Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/348

 Stand up, Skule Bårdsson, if you be king! Lie not there to rule the land.

If you scoff at my father, I will kill you.

I shall be killed whatever betides; for me King Håkon will have no grace; for I was his thane, and deserted him for Skule's sake. Think of somewhat that may save us. No deed so desperate but I will risk it now.

Could we but get over to the convent at Holm?

Better to Elgesæter.

[With a sudden outburst.] Best of all to go down to Håkon's ship and bear away the King-child.

Are you distraught?

No, no; 'tis our one hope, and easy enough to do. The Birchlegs are ransacking every house, and keeping watch on all the churches; they think none of us can have taken flight, since all the bridges are broken. There can be but few men on board the ships; when once we have his heir in our power, Håkon must grant us peace, else