The girl looked downcast & dejected. “Oh dear Christ, what ever will become of me!” she sobbed.

The young thane popped from his seat & strode to the center of the room. “Poor woman, unwise you were to trust a cad with your hart. What needs of you & child unborn may have will go unfulfilled.” Oswald turned to look at the young stranger. “Lad you still stand accused. You say you have no part, but no man to speak for you. The girls need is great, will you not bare her honor price. Have you some coin or means of payment. It like as not would go better on you to settle the score than to deny it & be held for court.”

Oswald conferred with the old man & the priest for some time. He gave instructions to one of his men to give a package of food to the girl. Mean while, four solders stood about Hawk awaiting the outcome of negotiations.

At last Oswald emerged from the corner where the discussion had taken place. “What say you Lad”, queried Oswald, “the price is 24 silver pennies. If you do not have it, I shall pay it, provided you take service with my band until your debt is paid in full.”