What folly-fit do you speak in, fellow? What! Do you think I
would wed another comrade like yourself, or a playfellow like this youngster?"
Ever so gently his foot touched the boyish form on the step. "It is something
quite different from either of you that is my desire; something that is as
much higher as the stars are above these candles."
Disputing and agreeing, the clamor rose anew, and the Etheling turned to his
favorite with a jest. But the page was no longer in his place. He had risen to
his feet and was standing with his head flung back like one in pain, both
hands up tearing the tunic away from his throat. Sebert bent toward him with a
question on his lips.
He forgot the query before he could speak it, however, for at that moment
there was a sound of hurried steps on the stone stairs, and one of the armed
watchmen from the top of the Tower burst into the room.
"Lord," he gasped, "some one is upon us! We thought first it was naught but
the noise of the wind--then Elward saw a light. We swear they came not over
the bridge, yet--"
His words were cut short by a horn-blast from the darkness, loud and clear
above the whistling wind. Though only one woman screamed out Edmund's name, it
is probable that the same thought was in every mind. Jests and laughter died
on the lips that bore them, and with one accord the men turned in their seats
to watch their master.
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