"Yesterday I saw Surtur, and from today I am serving him."

"Did you speak with him?" she asked curiously.

"I did."

"Tell me what he said."

"No, I can't--I won't. But whatever he said, his beauty was more
tormenting than yours, Oceaxe, and that's why I can look at you in
cold blood."

"Did Surtur forbid you to be a man?"

Maskull frowned. "Is love such a manly sport, then? I should have
thought it effeminate."

"It doesn't matter. You won't always be so boyish. But don't try my
patience too far."

"Let us talk about something else--and, above all, let us get on
our road."

She suddenly broke into a laugh, so rich, sweet, and enchanting, that
he grew half inflamed, and half wished to catch her body in his arms.
"Oh, Maskull, Maskull--what a fool you are!"

"In what way am I a fool?" he demanded, scowling not at her words,
but at his own weakness.