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We will have to swim over to Biorn's dwarf-country." "I propose that we go to the landing place," exclaimed Sigurd. "It may be that the ship which Valbrand sighted this morning is nearly here." "I say nothing against that," Rolf assented. They wheeled promptly toward a gate. But at that moment, Alwin caught sight of a blue-gowned figure watering linen in front of the women's-house.
Gilli may be slain, for every man a mistletoe-shaft grows somewhere. Or I may marry someone in Greenland. Already two chiefs have asked my hand of Leif, so it is not likely that I shall lack chances." "That is true; and it may also happen that the Lady Bertha will never get my runes. She was absent on a visit when Valbrand left them at her farm.
As they gazed upon the blooming banks and woods and low hills, warm and green with sunlight, cries of admiration burst from every throat. Valbrand made bold to warn his chief, "Though I do not dispute your will in this, any more than in anything else, I will say that difficulties are to be expected if men are to be parted from such a land without at least tasting of its good things."
Helga sprang aside with a shriek of warning. Eric's arm had shot up and back. With a bellow of rage, he leaped to his feet and hurled the axe at his son's head. Simultaneously came an oath from Valbrand and a roar from the crew; then a thundering blow, as the axe, missing the Lucky One by ever so small a space, buried itself deep in the wall behind him.
Instead of bursting into the tirade Alwin expected, Egil flushed and looked away. "It is enough that I am not pleased with his looks," he said sullenly. Valbrand tossed him his knife with a scornful grunt. "Go and get sense! Is he yours, that you may slay him because you dislike the tilt of his nose? Go dress yourself.
Gibbering with terror, he clutched Leif's cloak and clung there like a cat. For a moment the chief hesitated, looking down at him with disgust unutterable. Then he quietly loosened the golden clasp on his shoulder, flung the mantle off with a sweep that sent the thrall staggering backward, and marched away at the head of his men. Valbrand had handled rebellious slaves before.
With a hoarse cry, he caught up a fragment of broken oar and struck Kark over the head so that he fell stunned upon the deck, blood reddening his colorless face. "In the Troll's name!" Valbrand swore, after a moment of utter stupefaction. Alwin laughed between his teeth at Sigurd's despairing glance, and waited to feel the steersman's knife between his ribs.
Rolf's grip brought Egil to a standstill. The contempt in Helga's words was reflected in his face. He sheathed his sword with a scornful gesture. "You speak truth. I do not know how it was that I thought to do a thing so unworthy of me. I will leave Valbrand to draw the fellow's blood with a stirrup leather." He turned away, and the others followed.
"I dare throw this pan of water over you if you do not tell me instantly." "It would not matter much if you did. I am to have new clothes, of black velvet with bands of ermine. But hearken now: Leif has accepted the invitation! Even Valbrand thinks this a great wonder.
Valbrand, do you go first, that the others may follow you in order." The old warrior hesitated as he wheeled. "It is you who should go first, my chief. The heathens will murder you. We " "You will do as I command," Leif interrupted him distinctly; and after one glance at his face, they obeyed. Nothing like this had ever been seen before. A hush of awe fell upon Eric's men and Eric's guests.
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