"Whose chamber commanded the only entrance to the royal chamber?"
"Alfgar's."
"Who incautiously, as if forgetting himself, stated that he found the door bolted on the inside?"
"Alfgar."
"But the motive--the motive? The poor fellow loved him as he loved his own father."
"I cannot explain that difficulty, but I can suggest one motive which may already have suggested itself to several. But let me ask of what nation is Alfgar?"
"A Dane; but an Englishman by long habit."
"I can answer for that," said Elfwyn.
"Once a Dane always a Dane. Now a secret messenger arrived from Canute yesterday, and had a long private interview with Alfgar. In short, I dare not say all I know or suspect, for there can be little doubt who will reign in England now."
All were silent.