“What has that to do with you?”

“Nothing.... Or—little. Freder is Hel’s son....”

“And mine....”

“Yes....”

“It is he whom I do not wish to lose.”

“Better to sin once more?”

“Yes.”

“And—”

“To suffer. Yes.”

“Very well, friend,” and in the voice was an inaudible laugh of mockery: “May it happen to you according to your creed...!”