other condition.

_Thorolf_.--Each of you would consider himself too young to die already,
if he were in my place now. You are keeping long your vow of everlasting
truce, Brand Kolbeinsson!

(BRAND _remains silent_.)

_Thorolf_.--Those that keep it as you do 'shall shun churches and
Christian people, the house of God and the houses of men and every home
but hell!' A great wonder it would be if you obtain the absolution of
a priest in the hour of your death. I summon you before God, Brand
Kolbeinsson!

_Broddi_.--Lead the man away to be executed, Helgi Skaftason, you have a
good axe.

_Helgi_.--That I have; nor shall I refuse its service.

_Thorolf_.--Helgi Skaftason is then to--! (_Quickly takes his ring off
his wrist and comes close to_ SIGURD. EINAR _happens to stand near so
that he can discern their speech_.) Can you keep a secret, priest?

_Sigurd_.--That can every one who is in holy office.

_Thorolf_ (_gives him the ring and says in low voice_).--Quickly hide
this ring and bring it to Lady Helga.

_Sigurd_ (_do_).--With what message?