"What is that you tell us so noisily, my girl?" Torarin asked.
"How can you know Herr Arne's moneys from any other?"
"Well may I know this very piece of silver from any other," said
Elsalill. "It is old and heavy, and it is chipped at the edge.
Herr Arne told us that it came from the time of the old kings of
Norway, and never would he part with it when he counted out money
to pay for his goods."
"Now you must tell us where you have found it, mistress," said another of the fishermen.
"I found it rolling before me in the street," said Elsalill. "One of the murderers has surely dropped it there."
"It may be as you say," said Torarin, "but what can we do in this matter? We cannot find the murderers by this alone, that you know they have walked in one of our streets."
The fishermen were agreed that Torarin had spoken wisely. They settled themselves again about the fire.
"Come home with me, Elsalill," said Torarin. "This is not an hour for a young maid to run about the streets of the town."
As Torarin said this, Elsalill looked about for her companions. But Sir Reginald and Sir Philip had stolen away without her noticing their departure.