prisoner, methinks he will not care to run the risk of again being
shut up within my walls."

"We will use all haste," Fitz-Osberne said. "Conrad's conduct is a
disgrace to every Norman noble, for all Europe will cry shame when
the news of the earl's treatment gets abroad. That Conrad should
hold him to ransom is only in accordance with his strict rights,
but that he should imprison and chain him is, by the saints, almost
beyond belief."

As soon as the knights had left, the duke sent for his chamberlain,
and ordered him to conduct Beorn and Wulf to an apartment and to
see that they were at once furnished with garments befitting young
nobles, together with a purse of money for their immediate wants.
Then taking a long and heavy gold chain from his neck he placed it
on the table, and with a blow with his dagger cut it in sunder, and
handed half to each of the lads.

"Take this," he said, "in token of my thanks for having brought me
this news, and remember, that if at any time you should have a boon
to ask that it is within my power to grant, I swear to you upon my
ducal honour that it shall be yours. Never have I received more
joyful news than that the great Earl of Wessex will shortly be my
guest."

The lads bowed deeply, and then followed the chamberlain from the
apartment.

"Well, what think you of it, Beorn?" Wulf said, when they found
themselves alone in a handsome chamber.