will his child die with us. Who will go with me to save our lives?
Paul Flida.
Not I, if they are to be saved in such wise.
Several.
Not I! Not I!
Peter.
Ha, but if it were to save my father!
Bård Bratte.
If you will go with me, come. First I go down to Hladehammer; there lies the troop we met at the bottom of the hill; they are the wildest dare-*devils of all the Vargbælgs; they had swum the river, knowing that they would find no grace in the churches. They are the lads for a raid on the King's ship! Which of you will follow me?
Some.
I! I!
Peter.
Mayhap I too; but first must I see my father into safe shelter.
Bård Bratte.
Ere daybreak will we make speed up the river. Come, here goes a short way downwards towards Hlade.
[He and some others go out to the right.
Peter.
[To Paul Flida.] Let not my father know aught
of this; he is soul-sick to-night, we must act
for him. There is safety in Bård Bratte's deed;
