Somewhat relieved in their minds by this act, Mans Bryntesson, Ture Bjelke, and Nils Winge, three of the leading conspirators, decided to remain at home. To become wandering outlaws was too bitter a fate; they had not spoken at Larfva Heath, their letters were burnt, there was no evidence against them. But as for Ture Joensson and Bishop Magnus, they had put themselves openly on record. The pretence that the meeting had been called to test the loyalty of the people would have no weight with a man like King Gustavus. To remain would be to risk their lives, and collecting their money and valuables they made all haste to set foot on Danish territory, Ture Joensson finally to meet a tragical death in the invasion of Norway by the deposed King Christian, as described in the preceding tale. The embers of the rebellion were easily extinguished and the nation returned to its peaceful and satisfied condition, the officers of the king holding meetings with the malcontents and promising full pardon to those who would confess and renounce their disloyal acts. This offer of pardon was accepted by nearly the whole of the conspirators, the only ones who held out being Mans Bryntesson, the mock king, Nils Winge, and Ture Bjelke. Trusting to their letters having been destroyed they wrote to the king, saying that, as they felt entirely guiltless, they could not plead guilt and implore pardon, and thus put themselves under suspicion. They begged him to appoint a meeting at which their conduct could be investigated. This he agreed to, the 17th of June being fixed as the date. When the time came the three lords appeared before the appointed tribunal and were exhorted to confess their share in Ture Joensson's rebellion. Mans Bryntesson answered for the three, boldly declaring: "We did not venture to set ourselves against Ture Joensson on account of his great influence in the province; we often heard him speak disrespectfully of the king, but we bore with him in this for the sake of amusement, attributing it to his old age and childishness. But it can never be shown that we bore any share in his treason." "What will you venture that this cannot be proved against you?" asked the king. "Our neck to the sword and our bodies to the wheel, as the law exacts," they confidently replied. "Take care," said one of the counsellors. "Do not venture so much. Perhaps you may yet be found guilty." They replied by a haughty "No," and insisted on their innocence. Gustavus then spoke again, his gaze now stern and threatening: "Choose one of these two. Either to confess yourselves guilty and accept pardon, or to be tried and condemned according to law." "We choose to be judged according to the law," they replied; "and if we be found partakers in this rebellion we will willingly suffer and pay for it, as may be adjudged against us."