirnativetown！PraisebetoGod，mylifecannotbecalledunfruitful;but，comparedwiththewiseGotthardLenzandhisstout-heartedsonRudlieb，Ilookuponmyselfasanesquirewhohasperhapsbeensomefewtimestotourneys，and，besidesthat，hasneverhuntedouthisownforests。Theyhaveconverted，subdued，gladdened，darkmenwhomIknownothowtoname;
andthewealthwhichtheyhavebroughtbackwiththemhasallbeendevotedtothecommonweal，asiffitfornootherpurpose。Ontheirreturnfromtheirlongandperiloussea-voyages，theyhastentoanhospitalwhichhasbeenfoundedbythem，andwheretheyundertakethepartofoverseers，andofcarefulandpatientnurses。Thentheyproceedtoselectthemostfittingspotswhereontoerectnewtowersandfortressesforthedefenceoftheirbelovedcountry。Nexttheyrepairtothehouseswherestrangersandtravellersreceivehospitalityattheircost;andatlasttheyreturntotheirownabode，toentertaintheirguests，richandnoblelikekings，andsimpleandunconstrainedlikeshepherds。Manyataleoftheirwondrousadventuresservestoenliventhesesumptuousfeasts。
Amongstothers，Iremembertohaveheardmyfriendsrelateoneatwhichmyhairstoodonend。PossiblyImaygainsomemorecompleteinformationonthesubjectfromyou。Itappearsthatseveralyearsago，justaboutthetimeoftheChristmasfestival，GotthardandRudliebwereshipwreckedonthecoastofNorway，duringaviolentwintertempest。Theycouldneverexactlyascertainthesituationoftherocksonwhichtheirvesselstranded;butsomuchiscertain，thatverynearthesea-shorestoodahugecastle，towhichthefatherandsonbetookthemselves，seekingforthatassistanceandshelterwhichChristianpeopleareeverwillingtoaffordeachotherincaseofneed。Theywentalone，leavingtheirfollowerstowatchtheinjuredship。Thecastle-gateswerethrownopen，andtheythoughtallwaswell。Butonasuddenthecourt-yardwasfilledwitharmedmen，whowithoneaccordaimedtheirsharpiron-pointedspearsatthedefencelessstrangers，whosedignifiedremonstrancesandmildentreatieswereonlyheardinsullensilenceorwithscornfuljeerings。Afterawhileaknightcamedownthestairs，withfire-
flashingeyes。Theyhardlyknewwhethertothinktheysawaspectre，orawildheathen;hegaveasignal，andthefatalspearsclosedaroundthem。Atthatinstantthesofttonesofawoman’svoicefellontheirear，callingontheSaviour’sholynameforaid;atthesound，thespectresinthecourt-yardrushedmadlyoneagainsttheother，thegatesburstopen，andGotthardandRudliebfledaway，catchingaglimpseastheywentofanangelicwomanwhoappearedatoneofthewindowsofthecastle。Theymadeeveryexertiontogettheirshipagainafloat，choosingtotrustthemselvestothesearatherthantothatbarbarouscoast;andatlast，aftermanifolddangers，theylandedatDenmark。Theysaythatsomeheathenmusthaveownedthecruelcastle;butIholdittobesomeruinedfortress，desertedbymen，inwhichhellishspectreswerewonttoholdtheirnightlymeetings。Whatheathencouldbefoundsodemon-
likeastoofferdeathtoshipwreckedstrangers，insteadofrefreshmentandshelter？"
Biorngazedfixedlyontheground，asthoughhewereturnedintostonebutSintramcametowardsthetable，andsaid，"Father，letusseekoutthisgodlessabode，andlayitlevelwiththedust。I
cannottellhow，butsomehowIfeelquitesurethattheaccurseddeedofwhichwehavejustheardisalonethecauseofmyfrightfuldreams。"
Enragedathisson，Biornroseup，andwouldperhapsagainhaveutteredsomedreadfulwords;butHeavendecreedotherwise，forjustatthatmomentthepealingnotesatrumpetwereheard，whichdrownedtheangrytoneshisvoice，thegreatdoorsopenedslowly，andaheraldenteredthehall。Hebowedreverently，andthensaid，"IamsentbyJarlErictheAged。HereturnedtwodaysagofromhisexpeditiontotheGrecianseas。HiswishhadbeentotakevengeanceontheislandwhichiscalledChios，wherefiftyyearsagohisfatherwasslainbythesoldiersoftheEmperor。Butyourkinsman，thesea-
kingArinbiorn，whowaslyingthereatanchor，triedtopacifyhim。
TothisJarlEricwouldnotlisten;sothesea-kingsaidnextthathewouldneversufferChiostobelaidwaste，becauseitwasanislandwherethelaysofanoldGreekbard，calledHomer，wereexcellentlysung，andwheremore-overaverychoicewinewasmade。Wordsprovingofnoavail，acombatensued;inwhichArinbiornhadsomuchtheadvantagethatJarlEriclosttwoofhisships，andonlywithdifficultyescapedinonewhichhadalreadysustainedgreatdamage。
ErictheAgedhasnowresolvedtotakerevengeonsomeofthesea-
king’srace，sinceArinbiornhimselfisseldomonthespot。Willyou，BiornoftheFieryEyes，atoncepayaslargeapenaltyincattle，andmoney，andgoods，asitmaypleasetheJarltodemand？
OrwillyoupreparetomeethimwithanarmedforceatNiflung’sHeathsevendayshence？"
Biornbowedhisheadquietly，andrepliedinamildtone，"SevendayshenceatNiflung’sHeath。"Hethenofferedtotheheraldagoldengobletfullofrichwine，andadded，"Drinkthat，andthencarryoffwiththeethecupwhichthouhastemptied。"
"TheBaronofMontfauconlikewisesendsgreetingtothychieftain，JarlEric，"interposedFolko;"andengagestobealsoatNiflung’sHeath，asthehereditaryfriendofthesea-king，andalsoasthekinsmanandguestofBiornoftheFieryEyes。"
TheheraldwasseentotrembleatthenameofMontfaucon;hebowedverylow，castananxious，reverentiallookatthebaron，andleftthehall。
Gabriellelookedonherknight，smilinglovinglyandsecurely，forshewellknewhisvictoriousprowess;andsheonlyasked，"WhereshallIremain，whilstyougoforthtobattle，Folko？"
"Ihadhoped，"answeredBiorn，"thatyouwouldbewellcontentedtostayinthiscastle，lovelylady;Ileavemysontoguardyouandattendonyou。"
Gabriellehesitatedaninstant;andSintram，whohadresumedhispositionnearthefire，mutteredtohimselfashefixedhiseyesonthebrightflameswhichwereflashingup，"Yes，yes，soitwillprobablyhappen。IcanfancythatDukeMenelaushadjustleftSpartaonsomewarlikeexpedition，whentheyoungknightParismetthelovelyHelenthateveninginthegarden。"
ButGabrielle，shudderingalthoughsheknewnotwhy，saidquickly，"Withoutyou，Folko？AndmustIforegothejoyofseeingyoufight？
orthehonouroftendingyou，shouldyouchancetoreceiveawound？"
Folkobowed，gracefullythankinghislady，andreplied，"Comewithyourknight，sincesuchisyourpleasure，andbetohimabrightguidingstar。Itisagoodoldnortherncustomthatladiesshouldbepresentatknightlycombats，andnotruewarriorofthenorthwillfailtorespecttheplacewhencebeamsthelightoftheireyes。
Unless，indeed，"continuedhewithaninquiringlookatBiorn，"unlessJarlEricisnotworthyofhisforefather？"
"Amanofhonour"saidBiornconfidently。
"Thenarrayyourself，myfairestlove，"saidthedelightedFolko;
"arrayyourselfandcomeforthwithustothebattle-fieldtobeholdandjudgeourdeeds。"
"Comeforthwithustothebattle，"echoedSintraminasuddentransportofjoy。
Andtheyalldispersedincalmcheerfulness;Sintrambetakinghimselfagaintothewood，whiletheothersretiredtorest。
CHAPTER9
Itwasawilddrearytractofcountrythat，whichborethenameofNiflung’sHeath。Accordingtotradition，theyoungNiflung，sonofHogni，thelastofhisrace，hadthereendeddarklyasadandunsuccessfullife。Manyancientgrave-stoneswerestillstandingroundabout;andinthefewoak-treesscatteredhereandthereovertheplain，hugeeagleshadbuilttheirnests。Thebeatingoftheirheavywingsastheyfoughttogether，andtheirwildscreams，wereheardfaroffinmorethickly-peopledregions;andatthesoundchildrenwouldtrembleintheircradles，andoldmenquakewithfearastheyslumberedovertheblazinghearth。
Astheseventhnight，thelastbeforethedayofcombat，wasjustbeginning，twolargearmieswereseendescendingfromthehillsinoppositedirections;thatwhichcamefromthewestwascommandedbyErictheAged，thatfromtheeastbyBiornoftheFieryEyes。Theyappearedthusearlyincompliancewiththecustomwhichrequiredthatadversariesshouldalwayspresentthemselvesattheappointedfieldofbattlebeforethetimenamed，inordertoprovethattheyrathersoughtthandreadedthefight。Folkoforthwithpitchedonthemostconvenientspotthetentofbluesamitefringedwithgold，whichhecarriedwithhimtoshelterhisgentlelady;whilstSintram，inthecharacterofherald，rodeovertoJarlErictoannouncetohimthatthebeauteousGabrielleofMontfauconwaspresentinthearmyoftheknightBiorn，andwouldthenextmorningbepresentasajudgeofthecombat。
JarlEricbowedlowonreceivingthispleasingmessage;andorderedhisbardstostrikeupalay，thewordsofwhichranasfollows：——
"WarriorsboldofEric’sband，Girdyourglitteringarmouron，Standbeneathto-morrow’ssun，Inyourmight。
Fairestdamethatevergladden’dOurwildshoreswithbeauty’svision，Maythybrighteyeso’erourcombat，Judgetheright！
TidingsofyonnoblestrangerLongagohavereach’dourears，Wafteduponsouthernbreezes，O’erthewave。
Nowmidstyonderhostileranks，Inhiswarlikepridehemeetsus，Folkocomes！Fight，menofEric，Trueandbrave！"
Thesewondroustonesfloatedovertheplain，andreachedthetentofGabrielle。Itwasnonewthingtohertohearherknight’sfamecelebratedonallsides;butnowthatshelistenedtohispraisesburstingforthinthestillnessofnightfromthemouthofhisenemies，shecouldscarcerefrainfromkneelingatthefeetofthemightychieftain。Buthewithcourteoustendernessheldherup，andpressinghislipsferventlyonhersofthand，hesaid，"Mydeeds，0
lovelylady，belongtothee，andnottome！"
Nowthenighthadpassedaway，andtheeastwasglowing;andonNiflung’sHeaththerewaswaving，andresounding，andglowingtoo。
Knightsputontheirrattlingarmour，war-horsesbegantoneigh，themorningdraughtwentroundingoldandsilvergoblets，whilewar-
songsandtheclangofharpsresoundedinthemidst。AjoyousmarchwasheardinBiorn’scamp，asMontfaucon，withhistroopsandretainers，cladinbrightsteelarmour，conductedtheirladyuptoaneighbouringhill，whereshewouldbesafefromthespearswhichwouldsoonbeflyinginalldirections，andwhenceshecouldlookfreelyoverthebattle-field。Themorningsun，asitwereinhomage，playedoverherbeauty;andasshecameinviewofthecampofJarlEric，hissoldiersloweredtheirweapons，whilstthechieftainsbentlowthecrestsoftheirhugehelmets。TwoofMontfaucon’spagesremainedinattendanceonGabrielle;forsonobleaservicenotunwillinglybridlingtheirloveoffighting。Botharmiespassedinfrontofher，salutingherandsingingastheywent;theythenplacedthemselvesinarray，andthefightbegan。
Thespearsflewfromthehandsofthestoutnorthernwarriors，rattlingagainstthebroadshieldsunderwhichtheyshelteredthemselves，orsometimesclatteringastheymetintheair;atintervals，ononesideortheother，amanwasstruck，andfellsilentinhisblood。ThentheKnightofMontfauconadvancedwithhistroopofNormanhorsemen——evenashedashedpast，hedidnotfailtolowerhisshiningswordtosaluteGabrielle;andthenwithanexultingwar-cry，whichburstfrommanyavoice，theychargedtheleftwingoftheenemy。Eric’sfoot-soldiers，kneelingfirmly，receivedthemwithfixedjavelins——manyanoblehorsefellwoundedtodeath，andinfallingbroughthisriderwithhimtotheground;
othersagaincrushedtheirfoesunderthemintheirdeath-fall。
Folkorushedthrough——heandhiswar-steedunwounded——followedbyatroopofchosenknights。Alreadyweretheyfallingintodisorder——
alreadywereBiorn’swarriorsgivingshoutsofvictory——whenatroopofhorse，headedbyJarlErichimself，advancedagainstthevaliantbaron;andwhilsthisNormans，hastilyassembled，assistedhiminrepellingthisnewattack，theenemy’sinfantryweregraduallyformingthemselvesintoathickmass，whichrolledonandon。Allthesemovementsseemedcausedbyawarriorwhoseloudpiercingshoutwasinthemidst。Andscarcelywerethetroopsformedintothisstrangearray，whensuddenlytheyspreadthemselvesoutonallsides，carryingeverythingbeforethemwiththeirresistibleforceoftheburningtorrentfromHecla。
Biorn’ssoldiers，whohadthoughttoenclosetheirenemies，lostcourageandgavewaybeforethiswondrousonset。Theknighthimselfinvainattemptedtostemthetideoffugitives，andwithdifficultyescapedbeingcarriedawaybyit。
Sintramstoodlookingonthissceneofconfusionwithmuteindignation;friendsandfoespassedbyhim，allequallyavoidinghim，anddreadingtocomeincontactwithonewhoseaspectwassofearful，nay，almostunearthly，inhismotionlessrage。Heaimednobloweithertorightorleft;hispowerfulbattle-axerestedinhishand;buthiseyesflashedfire，andseemedtobepiercingtheenemy’sranksthroughandthrough，asifhewouldfindoutwhoitwasthathadconjuredupthissuddenwarlikespirit。Hesucceeded。A
smallmanclothedinstrange-lookingarmour，withlargegoldenhornsonhishelmet，andalongvisoradvancinginfrontofit，wasleaningonatwo-edgedcurvedspear，andseemedtobelookingwithderisionattheflightofBiorn’stroopsastheywerepursuedbytheirvictoriousfoes。"Thatishe，"criedSintram;"hewhowilldriveusfromthefieldbeforetheeyesofGabrielle！"Andwiththeswiftnessofanarrowheflewtowardshimwithawildshout。Thecombatwasfierce，butnotoflongduration。Tothewondrousdexterityofhisadversary，Sintramopposedhisfarsuperiorsize;andhedealtsofearfulablowonthehornedhelmet，thatastreamofbloodrushedforth，thesmallmanfellasifstunned，andaftersomefrightfulconvulsivemovements，hislimbsappearedtostiffenindeath。
HisfallgavethesignalforthatofallEric’sarmy。Eventhosewhohadnotseenhimfall，suddenlylosttheircourageandeagernessforthebattle，andretreatedwithuncertainsteps，orraninwildaffrightonthespearsoftheirenemies。AtthesametimeMontfauconwasdispersingJarlEric’scavalry，afteradesperateconflict——hadhurledtheirchieffromthesaddle，andtakenhimprisonerwithhisownhand。BiornoftheFieryEyesstoodvictoriousinthemiddleofthefieldofbattle。Thedaywaswon。
CHAPTER10
Insightofbotharmies，withglowingcheeksandlooksofmodesthumility，SintramwasconductedbythebravebaronupthehillwhereGabriellestoodinallthelustreofherbeauty。Bothwarriorsbentthekneebeforeher，andFolkosaid，solemnly，"Lady，thisvaliantyouthofanobleracehasdeservedtherewardofthisday’svictory。
Iprayyoulethimreceiveitfromyourfairhand。"
Gabriellebowedcourteously，tookoffherscarfofblueandgold，andfastenedittoabrightsword，whichapagebroughttoheronacushionofclothofsilver。Shethen，withasmile，presentedthenoblegifttoSintram，whowasbendingforwardtoreceiveit，whensuddenlyGabrielledrewback，andturningtoFolko，said，"Noblebaron，shouldnotheonwhomIbestowascarfandswordbefirstadmittedintotheorderofknighthood？"Lightasafeather，Folkosprangup，andbowinglowbeforehislady，gavetheyouththeaccoladewithsolemnearnestness。ThenGabriellebuckledonhissword，saying，"ForthehonourofGodandtheserviceofvirtuousladies，youngknight。Isawyoufight，Isawyouconquer，andmyearnestprayersfollowedyou。Fightandconqueroftenagain，asyouhavedonethisday，thatthebeamsofyourrenownmayshineovermyfar-distantcountry。"AndatasignfromFolko，sheofferedhertenderlipsforthenewknighttokiss。Thrillingallover，andfullofaholyjoy，Sintramaroseindeepsilence，andhottearsstreameddownhissoftenedcountenance，whilsttheshoutandthetrumpetsoftheassembledtroopsgreetedtheyouthwithstunningapplause。OldRolfstoodsilentlyononeside，andashelookedinthemildbeamingeyesofhisfoster-child，hecalmlyandpiouslyreturnedthanks：
"Thestrifeatlengthhathfounditsend，Richblessingsnowshallheavensend！
Theevilfoeisslain！"
BiornandJarlErichadthewhilebeentalkingtogethereagerly，butnotunkindly。TheconquerornowledhisvanquishedenemyupthehillandpresentedhimtothebaronandGabrielle，saying，"Insteadoftwoenemiesyounowseetwoswornallies;andIrequestyou，mybelovedguestsandkinsfolk，toreceivehimgraciouslyasonewhohenceforwardbelongstous。"
"Hewassoalways，"addedEric，smiling;"Isought，indeed，revenge;
butIhavenowhadenoughofdefeatsbothbyseaandland。YetI
thankHeaventhatneitherintheGrecianseas，tothesea-king，norinNiflung’sHeath，toyou，haveIyieldedingloriously。"
TheLordofMontfauconassentedcordially，andheartilyandsolemnlywasreconciliationmade。ThenJarlEricaddressedGabriellewithsonobleagrace，thatwithasmileofwondershegazedonthegiganticgreyhero，andgavehimherbeautifulhandtokiss。
MeanwhileSintramwasspeakingearnestlytohisgoodRolf;andatlengthhewasheardtosay，"Butbeforeall，besurethatyouburythatwonderfullybraveknightwhommybattle-axesmote。Chooseoutthegreenesthillforhisresting-place，andtheloftiestoaktoshadehisgrave。Also，Iwishyoutoopenhisvisor，andtoexaminehiscountenancecarefully，thatso，thoughmortallysmitten，wemaynotburyhimalive;andmoreover，thatyoumaybeabletodescribetomehimtowhomIowethenoblestprizeofvictory。"
Rolfbowedreadily，andwent。
"OuryoungknightisspeakingthereofoneamongsttheslainofwhomIshouldliketohearmore，"saidFolko，turningtoJarlEric。"Who，dearJarl，wasthatwonderfulchieftainwholedonyourtroopssoskilfully，andwhoatlastfellunderSintram’spowerfulbattle-axe？"
"YouaskmemorethanIknowhowtoanswer，"repliedJarlEric。
"Aboutthreenightsagothisstrangermadehisappearanceamongstus。
Iwassittingwithmychieftainsandwarriorsroundthehearth，forgingourarmour，andsingingthewhile。Suddenly，abovethedinofourhammeringandoursinging，weheardsoloudanoisethatitsilencedusinamoment，andwesatmotionlessasifwehadbeenturnedintostone。Beforelongthesoundwasrepeated;andatlastwemadeoutthatitmustbecausedbysomepersonblowingahugehornoutsidethecastle，seekingforadmittance。Iwentdownmyselftothegate，andasIpassedthroughthecourt-yardallmydogsweresoterrifiedbytheextraordinarynoise，astobehowlingandcrouchingintheirkennelsinsteadofbarking。Ichidthem，andcalledtothem，buteventhefiercestwouldnotfollowme。Then，thoughtI，Imustshowyouthewaytosettowork;soIgraspedmyswordfirmly，Isetmytorchonthegroundclosebesideme，andIletthegatesflyopenwithoutfurtherdelay。ForIwellknewthatitwouldbenoeasymatterforanyonetocomeinagainstmywill。Aloudlaughgreetedme，andIheardthesewords，’Well，well，whatmightypreparationsarethesebeforeonesmallmancanfindtheshelterheseeks！’AndintruthIdidfeelmyselfreddenwithshamewhenIsawthesmallstrangerstandingoppositetomequitealone。Icalledtohimtocomeinatonce，andofferedmyhandtohim;buthestillshowedsomedispleasure，andwouldnotgivemehisinreturn。Ashewentup，however，hebecamemorefriendly——heshowedmethegoldenhornonwhichhesoundedthatblast，andwhichhecarriedscrewedonhishelmet，aswellasanotherexactlylikeit。Whenhewassittingwithusinthehall，hebehavedinaverystrangemanner——sometimeshewasmerry，sometimescross;byturnscourteousandrudeinhisdemeanour，withoutanyonebeingabletoseeamotiveforsuchconstantchanges。
Ilongedtoknowwherehecamefrom;buthowcouldIaskmyguestsuchaquestion？Hetoldusasmuchasthis，thathewasstarvedwithcoldinourcountry，andthathisownwasmuchwarmer。AlsoheappearedwellacquaintedwiththecityofConstantinople，andrelatedfearfulstoriesofhowbrothers，uncles，nephews，nay，evenfathersandsons，thrusteachotherfromthethrone，blinded，cutouttongues，andmurdered。Atlengthhesaidhisownname——itsoundedharmonious，likeaGreekname，butnoneofuscouldrememberit。
Beforelonghedisplayedhisskillasanarmourer。Heunderstoodmarvellouslywellhowtohandlethered-hotiron，andhowtoformitintomoremurderousweaponsthananyIhadeverbeforeseen。Iwouldnotsufferhimtogoonmakingthem，forIwasresolvedtomeetyouinthefieldwithequalarms，andsuchasweareallusedtoinournortherncountries。Thenhelaughed，andsaidhethoughtitwouldbequitepossibletobevictoriouswithoutthem，byskilfulmovementsandthelikeifonlyIwouldentrustthecommandofmyinfantrytohim，Iwassureofvictory。ThenIthoughtthathewhomakesarmswellmustalsowieldthemwell——yetIrequiredsomeproofofhispowers。Yelords，hecameoffvictoriousintrialsofstrengthsuchasyoucanhardlyimagine;andalthoughthefameofyoungSintram，asaboldandbravewarrior，isspreadfarandwide，yetIcanscarcebelievethathecouldslaysuchanoneasmyGreekally。"
Hewouldhavecontinuedspeaking，butthegoodRolfcamehastilybackwithafewfollowers，thewholepartysoghastlypale，thatalleyeswereinvoluntarilyfixedonthem，andlookedanxiouslytohearwhattidingstheyhadbrought。Rolfstoodstill，silentandtrembling。
"Takecourage，myoldfriend！"criedSintram。"Whateverthoumayesthavetotellistruthandlightfromthyfaithfulmouth。"
"Mydearmaster，"begantheoldman，"benotangry，butastoburyingthatstrangewarriorwhomyouslew，itisathingimpossible。Wouldthatwehadneveropenedthatwidehideousvisor！Forsohorribleacountenancegrinnedatusfromunderneathit，sodistortedbydeath，andwithsohellishanexpression，thatwehardlykeptoursenses。
Wecouldnotbyanypossibilityhavetouchedhim。Iwouldratherbesenttokillwolvesandbearsinthedesert，andlookonwhilstfiercebirdsofpreyfeastontheircarcases。"
Allpresentshuddered，andweresilentforatime，tillSintramnervedhimselftosay，"Dear，goodoldman，whyusesuchwildwordsasInevertillnowheardtheeutter？Buttellme，JarlEric，didyourallyappearaltogethersoawfulwhilehewasyetalive？"
"NotasfarasIknow，"answeredJarlEric，lookinginquiringlyathiscompanions，whowerestandingaround。Theysaidthesamething;
butonfartherquestioning，itappearedthatneitherthechieftain，northeknights，northesoldiers，couldsayexactlywhatthestrangerwaslike。
"Wemustthenfinditoutforourselves，andburythecorpse，"saidSintram;andhesignedtotheassembledpartytofollowhim。AlldidsoexcepttheLordofMontfaucon，whomthewhisperedentreatyofGabriellekeptatherside。Helostnothingthereby。ForthoughNiflung’sHeathwassearchedfromoneendtotheothermanytimes，yetthebodyoftheunknownwarriorwasnolongertobefound。
CHAPTER11
ThejoyfulcalmwhichcameoverSintramonthisdayappearedtobemorethanapassinggleam。Iftoo，attimes，athoughtoftheknightParisandHelenwouldinflamehisheartwithbolderandwilderwishes，itneededbutonelookathisscarfandsword，andthestreamofhisinnerlifeglidedagainclearasamirror，andserenewithin。
"Whatcananymanwishformorethanhasbeenalreadybestowedonme？"wouldhesaytohimselfatsuchtimesinstilldelight。Andthusitwentonforalongwhile。
Thebeautifulnorthernautumnhadalreadybeguntoreddentheleavesoftheoaksandelmsroundthecastle，whenonedayitchancedthatSintramwassittingincompanywithFolkoandGabrielleinalmosttheverysamespotinthegardenwherehehadbeforemetthatmysteriousbeingwhom，withoutknowingwhy，hehadnamedthelittleMaster。Butonthisdayhowdifferentdideverythingappear！Thesunwassinkingslowlyoverthesea，themistofanautumnaleveningwasrisingfromthefieldsandmeadowsaround，towardsthehillonwhichstoodthehugecastle。Gabrielle，placingherluteinSintram’shands，saidtohim，"Dearfriend，somildandgentleasyounoware，Imaywelldaretoentrusttoyoumytenderlittledarling。Letmeagainhearyousingthatlayofthelandofflowers;forIamsurethatitwillnowsoundmuchsweeterthanwhenyouaccompanieditwiththevibrationsofyourfearfulharp。"
Theyoungknightbowedashepreparedtoobeythelady’scommands。
Withagraceandsoftnesshithertounwonted，thetonesresoundedfromhislips，andthewildsongappearedtotransformitself，andtobloomintoagardenoftheblessed。TearsstoodinGabrielle’seyes;
andSintram，ashegazedonthepearlybrightness，pouredforthtonesofyetrichersweetness。Whenthelastnotesweresounded，Gabrielle’sangelicvoicewasheardtoechothem;andassherepeated"Singheigh，singho，forthatlandofflowers，"
Sintramputdownthelute，andsighedwithathankfulglancetowardsthestars，nowrisingintheheavens。ThenGabrielle，turningtowardsherlord，murmuredthesewords："Oh，howlonghavewebeenfarawayfromourownshiningcastlesandbrightgardens！Oh，forthatlandofthesweetestflowers！"
Sintramcouldscarcebelievethatheheardaright，sosuddenlydidhefeelhimselfasifshutoutfromparadise。ButhislasthopevanishedbeforethecourteousassurancesofFolkothathewouldendeavourtofulfilhislady’swishestheverynextweek，andthattheirshipwaslyingofftheshorereadytoputtosea。Shethankedhimwithakissimprintedsoftlyonhisforehead;andleaningonhisarm，shebenthersteps，singingandsmiling，towardsthecastle。
Sintram，troubledinmind，asthoughturnedintostone，remainedbehindforgotten。Atlength，whennightwasnowinthesky，hestartedupwildly，ranupanddownthegarden，asifallhisformermadnesshadagaintakenpossessionofhim;andthenrushedoutandwandereduponthewildmoonlithills。Therehedashedhisswordagainstthetreesandbushes，sothatonallsideswasheardasoundofcrashingandfalling。Thebirdsofnightflewabouthimscreechinginwildalarm;andthedeer，startledbythenoise，sprangawayandtookrefugeinthethickestcoverts。
OnasuddenoldRolfappeared，returninghomefromavisittothechaplainofDrontheim，towhomhehadbeenrelating，withtearsofjoy，howSintramwassoftenedbythepresenceoftheangelGabrielle，yea，almosthealed，andhowhedaredtohopethattheevildreamshadyielded。Andnowthesword，asitwhizzedroundthefuriousyouth，hadwell-nighwoundedthegoodoldman。Hestoppedshort，andclaspinghishand，hesaid，withadeepsigh，"Alas，Sintram！myfoster-child，darlingofmyheart，whathascomeoverthee，thusfearfullystirringtheetorage？"
Theyouthstoodawhileasifspell-bound;helookedinhisoldfriend’sfacewithafixedandmelancholygaze，andhiseyesbecamedim，likeexpiringwatch-firesseenthroughathickcloudofmist。
Atlengthhesighedforththesewords，almostinaudibly："GoodRolf，goodRolf，departfromme！thygardenofheavenisnohomeforme;
andifsometimesalightbreezeblowopenitsgoldengates，sothatI
canlookinandseetheflowerymeadow-landwherethedearangelsdwell，thenstraightwaybetweenthemandmecomethecoldnorthwindandtheicystorm，andthesoundingdoorsflytogether，andIremainwithout，lonely，inendlesswinter。"
"Belovedyoungknight，oh，listentome——listentothegoodangelwithinyou！Doyounotbearinyourhandthatveryswordwithwhichthepureladygirdedyou？doesnotherscarfwaveoveryourragingbreast？Doyounotrecollecthowyouusedtosay，thatnomancouldwishformorethanhadfallentoyou？"
"Yes，Rolf，Ihavesaidthat，"repliedSintram，sinkingonthemossyturf，bitterlyweeping。Tearsalsoranovertheoldman’swhitebeard。Beforelongtheyouthstoodagainerect，histearsceasedtoflow，hislookswerefearful，cold，andgrim;andhesaid，"Yousee，Rolf，Ihavepassedblessedpeacefuldays，andIthoughtthatthepowersofevilwouldneveragainhavedominionoverme。So，perchance，itmighthavebeen，asdaywouldeverbedidtheSuneverstandinthesky。ButaskthepoorbenightedEarth，whereforeshelookssodark！Bidheragainsmileasshewaswonttodo！Oldman，shecannotsmile;andnowthatthegentlecompassionateMoonhasdisappearedbehindthecloudswithheronlyfuneralveil，shecannotevenweep。Andinthishourofdarknessallthatiswildandmadwakesup。So，stopmenot，Itellthee，stopmenot！Hurra，behind，behindthepaleMoon！"Hisvoicechangedtoahoarsemurmurattheselastwords，storm-like。Hetoreawayfromthetremblingoldman，andrushedthroughtheforest。Rolfkneltdownandprayed，andweptsilently。
CHAPTER12
Wherethesea-beachwaswildest，andthecliffsmoststeepandrugged，andclosebytheremainsofthreeshatteredoaks，haplymarkingwhere，inheathentimes，humanvictimshadbeensacrificed，nowstoodSintram，leaning，asifexhausted，onhisdrawnsword，andgazingintentlyonthedancingwaves。Themoonhadagainshoneforth;andasherpalebeamsfellonhismotionlessfigurethroughthequiveringbranchesofthetrees，hemighthavebeentakenforsomefearfulidol-image。Suddenlysomeoneonthelefthalfraisedhimselfoutofthehighwitheredgrass，utteredafaintgroan，andagainlaydown。Thenbetweenthetwocompanionsbeganthisstrangetalk：
"Thouthatmovestthyselfsostrangelyinthegrass，dostthoubelongtothelivingortothedead？"
"Asonemaytakeit。Iamdeadtoheavenandjoy——Iliveforhellandanguish。"
"MethinksthatIhaveheardtheebefore。"
"Oh，yes。"
"Artthouatroubledspirit？andwasthylife-bloodpouredouthereofoldinsacrificetoidols？"
"Iamatroubledspirit;butnomaneverhas，orevercan，shedmyblood。Ihavebeencastdown——oh，intoafrightfulabyss！"
"Anddidstthoubreaktherethyneck？"
"Ilive，——andshalllivelongerthanthou。"
"Almostthouseemesttomethecrazypilgrimwiththedeadmen’sbones。"
"Iamnothe，thoughoftenwearecompanions，——ay，walktogetherrightnearandfriendly。Buttoyoubeitsaid，hethinksmemad。
IfsometimesIurgehim，andsaytohim，’Take！’thenhehesitatesandpointsupwardstowardsthestars。Andagain，ifIsay，’Takenot！’then，toacertainty，heseizesonitinsomeawkwardmanner，andsohespoilsmybestjoysandpleasures。But，inspiteofthis，weremaininsomemeasurebrothersinarms，and，indeed，allbutkinsmen。"
"Givemeholdofthyhand，andletmehelptheetogetup。"
"Ho，ho！myactiveyoungsir，thatmightbringyounogood。Yet，infact，youhavealreadyhelpedtoraiseme。Giveheedawhile。"
Wilderandeverwilderwerethestrugglingsontheground;thickcloudshurriedoverthemoonandthestars，onalongunknownwildjourney;andSintram’sthoughtsgrewnolesswildandstormy，whilefarandnearanawfulhowlingcouldbeheardamidstthetreesandthegrass。Atlengththemysteriousbeingarosefromtheground。Asifwithafearfulcuriosity，themoon，througharentintheclouds，castabeamuponSintram’scompanion，andmadecleartotheshudderingyouththatthelittleMasterstood，byhim。
"Avaunt！"criedhe，"IwilllistennomoretothyevilstoriesabouttheknightParis：theywouldendbydrivingmequitemad。"
"MystoriesaboutParisarenotneededforthat！"grinnedthelittleMaster。"ItisenoughthattheHelenofthyheartshouldbejourneyingtowardsMontfaucon。Believeme，madnesshastheealready，headandheart。Orwouldestthouthatsheshouldremain？Forthat，however，thoumustbemorecourteoustomethanthouartnow。"
Therewithheraisedhisvoicetowardsthesea，asiffiercelyrebukingit，sothatSintramcouldnotbutshudderandtremblebeforethedwarf。Buthecheckedhimself，andgraspinghissword-hiltwithbothhands，hesaid，contemptuously："ThouandGabrielle！whatacquaintancehastthouwithGabrielle？"
"Notmuch，"wasthereply。AndthelittleMastermightbeseentoquakewithfearandrageashecontinued："IcannotwellbearthenameofthyHelen;donotdinitinmyearstentimesinabreath。
Butifthetempestshouldincrease？Ifthewavesshouldswell，androllontilltheyformafoamingringroundthewholecoastofNorway？ThevoyagetoMontfauconmustinthatcasebealtogethergivenup，andthyHelenwouldremainhere，atleastthroughthelong，long，darkwinter。"
"If！if！"repliedSintram，withscorn。"Istheseathybond-slave？
Arethestormsthyfellow-workmen？"
"Theyarerebels，accursedrebels，"mutteredthelittleMasterinhisredbeard。"Thoumustlendmethyaid，sirknight，ifIamtosubduethem;butthouhastnottheheartforit。"
"Boaster，evilboaster！"answeredtheyouth;"whatdostthouaskofme？"
"Notmuch，sirknight;nothingatallforonewhohasstrengthandardourofsoul。Thouneedestonlylookattheseasteadilyandkeenlyforonehalf-hour，withouteverceasingtowishwithallthymightthatitshouldfoamandrageandswell，andneveragainresttillwinterhaslaiditsicyholduponyourmountains。ThenwinterisenoughtohinderDukeMenelausfromhisvoyagetoMontfaucon。Andnowgivemealockofyourblackhair，whichisblowingsowildlyaboutyourhead，likeravens’orvultures’wings。"
Theyouthdrewhissharpdagger，madlycutoffalockofhishair，threwittothestrangebeing，andnowgazed，ashedesired，powerfullywishing，onthewavesofthesea。Andsoftly，quitesoftly，didthewatersstirthemselves，asonewhispersintroubleddreamswhowouldgladlyrestandcannot。Sintramwasonthepointofgivingup，wheninthemoonbeamsashipappeared，withwhite-swellingsails，towardsthesouth。Anguishcameoverhim，thatGabriellewouldsoonthusquicklysailaway;hewishedagainwithallhispower，andfixedhiseyesintentlyonthewateryabyss。"Sintram，"avoicemighthavesaidtohim——"ah，Sintram，artthouindeedthesamewhosolatelywertgazingonthemoistenedheavenoftheeyesofGabrielle？"
Andnowthewatersheavedmoremightily，andthehowlingtempestsweptovertheocean;thebreakers，whitewithfoam，becamevisibleinthemoonlight。ThenthelittleMasterthrewthelockofSintram’shairuptowardstheclouds，and，asitwasblowntoandfrobytheblastofwind，thestormburstinallitsfury，sothatseaandskywerecoveredwithonethickcloud，andfaroffmightbeheardthecriesofdistressfrommanyasinkingvessel。
Butthecrazypilgrimwiththedeadmen’sbonesroseupinthemidstofthewaves，closetotheshore，gigantic，tall，fearfullyrocking;
theboatinwhichhestoodwashiddenfromsight，somightilyragedthewavesroundaboutit。
"Thoumustsavehim，littleMaster——thoumustcertainlysavehim，"
criedSintram’svoice，angrilyentreating，throughtheroaringofthewindsandwaves。Butthedwarfreplied，withalaugh："Bequiteatrestforhim;hewillbeabletosavehimself。Thewavescandohimnoharm。Seestthou？Theyareonlybeggingofhim，andthereforetheyjumpupsoboldlyroundhim;andhegivesthembountifulalms——
verybountiful，thatIcanassurethee。"
Infact，asitseemed，thepilgrimthrewsomebonesintothesea，andpassedscathelessonhisway。Sintramfelthisbloodruncoldwithhorror，andherushedwildlytowardsthecastle。Hiscompanionhadeitherfledorvanishedaway。
CHAPTER13
Inthecastle，BiornandGabrielleandFolkoofMontfauconweresittingroundthegreatstonetable，fromwhich，sincethearrivalofhisnobleguests，thosesuitsofarmourhadbeenremoved，formerlytheestablishedcompanionsofthelordofthecastle，andplacedalltogetherinaheapintheadjoiningroom。Atthistime，whilethestormwasbeatingsofuriouslyagainstdoorsandwindows，itseemedasiftheancientarmourwerealsostirringinthenextroom，andGabrielleseveraltimeshalfrosefromherseatingreatalarm，fixinghereyesonthesmallirondoor，asthoughsheexpectedtoseeanarmedspectreissuetherefrom，bendingwithhismightyhelmetthroughthelowvaulteddoorway。
TheknightBiornsmiledgrimly，andsaid，asifhehadguessedherthoughts："Oh，hewillneveragaincomeoutthence;Ihaveputanendtothatforever。"