"This I do because it is not meet that The O'Neill should give fealty to any, Lady Nuala. I am Brian O'Neill, of right The O'Neill and Earl of Tyr-owen, though these are empty titles. And this night you and I shall fall on Bertragh together, Bird Daughter, and when we have won it again it shall be yours as of old."
And amid a great roar of shouts welling up around him Brian bowed to Nuala.
"Then, Brian O'Neill," she said, quieting the tumult a little, "am I to understand that you wish to make pact with me, and to receive no reward?"
For a moment he gazed openly and frankly into her eyes, and under his look the red crept into her cheeks again; yet her own eyes did not flinch.
Brian laughed out.
"Yes, lady! It may be that I shall have a reward to ask of you, but that may not be until I have won back what I have lost for you."
"And what if the reward be too great?"
"Why, that shall be for you to say!" and Brian laughed again. "Is it agreed, Bird Daughter?"
For an instant he thought she meant to refuse, as she drew herself up and met his level eyes; the men around held their breaths, and the O'Malley chiefs glanced at each other in puzzled wonder. Then her quick laugh rippled out and she gave him her hand.
"Agreed, Brian—and I hope that you can shave that yellow beard of yours by to-morrow!"