But still not without sentence of law."
"That sentence has been in fact pronounced, for in such cases as these,
where the subject is too powerful for the direct action of the law to
reach him, the decision of the king and council must pass for law, and
they have decided that Dunstan must die, and have left the execution of
the sentence--to us."
He did not add that the council in question consisted of the giddy young
nobles who had surrounded Edwy from the first, aided by a few hoary
sinners whose lives of plunder and rapine had given them a personal
hatred of the Church.
Elfric heaved a sigh, and said:
"If so, I suppose I must obey; but I wish I had not been sent on the
expedition."
"It is to test your loyalty."
"Then it shall be proved. I have no personal motives of gratitude
towards Dunstan."
"Rather the contrary."
"Rather the contrary, as you say. But what sound was that? Surely
something stirred the bush!"
"A rabbit or a hare. You are becoming fanciful and timid. Well, you will
remember that tomorrow there must be no timidity, no yielding to what
some would call conscience, but wise men the scruples of superstition.
We shall not reach the monastery till dark, most of the visitors will
then have quitted it, and we shall take the old fox in a trap."
"You will not slay him in cold blood!"
"No. I shall bid him follow me to the king, and if he and his resist, as
probably they will, then their blood be on their own heads.
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