They emerged from the shadow into the moonlight, and it became evident
that Sigurd was shaking his head dubiously.

"It seems to me also that I heard the door creak after us, and saw a
shadow slip past as we turned this corner. He is always on the watch; it
might easily be that our going out aroused his suspicions so that he is
hiding somewhere to track us. More than anything else in the world, is
he desirous to catch you in some disobedience."

Alwin tramped on doggedly. To all appearances, the court was as deserted
as a graveyard at midnight. Not even the whinny of a horse broke the
stillness. They passed into the shadow of a storehouse, and Alwin dived
into, the recess under the steps and began to fumble for something
hidden there. When he drew out a pair of skees and proceeded to put them
on, Sigurd burst forth with increased vehemence.

"Alwin, I implore you to heed my advice. My mind tells me that nothing
but evil can come of meddling with Skroppa. There will be no limit to
Leif's anger if he--"

"I tell you he will not find out," Alwin answered over his shoulder.
"His mind is so full of Eric's ill-doings, that he will not notice my
absence before I am back again. And to-night is the only night when I am
not in danger of being spied upon by Eric's men. It is my only chance."

"Yet Kark--"

"Kark may go into the hands of the Trolls!"