one who felt pity struggling with sterner emotions; yet the contest was
very short.

"It is of no use--he must die; if hearts break, I hope his will break,
and save me the task of shedding his blood, or causing it to be shed;
there must be no weakness now; he has been sadly wounded; if he is left
alone, he will die; better so--I would spare him if I were not bound
by an oath so dread that I shudder to think of it. The others have
escaped: he must die."

Still he walked to and fro, as if pity yet contended with the thirst for
vengeance in his hardened breast: perhaps it was his day of grace, and
the Spirit of Him, Who has said "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,"
pleaded hard with the sinner. Yet the gentle Voice pleaded in vain;
still he walked to and fro, until his resolution seemed firmly made; and
he left the chamber, fastening it on the outside.


CHAPTER XXI. "UNDER WHICH KING?"

It will be remembered that one of the theows who had borne Elfric home
from the field of battle had become alarmed by the suspicious aspect of
things at the hall, and had escaped, by prompt evasion, the confinement
which awaited his companions. Oswy, for it was he, thus showed his
natural astuteness, while he also conferred the greatest possible
obligation upon Elfric, since he bore the news of his ill-timed arrival
at once to the priory.

Here his worst suspicions were confirmed; and the faithful thrall heard
for the first time of the death of his late lord, and that he had given