got into port. Every individual on board, as well as the king himself,
felt convinced that the storm was a visitation upon them for what they
had done.

King Athelstane had become very melancholy and offered large rewards to
any one who would bring him news of his unfortunate brother; and he
looked with horror upon Brithric as the cause of his having dealt so
hardly with Edwin. One day, when Brithric was waiting at table with
the king's cup, it happened that his foot slipped, and he would have
fallen if he had not dexterously saved himself with the other foot:
observing some of the courtiers smile, he cried out jestingly, "See
you, my lords, how one brother helps the other."

"It is thus that brother should aid brother," said the king; "but it
was thee, false traitor, that did set me against mine! for the which
thou shalt surely pay the forfeit of thy life in the same hour that
tidings are brought me of his death."

At that moment Wilfrid, presenting himself before the king, said, "King
Athelstane, I bring thee tidings of Edwin the Atheling!"

"The fairest earldom in my kingdom shall be the reward of him who will
tell me that my brother liveth," exclaimed the king eagerly.

"If thou wouldst give the royal crown of England from off thine head it
would not bribe the deep sea to give up its dead!" replied the page.

"Who art thou that speakest such woeful words?" demanded Athelstane,
fixing his eyes with a doubting and fearful scrutiny on the face of the
page.