Then a lane was formed up the church, and the friends of Alfgar kept one side, while those of Edric kept the other, after which the bars of iron were laid down about two feet apart.
The bishop approached.
"Are ye all fasting with prayer?" he inquired.
The friends of accused and accuser from either side replied:
"We are."
"Humble yourselves, and pray to God to reveal the truth," said he, and sprinkled them with holy water, after which the book of the Gospels was passed all round to be kissed.
"Pray that God may reveal the truth," said he again.
"We do so pray."
Then Alfgar, who felt full of divine confidence, took his place at the end nearest the porch. He was given the book of the Gospels.
"Swear thy innocence upon the holy Gospels," said the bishop.