He halted, for, by their eager gestures and cautious looks, he judged them to be desperate men, whom it would be well for him to avoid rather then meet. Withdrawing quickly into a deeper shade, he waited with impatience till their conference should be over.
As he waited he heard them speak.
“By this time,” said one, “he should have learned what is in store.”
“Doubtless,” said another. “Yet I am glad it was no earlier, for it will all be over before he can prevent it.”
“Ulf once dead,” said the first, “Sigurd cannot help being the king, however much he may dislike it.”
“Nay, he dislikes not being king, but he is so foolishly tender about his brother.”
The other laughed.
“There are others, I trust, will not be foolishly tender with his brother this night. At what hour is the deed to be done?”
“By midnight.”
At this Sigurd, who had heard it all, could not refrain from starting where he stood.