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Indeed, so little did it impede his movements that he could spring over chasms and mountain streams almost as well with as without it; and it was one of the boasts of his admiring friends that "he could leap his own height with all his war gear on!" We have already referred to Erling's partiality for the axe as an offensive weapon.
When they came to descend on the other side they were again obliged to advance in single file, so that the silence remained unbroken until they reached the base of the mountains. Here Erling's spirit revived a little, and he began to realise the absurdity of the conduct of himself and his friend. "Why, Glumm," he exclaimed at last, "a dumb spirit must have got hold of us!
Erling's wrath cooled, however, almost instantly on his observing Hilda's retreat before the fiery shower. He flung down his hammer, seized his battle-axe, and throwing it on his shoulder as he hurried out, speedily overtook her. "Forgive my rude manners," he said. "My soul was chafed by the thoughts that filled my brain, and I scare knew what I did."
There was the same height and width and massive strength, the same bold, fearless look in the clear blue eyes, and the same firm lips; but Erling's hair fell in softer curls on his shoulders, and his brow was more intellectual. Being a younger man, his beard was shorter.
"Nor I," added her companion. "Very strange," said she. Now there was nothing particularly strange in the matter. The fact was that the old man had just exercised a little of Erling's philosophy in the way of projecting a cause to its result. As we have elsewhere hinted, the hermit was not one of those ascetics who, in ignorance of the truth, banished themselves out of the world.
She immediately went to an inner closet, where the best garments and arms were kept, and brought forth Erling's finest suit of armour, in order that he might appear with suitable dignity at court.
While the power of Erling's muscles restrained Glumm, the deep-toned impassioned earnestness of his voice held back Ulf, who had leaped up and drawn his sword; but it was with evident reluctance that he paused and listened. "Now hear me," cried Erling; "I and Glumm will go down and mingle with Harald's men.
It may be he is wrong in some things how can a woman judge of such matters? but he is gentle, and has a kind heart." "I like him not," was Erling's curt reply. The youth and maiden had now reached a part of the valley where a small footpath diverged from the main track which led to Ulf's dwelling. The path ran in the direction of the hayfields that bordered the fiord.
On turning round a corner of rock the opening of the cave towards the sea suddenly appeared with a dazzling light like a great white gem. But another beautiful sight met his astonished gaze. This was Erling's ship of war, the Swan, which, with its figurehead erect, as though it were a living thing, sat gracefully on the water, above its own reflected image.
For a time it seemed doubtful which was the better man; for the King's blade whirled incessantly around his head like flashing light, and rang on Erling's shield, which was ever upraised to meet it.
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