said Herr Arne.

Torarin tried to do as he was bid and tell of the assize and the
inquest, but he could command neither his lips nor his tongue, and
his speech was faulty and stammering, so that Herr Arne stopped
him at once. "Tell me only the main thing, Torarin. Were our
murderers found and punished?"

"No, Herr Arne," Torarin had the boldness to answer. "Your
murderers lie at the bottom of Hakefjord. How would you have any
take revenge on them?"

When Torarin returned this answer Herr Arne's old temper seemed to
be kindled within him and he smote the table hard. "What is that
you say, Torarin? Has the Governor of Bohus been here with judges
and clerks and held assize and has no man had the wit to tell him
where he may find my murderers?"

"No, Herr Arne," answered Torarin. "None among the living can tell
him that."

Herr Arne sat awhile with a frown on his brow, staring dismally
before him. Then he turned once more to Torarin.

"I know that you bear me affection, Torarin. Can you tell me how I
may be revenged upon my murderers?"

"I can well understand, Herr Arne," said Torarin, "that you wish
to be revenged upon those who so cruelly have deprived you of your
life. But there is none amongst us who walk God's earth that can