"Lord,"  he  said,  almost  with  fierceness,  "tell
me  that  you  were  jesting  when  you  accused  me  of
forsaking  my  allegiance  to  you.  Say  that  you
do  not  hold  me  for  a  deserter,  or  my  foot  shall
wither  before  ever  it  makes  a  move  to  leave
you!"

Out  of  the  shadow  in  which  he  stood,  Helvin's
voice  sounded  presently  like  a  harp  strain  with
one  minor  chord.
"We  must  take  this,  comrade,  as  it  is.  It  was
a  jest, — and  it  was  the  truth.  You  could  no  more
hold  back  than  I  could  stay  you,  and  I  would  not
keep  you  if  I  could.  All  that  man  can  give  to  man,
you  have  given  me, — I  ask  not  woman's  share  be
sides.  Go,  and  good  go  with  you  for  your  love!"

Down  in  the  shadow,  their  hands  met  and  clasp
ed;  then  the  song-maker  turned  and  once  more
went  forward  towards  the  dark  mass.  After  some

180


Randvar  the  Songsmith

delay  the  broad  doors  opened  before  him,  and — as
had  been  foretold — did  not  close  after  him.
