"I do not know if I have got it into my head or
not," he said; "but I am certain that my body is aware of your kingship." He
did not even move his eyes toward the stump of his wrist, but Canute turned
from him suddenly, his lip caught in his teeth, and once more strode up and
down the narrow space.
After the fourth round, he stopped and laid his hands affectionately upon his
foster-brother's shoulders. "Too long have we endured each other's roughness,
comrade, for you to think that unfriendliness is in my mind because I foam
over in this way. I tell you, you would not wonder at it if you knew the state
of my feelings. And I will not conceal it that I am glad you have come to
share them--though I have not the intention to heed a word of your advice," he
added, half laughing, half threatening. Pushing the other down upon the rough
bunk, he seated himself beside him, his elbows on his knees, his chin cupped
in his palms.
"The host is full of impatience; and I am weary unto madness. Never do we come
to any end, nor ever shall until that time when the wolf shall catch the sun!
I have nowhere heard of a more foolish war than this. It was in my mind, as
you came in, that I would send a favorable answer to the Englishman and get
the matter decided, one way or another."
Even Randalin uttered a cry; and Rothgar caught his King by the arm as though
to snatch him out of bodily peril.
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