It was Canute.
He led Alfgar forth into the courtyard.
"Thou dost not seem to fear death," said the boy prince.
"It would be welcome now."
"So some of our people sometimes say, but the motive is different; tell me what is the secret of this Christianity?"
Just then Sidroc and Anlaf came out from the hall and saw the two together. Sidroc seemed annoyed, and led the young prince away, while Anlaf seized the opportunity to whisper to his son:
"My son, I can do no more for thee; I see thou wilt persist in thine obstinacy. I release thee from thy promise given to me; escape if thou canst, or die in the attempt; but bring not my grey hairs to contempt on the morrow."
At this moment, Sidroc having seen Canute to the royal quarters, returned.
"Sidroc," said Anlaf, "I cannot any longer be the jailor of my unhappy and rebellious son. Let him be confined till the morrow. I shall ask leave of absence from Sweyn, and now I deliver Alfgar to your care."
"I accept the charge," said Sidroc; "follow me, Alfgar, son of Anlaf."