The women sat down to the shearing, while the two brothers stood ready with three fresh beasts in leash. Marcelius was close by Frederikke. And the spring sun shone warm and full upon them all.
"That's my second," said Frederikke. She stuffed the wool into a sack and rose to her feet.
"Come and see if we two can get hold of one by ourselves," said Marcelius. His voice quivered strangely as he spoke.
Frederikke moved to his side, and they walked off together, out of hearing of the others.
"They're over on the other side, I think," said Frederikke.
"Let's look over here first," answered Marcelius.
And they crossed over to the north on the shady side, but there were no sheep.
"They'll be out on the point there," said Marcelius, hurrying forward. But Frederikke was no longer light of foot as she had been, and fell behind a little. Marcelius took her hand and drew her on, talking in a loud, unnatural fashion:
"Come along and I'll show you. I'll show you."
"Don't shout like that, you'll frighten them all away," said Frederikke, thinking of the work in hand.
"I'll show you," he cried again. "And I'll teach you to play the organ."
"But—whatever's the matter?" she cried, looking at him keenly. His face was changed beyond all knowing.
Then she tried to draw back, but Marcelius held her firmly, dragging her till her shoes slithered over the rocks. And suddenly she realized that he was dragging her to her death; her courage failed her, and she grew helpless. Without word or cry she was dragged to the edge of the cliff and flung over.
So paralysed was she that she did not even grasp at him to save herself, Marcelius stood there safe and sound, though he had meant they should go together.
He looked round anxiously, to see if the others were following, but there was no one to be seen. He peered down over the cliff; the heavy wash of the water came up from below; the sea had taken her already. It was his turn now to follow: he pulled down his vest and made to throw himself over, but drew back again, and looked about for a path. And clambering down, he tried each foot-hold carefully, lest he should slip. Then at half way, he remem-
