not that he would put his threats into execution. Without uttering a
word in reply, she retired to her chamber, and thought deeply but in
vain how to avert the dark storm that hung over her. The great festival
approached nearer and nearer, and her anguish increased every day.

At last the lovers resolved on flight.

"I know," said Orm, "a secure place where we may remain undiscovered
until we find an opportunity of quitting the country."

At night, when all were asleep, Orm led the trembling Aslog over the
snow and ice-fields away to the mountains. The moon and the stars,
sparkling still brighter in the cold winter's night, lighted them on
their way. They had under their arms a few articles of dress and some
skins of animals, which were all they could carry. They ascended the
mountains the whole night long till they reached a lonely spot enclosed
with lofty rocks. Here Orm conducted the weary Aslog into a cave, the
low and narrow entrance to which was hardly perceptible, but it soon
enlarged to a great hall, reaching deep into the mountain. He kindled a
fire, and they now, reposing on their skins, sat in the deepest solitude
far away from all the world.

Orm was the first who had discovered this cave, which is shown to this
very day, and as no one knew anything of it, they were safe from the
pursuit of Aslog's father. They passed the whole winter in this
retirement. Orm used to go a-hunting, and Aslog stayed at home in the
cave, minded the fire, and prepared the necessary food. Frequently did
she mount the points of the rocks, but her eyes wandered as far as they
could reach only over glittering snow-fields.