"Let us go, Egil," I said.
"Presently, maybe. But I seek someone, and must needs see your people. No harm shall come to them."
Then I thought that all was well, and I turned to the door and spoke:
"Lady abbess, you must needs come forward. I know this chief, and you need fear nought."
I heard Sister Sexberga's voice speaking low and pleadingly for a moment--and then all was lost.
"I am the Queen of England," said Emma in her proud, shrill voice. "Begone, churls, and let me not."
And bright in crimson and ermine she came from the cabin and stood swaying on the deck before Egil and his men, while round her train played heedlessly the ill-omened black kitten; and that seemed strange.
Egil bared his head and bowed before her.
"Are you truly the queen?" he said.
"Aye, knave. Who else should I be?" she answered. "Fetch me the old priest."