“The flour Of wheat and milk boil quickly on a fire, And spread the mixture warm upon the tumor.” Remounting then he took the road he came; And Cuthbert used his medicine, and found That his physicians from th’ exalted throne Of the Supreme had come, and eased his pain, As with the fish’s gall he once restored The light to poor Tobias.” ² Bede’s Life of St. Cuthbert. “That is like me,” said the Danish girl. “Oh, I wonder if that would avail my poor limb?” “’Twill harm thee not to try it, and may it bring thee cure as it did Cuthbert.” “And ever will I hold thee in grateful memory should it do so,” said Hilda. “Take this charm, minstrel, and if it cures as thou dost say, bring that to Hilda, and from this land’s demesne shalt thou receive a jarl’s share. Ay, with vill upon it, too.” Alfred hesitated. “From this land’s demesne?” he repeated. “Then dost thou own the land?” “Not yet; but Alfred hath fled from our power, and soon will my father complete that which he hath so well begun. Fear not, minstrel! Thou shalt have thy share.” “But—” began Alfred. “The king doth wax impatient,” spake Egwina, quickly. “Should we not again soothe his brow with melody?” “Thou speakest well,” said Hilda. “I, too, would hear thy harp. Take the charm, minstrel, and bring it me should it fall out as thou hast said.” She extended the charm which Alfred took. Again the king and the maiden sang, and yet again. Guthrum rose from his seat and with his own hands bestowed gifts upon them. “Wondrous is thy skill, and that of the maiden also,” he said to Alfred. “Yet methinks that thou art not as are other skalds.” “Eager and willing am I to accept thy princely favors, O King, even as other skalds are,” returned the minstrel. “Kingly are thy gifts, Guthrum, as doth become thee. Why sayest thou that I am not as the others?” “Keen doth flash thine eye, and ever and anon thy glance doth penetrate as if to read my soul. An enemy would I say thou wert, but that thou hast looked with compassion upon mine afflicted one. And, minstrel, if thy cure doth work, add to what my child hath granted any boon that thou dost wish, and it shall be thine.” “I will remind thee of thy promise, my lord,” and Alfred drew his gonna about him. “Long will the harper remember thy gifts, for generous have they been, and again may he seek thy favor.” He turned to leave, when there came a commotion from the lower end of the hall. “Gyda, the seid woman hath come,” came the cry, and into the room the witch woman ran. “Guthrum! I would speak with Guthrum, the old,” she cried. “This night have I been warned that the enemy is within the camp. The Dragon hath come forth from his lair. He is within thy walls, Guthrum! Seize him, lest he devour thee!” “My king, we must fly,” whispered Egwina, with pale face. “I fear the wicca, for she hath marvelous power.”