ErlingTheBold

ByR.M.Ballantyne

ErlingtheBold

ChapterOneInWhichtheTaleBeginsSomewhatFuriously

Bytheearlylightofabrightsummermorning,long,longago,twosmallboatswereseentoissuefromoneofthefiordsorfirthsonthewestcoastofNorway,androwtowardstheskerriesorlowrockyisletsthatlayaboutamiledistantfromthemainland.Although themorningwas young, the sunwas alreadyhigh in the heavens,and brought out in glowing colours the varied characteristics of amountainsceneofunrivalledgrandeur.The twoshallopsmovedswiftly towards the islands, theiroarsshivering theliquidmirrorof the sea, andproducingalmost theonly sound thatdisturbedtheuniversal stillness, forat thatearlyhourNatureherself seemedburied indeep repose. A silvery mist hung over the water, through which theinnumerablerocksandislandsassumedfantasticshapes,andthemoredistantamong them appeared as though they floated in air. A few seagulls rosestartledfromtheirnests,andsailedupwardswithplaintivecries,asthekeelsoftheboatsgratedontherocks,andthemensteppedoutandhauledthemuponthebeachofoneoftheislets.AwilduncouthcrewwerethoseNorsemenofold!Allwerearmed,forintheirdays the power and themeans of self-defencewere absolutely necessary toself-preservation.

Most of them wore portions of scale armour, or shirts of ring mail, andheadpiecesofsteel,thoughafewamongthemappearedtohaveconfidenceinthe protection afforded by the thick hide of thewolf,which, converted intorude,yetnotungraceful,garments,coveredtheirbroadshoulders.All,withoutexception,carriedswordorbattle-axeandshield.Theyweregoodlystalwartmeneveryone,butsilentandstern.Itmighthavebeenobservedthatthetwoboats,althoughboundforthesameislet,didnotrowincompany.Theywerebeachedasfarfromeachotherasthelittlebayintowhichtheyranwouldadmitof,andthecrewsstoodaloofintwodistinctgroups.In the centre of each group stood amanwho, from his aspect and bearing,appearedtobesuperiortohisfellows.Onewasintheprimeoflife,darkandgrave; theother in the first flushofmanhood, full grown, thoughbeardless,fair,andruddy.Bothweretallerandstouterthantheircomrades.Thetwomenhadmettheretofight,andthecauseoftheirfeudwasLove!BothlovedafairNorsemaideninHorlingdal.Thefatherofthemaidfavouredtheelderwarrior;themaidherselfpreferredtheyounger.Inthosedays,barbarousthoughtheyundoubtedlywere,lawandjusticeweremorerespectedandmorefrequentlyappealedtoinNorwaythaninalmostanyothercountry.Liberty,crushedelsewhereunderthedeadweightoffeudalism,foundahome in thebleakNorth,anda roughbut lovingwelcomefrom thepiratical,sea-roving!Shedidnot,indeed,dwellaltogetherscathlessamongherdemi-savage guardians, who, if their perceptions of right and wrong weresomewhatconfused,mighthaveurgedinexcusethattheirlightwassmall.Shereceivedmany shocks and frequent insults from individuals, but libertywassincerely loved and fondly cherished by the body of theNorwegian people,through all the period of those dark ages duringwhich other nations scarcedaredtomentionhername.Nevertheless,itwassometimesdeemedmoreconvenienttosettledisputesbythesummarymethodofanappealtoarmsthantoawaittheissueofatediousanduncertainlawsuitsuchanappealbeingperfectlycompetenttothosewhopreferredit,andthebeliefbeingstrongamongthefieryspiritsoftheagethatOdin,thegodofwar,wouldassuredlygivevictorytotheright.In thepresent instance itwasnotconsideredany infringementof the lawofliberty that the issueof thecombatwouldbe thedisposalofa fairwoman’shand,with orwithout her heart.Then, as now,womenwere often forced tomarryagainsttheirwill.

Havinggone to that island to fightan islandbeing a naturally circumscribedbattlefield whose limits could not conveniently be transgressedthe twochampionssettoworkatoncewiththecoolbusinesslikepromptitudeofmensprungfromawarlikerace,andnurturedfromtheirbirthinthemidstofwar’salarms.Together,andwithout speaking, theyascended the rock,whichwas lowandalmostbarren,witha smallextentof turf in thecentre, level,andadmirablysuited to theirpurpose.Here they facedeachother; theonedrewhis sword,theotherraisedhisbattle-axe.Therewasnosentimentinthatcombat.Thetimesandthemenwereextremelymatter-of-fact. The act of slaying gracefully had not yet been acquired; yetthere was much of manly grace displayed as each threw himself into theposition that nature and experience had taught him was best suited to thewieldingofhispeculiarweapon.Foroneinstanteachgazedintentlyintothefaceoftheother,asiftoreadtherehis premeditated plan of attack. At that moment the clear blue eye of theyounger man dilated, and, as his courage rose, the colour mounted to hischeek.Theswartbrowoftheotherdarkenedashemarkedthechange;then,with sudden spring and shout, the two fell upon each other and dealt theirblowswithincrediblevigourandrapidity.Theywereawell-matchedpair.Fornearly twohoursdid they toil andmoilover thenarrow limitsof that sea-girt rockyetvictory leaned toneither side.Nowthefuriousblowsrainedincessantonthesoundingshields;anonthedinofstrifeceased,while thecombatantsmovedroundeachother,shiftingtheirpositionwithelasticstep,as,withwarymotionandeagleglances,eachsoughttocatchtheotheroffhisguard,andtheclashofsteel,astheweaponsmetinsudden onset, was mingled with the shout of anger or defiance. The sunglancedonwhirlingbladeandaxe,andsparkledontheircoatsofmailasifthelightningflashwereplayingroundthem;whilescreamingseamewsflewandcircledoverhead, as though they regardedwith intelligent interest and terrorthemortalstrifethatwasgoingonbelow.Blood ere long began to flow freely on both sides; the vigour of the blowsbegan to abate, the steps to falter. The youthful cheek grew pale; the darkwarrior’s brow grew darker, while heaving chests, labouring breath, and anoccasional gasp, betokened the approaching termination of the struggle.Suddenly theyouth,as ifunder the influenceofanew impulse,droppedhisshield,sprangforward,raisedhimselftohisfullheight,graspedhisaxewithboth hands, and, throwing it aloft (thus recklessly exposing his person),

broughtitdownwithterrificviolenceontheshieldofhisadversary.Theactionwassosuddenthattheother,alreadymuchexhausted,wasforthemomentparalysed,andfailedtotakeadvantageofhisopportunity.Hemetbutfailedtoarrest theblowwithhisshield.Itwascrusheddownuponhishead,andinanothermomenttheswarthywarriorlaystretchedupontheturf.Sternlythemenconveyedtheirfallenchieftohisboat,androwedhimtothemainland,andmanyaweekpassedbyereherecoveredfromtheeffectsoftheblow that felledhim.Hisconqueror returned tohavehiswoundsdressedbythe bride for whom he had fought so long and so valiantly on that brightsummermorning.ThusitwasthatKingHaldorofHorlingdal,surnamedtheFierce,conqueredKingUlfofRomsdal, acquiredhisdistinctiveappellation,andwonHerfridatheSoft-eyedforhisbride.It must not be supposed that these warriors were kings in the ordinaryacceptationofthatterm.Theybelongedtotheclassof“small”orpettykings,ofwhomthereweregreatnumbersinNorwayinthosedays,andweremerelyrichandpowerfulfree-landholdersorudallers.HaldortheFiercehadalargefamilyofsonsanddaughters.Theywereallfair,strong,andextremelyhandsome,likehimself.Ulf of Romsdal did not die of his wounds, neither did he die of love.Disappointed love was then, as now, a terrible disease, but not necessarilyfatal. Northmen were very sturdy in the olden time. They almost alwaysrecoveredfromthatdiseasesoonerorlater.Whenhiswoundswerehealed,UlfmarriedafairgirloftheHorlingdaldistrict,andwenttoresidethere,buthischange of abode did not alter his title. Hewas always spoken of asUlf ofRomsdal. He and his old enemy Haldor the Fierce speedily became fastfriends; and sowas it with theirwives,Astrid andHerfrida,who also tookmightily to each other. They span, and carded wool, and sewed togetheroftentimes, and discussed the affairs of Horlingdal, no doubt with mutualadvantageandsatisfaction.Twentyyearspassedaway,andHaldor’seldestson,Erling,grewtobeaman.He was very like his fatheralmost a giant in size; fair, very strong, andremarkablyhandsome.Hissilkenyellowhairfell inheavycurlsonapairofthebroadestshouldersinthedale.Althoughsoyoung,healreadyhadathickshortbeard,whichwasverysoftandcurly.Hislimbsweremassive,buttheyweresowellproportioned,andhismovementssolithe,thathisgreatsizeandstrengthwerenotfullyappreciateduntilonestoodclosebyhissideorfellintohispowerfulgrasp.

Erlingwaslion-like,yethewasbynaturegentleandretiring.Hehadakindlysmile,ahearty laugh,andbrightblueeyes.Hadhe lived inmoderndayshewould undoubtedly have been a man of peace. But he lived “long longago”thereforehewasamanofwar.Beingunusuallyfearless,hiscompanionsofthevalleycalledhimErlingtheBold.Hewas,moreover,extremelyfondofthesea,andoftenwentonvikingcruisesinhisownships,whencehewasalsostyledErlingtheSea-king,althoughhedidnotat that timepossessafootoflandoverwhichtoexercisekinglyauthority.Now, itmust be explained here that thewords Sea-king andViking do notdenotethesamething.Oneisapttobemisledbytheterminationofthelatterword,whichhasno referencewhatever to the royal titleking.Avikingwasmerelyapiratical roveron the sea, the sea-warriorof theperiod,but aSea-kingwas a leader and commanderofvikings.EverySea-kingwas aviking,but every vikingwas not a Sea-king; just as every Admiral is a sailor, buteverysailorisnotanAdmiral.WhenitissaidthatErlingwasaSea-king,itismuchasifwehadsaidhewasanadmiralinasmallway.

ChapterTwoIntroduces,amongothers,theHeroandHeroine,andopensupaViewof

NorseLifeintheOldenTime

Ulf of Romsdal had a daughter named Hilda. She was fair, and extremelypretty.Theyoungmensaid thatherbrowwasthehabitationof the lily,hereye themirrorof theheavens,hercheek thedwelling-placeof the rose.True, in theardour of their feelings and strength of their imaginations they used stronglanguage;neverthelessitwasimpossibletooverpraisetheNorsemaiden.Hernut-brownhair fell in luxuriantmassesoverher shapely shoulders, reachingfarbelowthewaist;herskinwasfair,andhermannersengaging.Hildawasundoubtedly blue-eyed and beautiful. She was just seventeen at this time.Those who loved her (and there were few who did not) styled her thesunbeam.Erling and Hilda had dwelt near each other from infancy. They had beenplaymates, and for many years were as brother and sister to each other.Erling’s affectionhadgradually grown into a stronger passion, but he nevermentionedthefacttoanyone,beingexceedinglyshamefacedandshyinregardto love. He would have given his ears to have known that his love wasreturned,buthedarednottoask.Hewasverystupidonthispoint.Inregardtootherthingshewassharp-wittedabovehisfellows.Noneknewbetterthanhe

howtoguidethe“warship”throughtheintricatemazesoftheisland-studdedcoastofNorway;noneequalledhimindeedsofarms;nooneexcelledhiminspeedoffoot,inscalingthefells,orintrackingthewolfandbeartotheirdens;butallbeathiminlove-making!Hewaswondrouslyslowandobtuseatthat,andcouldbynomeansdiscoverwhetherornotHildaregardedhimasaloverorabrother.Asuncertaintyonthispointcontinued,Erlingbecamejealousofall the young men who approached her, and in proportion as this feelingincreased his natural disposition changed, and his chafing spirit struggledfiercelywithinhim.Buthisnativegoodsenseandmodestyenabledhimprettywelltoconcealhisfeelings.AsforHilda,nooneknewthestateofhermind.Itis probable that at this time she herself had not a very distinct idea on thepoint.Hilda had a foster-sister namedAda,whowas also very beautiful. ShewasunusuallydarkforaNorsemaiden.Herakinindeedwasfair,butherhairandeyes were black like the raven’s wing. Her father was King Hakon ofDrontheim.Itwasthecustominthosewarlikedaysforparentstosendoutsomeoftheirchildren to be fostered by othersin order, no doubt, to render next toimpossible the total extirpation of their families at a time when suddendescentsuponhouseholdswerecommon.Bythusscatteringtheirchildrenthechances of family annihilationwere lessened, and the probability that somemembersmightbeleftalivetotakerevengewasgreatlyincreased.HildaandAdawerewarmlyattached.Havingbeenbroughtuptogether,theyloved each other as sistersall themore, perhaps, that in character theyweresomewhatopposed.Hildawasgrave,thoughtful,almostpensive.Adawasfullofvivacityandmirth,fondoffun,andbynomeansaversetoalittleofwhatshestyledharmlessmischief.NowtherewasamaninHorlingdalcalledGlumm,surnamedtheGruff,wholovedAda fervently.Hewas a stout, handsomeman, of ruddy complexion,andsecondonlytoErlinginpersonalstrengthandprowess.Butbynaturehewasmorose and gloomy.Nothingworse, however, could be said of him. Inotherrespectshewasesteemedabrave,excellentman.Glummwastooproudtoshowhis love toAdaveryplainly;butshehadwitenough todiscover it,though no one else did, and she resolved to punish him for his pride bykeepinghiminsuspense.Horlingdal,whereUlfandHaldorandtheirfamiliesdweltwas,likenearlyallthe vales on the west of Norway, hemmed in by steep mountains of greatheight, which were covered with dark pines and birch trees. To the levelpastures high up on mountain tops the inhabitants were wont to send their

cattle tofeed insummerthesmallcropsofhay in thevalleysbeingcarefullygatheredandhousedforwinteruse.Everymorning,beforethebirdsbegantotwitter,Hildasetout,withherpailandherwoodenbox, to climb themountain to theuplanddairyor “saeter”,andfetchthemilkandbutterrequiredbythefamilyduringtheday.AlthoughthemaidwasofnoblebirthUlf claimingdescent fromoneof thosewhoaresaid to have come over with Odin and his twelve godars or priests fromAsiathiswasnotdeemedaninappropriateoccupation.AmongtheNorsemenlabourwasthelotofhighandlow.Hewasesteemedthebestmanwhocouldfightmostvaliantlyinbattleandlabourmostactivelyinthefieldorwiththetoolsofthesmithandcarpenter.UlfofRomsdal,althoughstyledkinginvirtueofhisdescent,wasnot tooproud, in thebusy summertime, to throwoffhiscoatandtossthehayinhisownfieldsinthemidstofhisthralls(slavestakeninwar)andhouse-carles.Neitherhe,norHaldor,noranyofthesmallkings,although they were the chief men of the districts in which they resided,thoughtitbeneaththeirdignitytoforgetheirownspearheadsandanchors,ortomendtheirowndoors.Asitwaswiththemen,sowasitwiththewomen.HildatheSunbeamwasnotdespisedbecausesheclimbedthemountainsidetofetchmilkandbutterforthefamily.Onemorning, in returning from the fell,Hilda heard the loud clatter of theanvil at Haldorstede. Having learned that morning that Danish vikings hadbeen seen prowling among the islands near the fiord, she turned aside toenquirethenews.Haldorstedelayaboutamileupthevalley,andHildapassediteverymorningon herway to and from the saeter.Ulfstede lay near the shore of the fiord.Turningintothesmithy,shefoundErlingbusilyengagedinhammeringahugemass of stubborn red-hot metal. So intent was the young man on hisoccupation that he failed to observe the entrance of his fair visitor,who setdownhermilkpail,andstoodforafewminuteswithherhandsfoldedandhereyesfixeddemurelyonherlover.Erlinghadthrownoffhisjerkinandrolledupthesleevesofhisshirtofcoarsehomespunfabric,inordertogivehisthickmusculararmsunimpededplayinwieldingthehammerandturningthemassofglowingmetalontheanvil.Heworewoollen breeches and hose, both ofwhich had been fashioned by thefingers of his buxom mother, Herfrida. A pair of neatly formed shoes ofuntanned hidehis own workmanshipprotected his feet, and his waist wasencircledbyabroadleatherngirdle,fromonesideofwhichdependedashorthunting-knife,andfromtheotheraflap,withaslitinit,tosupporthissword.The latterweaponaheavydouble-edgedbladestood leaningagainst theforgechimney,alongwithahugebattle-axe,withinreachofhishand.Thecollarof

his shirt was thrown well back, exposing to view a neck and chest whosemusclesdenotedextraordinarypower,andthewhitenessofwhichcontrastedstrikinglywiththeruddyhueofhisdeeplybronzedcountenance.Theyounggiantappearedtotakepleasureintheexerciseofhissuperabundantstrength, for, instead of using the ordinary single-hand hammer with whichothermenwerewonttobendtheglowingmetaltotheirwill,hewieldedthegreatforehammer,anddiditaseasily,too,withhisrightarmasifithadbeenbutawoodenmallet.Themassofmetalatwhichhewroughtwas thickandunyielding,butunderhisheavyblowsitbegantoassumetheformofanaxeafactwhichHildanoticedwithasomewhatsaddenedbrow.Erling’slonghair,rolling as it did down his shoulders, frequently straggled over his face andinterfered slightly with his vision, whereupon he shook it back with animpatient toss, as a lionmight shake hismane,while he toiledwith violentenergyathiswork.Tolookathim,onemightsupposethatVulcanhimselfhadcondescendedtovisittheabodesofmen,andworkinaterrestrialsmithy!Duringoneofthetosseswithwhichhethrewbackhishair,Erlingchancedtoraise his eyes,which instantly fell uponHilda.A glad smile beamed on hisflushed face, and he let the hammer fallwith a ringing clatter on the anvil,exclaiming:“Ha!goodmorrow to thee,Hilda!Thoucomestwith stealthy tread, like themidnightmarauder.Whatnews?DoesallgowellatUlfstede?Butwhysosad,Hilda?Thycountenanceisnotwonttoquarrelwiththemountainair.”“Truly,no!”repliedthegirl,smiling,“mountainairlikesmewell.Ifmylooksare sadder than usual, it is because of the form of the weapon thou artfashioning.”“Theweapon!”exclaimedErling,asheraisedthehandleofthehammer,and,restinghisarmsonit,gazedathisvisitorinsomesurprise.“Itisbutanaxeasimpleaxe,perchanceatrifleheavierthanotheraxesbecauseitsuitsmyarmbetter,andIhaveaweaknessthatway.Whatailstheeatabattle-axe,Hilda?”“Iquarrelnotwiththeaxe,Erling,butitremindsmeofthyloveoffighting,andIgrieveforthat.Whyartthousofondofwar?”“Fondofwar!”echoed theyouth. “Now,outupon thee,Hilda!whatwereamanfitforifhecouldnotfight?”“Nay, I question not thine ability to fight, but I grieve to see thy love forfighting.”“Trulythereseemstomeacloserelationshipbetweentheloveofwarandthe

abilitytofight,”returnedtheyouth.“Buttobeplainwiththee:Idonotlovewarsomuchasyethink.YetIutterthisinthineear,forIwouldnotthattheblades of the valley knew it, lest theymight presume upon it, and I shouldhavetoprovemyabilitydespitemywantofloveuponsomeoftheircarcasses.”“Iwishtherewerenosuchthingaswar,”saidHildawithasigh.Erlingknittedhisbrowsandgazedintothesmithyfireasifhewereengagedin pondering some knotty point. “Well, I’m not sure,” said he slowly, anddescendingtoagravertoneofaddress“I’mnotsurethatIcangoquitesofarasthat.Ifwehadnowaratall,perchanceourswordsmightrust,andourskill,forwantofpractice,mightfailusinthehourofneed.Besides,howcouldmeninthatcasehopetodwellwithOdininValhalla’sbrightandmerryhalls?ButIagree with thee in wishing that we had less of war and more of peace athome.”“I fear,” saidHilda, “weseem likely tohavemoreofwarand lessofpeacethanusual,ifrumoursbetrue.HaveyouheardthatDanishvikingshavebeenseenamongtheislands?”“Aye, truly, I have heard of them, and it is that which has sent me to thesmithythismorningtohastenforwardmybattle-axe;forIlovenottoolightaweapon.You see,Hilda,when it hasnotweightonemust sometimes repeattheblow;especially if themailbe strong.Butwith aheavyaxeanda stoutarmthereisnoneedforthat.Ihadbegunthisweapon,”continuedtheyouth,asifheweremusingaloudratherthanspeakingtohiscompanion,“withintenttotryitsmetalontheheadoftheKing;butIfearmeitwillbenecessarytouseitincrackingaviking’sheadpiecebeforeitcleavesaroyalcrown.”“The King!” exclaimed Hilda, with a look of surprise, not unmingled withterror,“Erling,hasambitionledtheetothis?”“Notso;butself-preservationurgesmetoit.”Themaidenpausedafewseconds,eresherepliedinameditativevoice“Theoldmanwhocameamongusayearago,andwhocallshimselfChristian,tellsmethathisgodisnotagodofwar,likeOdin;hesaysthathisgodpermitsnowartomen,savethatofself-defence;but,Erling,wouldslayingtheKingbeindeedanactofself-preservation?”“Aye,ingoodsoothwouldit,”repliedtheyouthquickly,whileadarkfrowncrossedhisbrow.“Howcanthatbe?”askedthemaiden.

“Hast such small love for gossip, Hilda, that the foul deeds and ambitiousprojectsofHaraldHaarfagerhavenotreachedthineear?”“Ihaveheard,”repliedHilda,“thatheisfondofwar,which,truly,isnonews,andthatheisjustnowmorebusywithhisbloodygamethanusual;butwhatdoesthatmattertothee?”“Matter!”criedtheyouthimpatiently,asheseizedthelumpofmetalonwhichhe had been at work, and, thrusting it into the smouldering charcoal,commencedtoblowthefireenergetically,asiftorelievehisfeelings.“Knowye not that the Kingthis Harald Fairhairis not satisfied with the goodlydomains that of right belong to him, and the kingly rule which he holds,accordingtolaw,overallNorway,butthathemeanstosubduethewholelandtohimself,andtrampleonournecksashehasalreadytrampledonourlaws?”“Iknowsomewhatofthis,”saidHilda.“No one,” pursued Erling vehemently, and blowing the fire into a ferventheat“noonedeniestoHaraldtherighttowearthecrownofNorway.Thatwassettled at the Ore Thing (see note 1) in Drontheim long ago; but everyonedenieshis right to interferewithourestablished lawsandprivileges.Hashenot,bymeremightandforceofarms,slainmany,andenslavedothers,ofourbest and bravest men? And now he proposes to reduce the whole land toslavery,orsomethinglikeit,andallbecauseofthefoolishspeechofaproudgirl,whosaysshewillnotwedhimuntilheshallfirstsubduetohimselfthewholeofNorway,andruleoveritasfullyandfreelyasKingEricrulesoverSweden,orKingGormoverDenmark.Hehasswornthathewillneitherclipnor comb his hair, until he has subdued all the land with scatt (taxes) andduties anddomains, or die in the attempt.Trustme! he is like to die in theattempt; and since his Kingship is to be so little occupied with his hair, itwouldpleasemewellifhewouldusehistimeandhisshearsinclippingthetongueofthewenchthatsethimonsofoulanerrand.Allthisthouknowest,Hilda,aswellasI;butthoudostnotknowthatmenhavebeenatthestedeto-day, who tell us that the King is advancing north, and is victoriouseverywhere.AlreadyKingGandalfandHakoareslain;thetwosonsofKingEysteinhavealsofallen,andmanyoftheuplandkingshavebeenburned,withmostof theirmen, inahouseatRingsager.It isnotmanydayssinceHaraldwentupGudbrandsdal,andnorthover theDoverfielde,whereheorderedallthemen to be slain, and everythingwide around to be given to the flames.KingGrytingofOrkadal and all his people have sworn fidelity to him, andnowworst news of allit is said he is coming over to pay us a visit inHorlingdal.Isnotherecauseforfightinginself-defence,orratherforcountry,andlawsandfreedom,andwives,andchildren,and”

Theexcitedyouthstoppedabruptly,and,seizingthetongs,whirledthewhitemassofsemi-moltensteelupontheanvil,andfelltobelabouringitwithsuchgoodwill that a bright shower of sparks droveHilda precipitately out of theworkshop.Thewrongswhichroused theyoungNorseman’s indignation tosuchapitcharemattersofhistory.Thegovernmentof thecountryat that timeinvolvedthedemocraticelementvery largely. No act or expedition of any importance could be done orundertaken without the previous deliberation and consent of a “Thing”, orassembly of landed proprietors. There were many different Thingssuch asGeneralThings,DistrictThings,HouseThingsoftheKing’scounsellors,andHerdThingsof theCourt,etcetera,and to suchof these therewasadistinctandwell-knowntrumpetcall.TherewerealsofourgreatThingswhichwerelegislative, while the small district Things were only administrative. InadditiontowhichtherewastheOreThingofDrontheim,referredtobyErling.AttheseThingstheKinghimselfpossessednogreaterpowerthananyofthebonders.Hewasonlya“Thing-man”ataThing.No wonder, then, that the self-governing and warlike Norsemen could notbring themselves tamely to submit to the tyranny of Harald Haarfager, orFairhair, King of Norway by hereditary right, when he cast aside all therestraints of ancient custom, and, in his effort to obtain more power,commenced those bloody wars with his subjects, which had the effect ofcausingmanyofhischiefmentoexpatriatethemselvesandseeknewhomesin the islands of the greatwestern sea, andwhich ultimately resulted in thesubjugation(atleastduringthatreign)ofallthepettykingsofNorway.Thesesmallkings,beitobserved,werenotatthattimeexercisinganyillegalpower,orintheoccupationofanyunwarrantableposition,whichcouldbepleadedbyKingHaraldinjustificationofhisviolentproceedingsagainstthem.Thetitleof king did not imply independent sovereignty. They were merely thehereditarylordsofthesoil,whoexercisedindependentandrightfulauthorityover their own estates and households, and modified authority over theirrespectivedistricts,subject,however,tothelawsofthelandlawswhichwererecognised and perfectly understood by the people and the king, andwhichwereadmittedbypeopleandkingaliketohavemoreauthoritythantheroyalwill itself.By law the smallkingswerebound toattend themeetingsof theStorThingsorParliaments,atthesummonsofthesovereign,andtoabidebythedecisionsofthoseassemblies,whereallmenmetonanequalfooting,butwhere,ofcourse,intellectualpowerandeloquenceledthemultitude,forgoodorforevil, thenjustas theydonow,andwillcontinuetodoas longas,andwherever, free discussion shall obtain. To say that the possession of power,

wealth,or influencewasfrequentlyabusedtotheoverawingandcoercingofthoseassemblies,issimplytostatethattheywerecomposedofhumanbeingspossessedoffallennatures.SothoroughlydidtheNorthmenappreciatetheimportanceofhavingarighttoraisetheirvoicesandtovoteinthenationalparliaments,andsojealouslydidtheyassertandmaintaintheirprivileges,thattheKinghimselfbeforehecould,on his accession, assume the crownwas obliged to appear at the “Thing”,where a freeborn landholderproposedhim, andwherehis title to the crownwasinvestigatedandprovedindueform.NowarexpeditiononalargescalecouldbeundertakenuntilaThinghadbeenconverged,andrequisitionlegallymadebytheKingforasupplyofmenandarms;and,generally,wheneveranyact affecting national or even district interests was contemplated, it wasnecessary to assemble aThing, and consultwith thepeoplebefore anythingcouldbedone.Itmaybeeasilyunderstood,then,withwhatanoutburstofindignationafreeandwarlike race beheld the violent course pursued byHaraldFairhair,whoroamedthroughthecountrywithfireandsword,tramplingontheircherishedlaws and privileges, subduing the petty kings, and placing them, whensubmissive,asJarls,i.e.earlsorgovernorsoverthedistrictstocollectthescattortaxes,andmanageaffairsinhisnameandforhisbehoof.ItisnowonderthatErlingtheBoldgatheredhisbrowintoanominousfrown,pressed his lips together, tossed his locks impatiently while he thought onthesethingsandbatteredtheironmassonhisanvilwiththeamountofenergythathewouldhaveexpendedinbelabouringtheheadofKingHaraldhimself,hadopportunityoffered.Erling’s wrath cooled, however, almost instantly on his observing Hilda’sretreatbeforethefieryshower.Heflungdownhishammer,seizedhisbattle-axe,andthrowingitonhisshoulderashehurriedout,speedilyovertookher.“Forgivemy rudemanners,” he said. “My soulwas chafed by the thoughtsthatfilledmybrain,andIscareknewwhatIdid.”“Truly,thoumanoffire,”repliedthegirl,withanoffendedlook,“Iamofhalfamindnottopardonthee.See,mykirtleisdestroyedbytheshowerthoudidstbestowuponmesofreely.”“IwillrepaytheethatwithsuchakirtleasmightgraceaqueenthenexttimeIgoonvikingcruise.”“Meantime,” said Hilda, “I am to go about like a witch plucked somewhathastilyfromthefirebyasympathisingcrone.”

“Nay;HerfridawillmaketheeanewkirtleofthebestwoolatHaldorstede.”“Sothymother,itseems,istoworkandslaveinordertoundothymischief?”“Then,ifnothingelsewillcontentthee,”saidErlinggaily,“Iwillmaketheeonemyself;butitmustbeofleather,forIprofessnottoknowhowtostitchmore delicate substance. But let me carry thy pitcher, Hilda. I will go toUlfstedetoholdconversewiththyfatheronthesematters,foritseemedtomethatthecloudsaregatheringsomewhattoothicklyoverthedaleforcomfortorpeacetoremainlongwithus.”As the youngman andmaidenwended theirway down the rocky path thatskirtedthefoamingHorlingdalriver,Hildaassumedamoreserioustone,andsought to convince her companion of the impropriety of being too fond offighting,inwhichattempt,asmightbesupposed,shewasnotverysuccessful.“Why, Hilda,” said the youth, at the close of a speech in which his faircompanionendeavouredtopointouttheextremesinfulnessofvikingcruisesin particular, “it is, as thou sayest, unjust to take from another that whichbelongstohimifhebeourfriend;but ifheisourenemy,andtheenemyofourcountry,thataltersthecase.DidnotthegreatOdinhimselfgoonvikingcruiseandseizewhatpreyhechose?”Erlingsaidthiswiththeairofamanwhodeemedhisremarkunanswerable.“I know not,” rejoined Hilda. “There seems to me much mystery in ourthoughts about the gods. I have heard it said that there is no such god asOdin.”Themaidenutteredthisinasubduedvoice,andhercheekpaledalittleassheglancedupatErling’scountenance.Theyouthgazedatherwithanexpressionof extreme surprise, and for a few minutes they walked slowly forwardwithoutspeaking.There was reason for this silence on both sides. Hilda was naturally of asimple and trustful nature. She had been brought up in the religion of herfathers, and had listened with awe and with deep interest on many a longwinternighttothewildlegendswithwhichthescalds,orpoetsoftheperiod,werewont tobeguile theeveninghours inher father’smansion;butaboutayearbeforethetimeofwhichwewrite,anagedstrangerhadcomefromthesouth,andtakenuphisabodeinthevalley,inasecludedanddilapidatedhut,inwhichhewassufferedtodwellunmolestedbyitsowner,HaldortheFierce;whosefierceness,bytheway,wasneverexhibitedexceptintimeofwarandintheheatofbattle!

With this hermit Hilda had held frequent converse, and had listened withhorror,butwithaspeciesoffascinationwhichshecouldnotresist,tohiscalmandunanswerablereasoningonthefallacyofthereligionofOdin,andonthetruthofthatofJesusChrist.Atfirstsheresolvedtoflyfromtheoldman,asadangerousenemy,whosought to seduceher from thepathsof rectitude;butwhenshelookedathisgrave,sadface,andlistenedtothegentleandsheknewnotwhypersuasivetonesofhisvoice,shechangedhermind,andresolvedtohear what he had to say.Without being convinced of the truth of the newreligionof which she had heard rumours from the roving vikings whofrequentedHorlingdalshewasmuchshakeninregardtothetruthofherown,andnow, for the first time, shehadventured tohint to ahumanbeingwhatwaspassinginhermind.AtthisperiodChristianityhadnotpenetratedintoNorway,butanoccasionalwandererorhermithadfoundhiswaythitherfromtimetotimetosurprisetheinhabitantswithhisnewdoctrines,andthen,perchance,toperishasawarlockbecauseofthem.Erlinghadheardofthisoldman,andregardedhimwithnofavour, for in his sea rovings he had met with so-called Christians, whoseconducthadnotprepossessedhimintheirfavour.Asfortheircreed,heknewnothingwhateveraboutit.His mind, however, was of that bold, straightforward, self-reliant, andmeditative cast,whichhappilyhas existed in all ages and in all climes, andwhich,incivilisedlands,usuallybringsamantohonourandpower,whileinbarbarous countries and ages, if not associated with extreme caution andreticence,itisapttobringitspossessorintotrouble.Itwaswith astonishment that Erling heard sentimentswhich had long beenharbouredinhisownminddropfromthelipsofonewhosenaturalcharacterhe knew to be the reverse of sceptical inmatters of faith, or speculative inmattersofopinion.InsteadofmakingadirectreplytoHilda’sremark,hesaid,afterapause:“Hilda,IhavemydoubtsoftheoldmanChristian;mensayheisawarlock,andIpartlybelieve them,for it isonlysuchwhoshunthecompanyof theirfellows. Iwould caution thee against him.Hebelievesnot inOdinorThor,which ismatterof considerationmainly tohimself,butmethinksheholdethfellowship with Nikke, (Satan, or the Evil One) which is matter ofconsideration for all honest men, aye, and women too, who would live inpeace;for if theEvilSpiritexistsatall,asIfirmlybelievehedoes, insomeshapeorother,itwerewelltokeepasfarfromhimaswemay,andspeciallytoavoidthoseerringmortalswhoseemtocourthiscompany.”

“The oldman ismisjudged, believeme,” replied the girl earnestly; “I havespokenmuchwithhimandoft.Itmaybeheiswronginsomethingshowcanawomanjudgeofsuchmatters?butheisgentle,andhasakindheart.”“Ilikehimnot,”wasErling’scurtreply.The youth andmaiden had now reached a part of the valleywhere a smallfootpathdivergedfromthemaintrackwhichledtoUlf’sdwelling.Thepathran in the direction of the hayfields that bordered the fiord. Just as theyreachedit,Hildaobservedthatherfatherwaslabouringtherewithhisthralls.“See,” sheexclaimed, stoppingabruptly, and takingherpitcher fromErling,“myfatherisinthehayfield.”Theyouthwasabout toremonstrateand insistonbeingallowedtocarry thepitcher to the house before going to the field; but on second thoughts heresigned his slight burden, and, saying “farewell”, turned on his heel anddescendedthepathwithrapidstepandasomewhatburdenedheart.“She lovesmenot,”hemuttered tohimself, almost sternly. “I amabrother,nothingmore.”Indulging in these and kindred gloomy reflections, he advanced towards arocky defilewhere the path diverged to the right.Before taking the turn helookedback.Hildawas standingon the spotwhere theyhadparted,butherfacewasnotdirectedtowardsherlatecompanion.Shewaslookingsteadilyupthevalley.Presentlytheobjectwhichattractedherattentionappearedinview,andErlingfeltaslightsensationofanger,hescarceknewwhy,onobservingtheoldmanwhohadbeenthesubjectoftheirrecentconversationissuefromamongtherocks.Hisfirstimpulsewastoturnback,but,checkinghimself,hewheeledsharplyroundandhurriedaway.Scarcelyhadhetakenthreesteps,however,whenhewasarrestedbyasoundthat resembled a crash of thunder. Glancing quickly upwards, he beheld anenormousmassofrock,whichhadbecomedetachedfromthemountainside,descendinginshatteredfragmentsintothevalley.The formation of Horlingdal at that particular point was peculiar. Themountainrangesoneitherside,whichrosetoaheightofatleastfourthousandfeet,approachedeachotherabruptly, thusformingadarkgloomydefileofafewhundredyardsinwidth,withprecipitouscliffsoneitherside,andtheriverroaring in the centre of the pass. Thewater rushed inwhite-crested billowsthroughitsrock-impededbed,andterminatedinasplendidfoss,orfall,fortyorfiftyfeethigh,whichplungedintoaseethingcaldron,whenceitissuedinatroubled stream to theplain that openedoutbelow. It here found rest in the

level fields of Ulfstede, that lay at the head of the fiord. The openamphitheatre above this pass, with its circlet of grand glacier-cappedmountains,was theabodeofaconsiderablenumberof small farmers, in themidstofwhosedwellingsstoodtheresidenceofHaldor,wherethemeetinginthesmithyjustdescribedtookplace.Itwas in this narrow defile that the landslip happened, a catastrophewhichalwayshasbeenandstillisoffrequentoccurrenceinthemountainregionsofNorway.Hilda and the oldman (whomwe shall henceforth callChristian) cast theireyeshastilyupwardsonhearingthesoundthathadarrestedErling’sstepssosuddenly.Theenormousmassofrockwasdetachedfromthehillontheotherside of the river, but the defile was so narrow that falling rocks oftenreboundedquite across it.The slipoccurred justopposite the spotonwhichHildaandtheoldmanstood,andastheterribleshowercameon,tearingdowntreesandrocks,theheaviermassesbeingdashedandspurnedfromthehillsideininnumerablefragments, itbecameevidentthattoescapebeyondtherangeofthechaoticdelugewasimpossible.Hildaunderstoodthedangersowellthatshewaspanicstrickenandrootedtothespot.Erlingunderstooditalso,and,withasuddencry,dashedatfullspeedtotherescue.Hiscrywasonealmostofdespair,forthedistancebetweenthemwassogreatthathehadnochance,heknew,ofreachingherintime.Inthisextremitythehermitlookedroundforacreviceorarockwhichmightaffordprotection,butnosuchplaceofsafetywasathand.Thesideofthepassrosebehindthemlikeawalltoaheightofseveralhundredfeet.SeeingthisataglancetheoldmanplantedhimselffirmlyinfrontofHilda.Hislipsmoved,and the single word “Jesus” dropped from them as he looked with a calmsteadygazeattheavalanche.Scarcelyhadhetakenhisstandwhenthefirststonesleapedacrossthegorge,and, striking on the wall of rock behind, burst into fragments and fell in ashoweraroundthem.Someofthesmallerdébrisstrucktheoldman’sbreast,andthehandswhichhehadraisedtoprotecthisface;butheneitherblanchednorflinched.Inanotherinstantthegreaterpartofthehurlingrubbishfellwitha terrible crash and tore up the earth in all directions round them.Still theystoodunhurt!Theheightfromwhichtheruinhaddescendedwassogreatthatthemasseswerescattered,andalthough they flewaroundover,andclose tothem,thegreatshockpassedbyandleftthemunscathed.But the danger was not yet past. Several of the smallermasses, which hadbeenpartiallyarrestedintheirprogressbybushes,stillcamethunderingdown

the steep.Thequick eye of the hermit observedoneof these flying straighttowardshishead.Itsforcehadbeenbrokenbyatreeontheoppositehill,butitstillretainedtremendousimpetus.Heknewthattherewasnoescapeforhim.TohavemovedasidewouldhaveexposedHildatoalmostcertaindestruction.OnceagainhemurmuredtheSaviour’sname,ashestretchedoutbothhandsstraightbeforehisface.Therockstruckfullagainstthem,beatthemdownonhisforehead,andnextinstantoldmanandmaidwerehurledtotheground.WellwasitforErlingthatallthisoccurredsoquicklythatthedangerwaspastbeforehereachedthespot.Partoftheroadhehadtotraversewasstrewnsothicklywith the rocky ruin that his destruction, had he been a few secondssooneron theground,wouldhavebeen inevitable.He reachedHilda just intimetoassisthertorise.Shewasslightlystunnedbytheshock,butotherwiseunhurt.Not so thehermit.He layextendedwherehehad fallen;hisgreybeardandthin scattered locks dabbled with blood that flowed from a gash in hisforehead.Hildakneeledathisside,and,raisinghishead,shelaiditinherlap.“Now the gods be praised,” said Erling, as he knelt beside her, andendeavouredtostanchtheflowofbloodfromthewound;“Ihadthoughtthylasthourwascome,Hilda;butthepooroldman,Ifearmuchhewilldie.”“Notso;herecovers,”saidthegirl;“fetchmesomewaterfromthespring.”Erlingrantoarillthattrickleddownthefaceoftherockathisside,dippedhisleathern bonnet into it, and, quickly returning, sprinkled a little on the oldman’sface,andwashedthewound.“It isnotdeep,”heremarked,afterhavingexaminedthecut.“Hishandsareindeedbadlybruised,buthewilllive.”“Gettheetothestede,Erling,andfetchaid,”saidHildaquickly;“theoldmanisheavy.”Theyouthsmiled.“Heavyheis,nodoubt,buthewearsnoarmour;methinksIcanlifthim.”SosayingErlingraisedhiminhisstrongarmsandborehimawaytoUlfstede,where, under the tender care ofHilda andher foster-sisterAda, he speedilyrevived.Erlingwentoutmeanwhiletoassistinthehayfield.Note 1. The great assembly, or parliament, which was considered the only“Thing”whichcouldconferthesovereigntyofthewholeofNorway,theother

Thingshavingnorightorpowersbeyondtheircircles.Itwasconvenedonlyforthespecialpurposeofexaminingandproclaimingtherightoftheaspirantto the crown, but the King had still to repair to each Law Thing or SmallThingtoobtainitsacknowledgementofhisrightandthepowerofasovereignwithinitsjurisdiction.

ChapterThreeShowshowChiefFriendsmaybecomeFoes,AndCross-Purposesmay

ProduceCrossConsequences,involvingWorryandConfusionWhenChristianhadbeenproperlycared for,HildasentAda to thehayfield,sayingthatshewouldfollowherinashorttime.Nowitsohappened,byoneof thosecuriouscoincidenceswhicharegenerallyconsideredunaccountable,that as Ada ascended the track which led to the high field above the foss,Glumm the Gruff descended towards the same point from an oppositedirection,so thatameetingbetweenthe two, in thesecludeddell,where thetracksjoined,becameinevitable.Whether or not this meeting was anticipated we cannot tell. If it was, theyoungmanandmaidenwereinimitableactorsbynature,fortheyappearedtobewhollyunconsciousofaughtsavethepeculiarformationoftherespectivefootpaths along which they slowlymoved. There was, indeed, a twinkle inAda’s eyes; but thenAda’s eyeswere noted twinklers; besides, a refractoryeyelashmightaccountforsuchanexpression.As forGlumm, he frowned on the pathmost unamiablywhile he saunteredalongwithbothhandsthrust intothebreastofhistunic,andthepointofhissword raspingharshly against rocks andbushes.Glummwaspeculiar inhisweapons.Hewore a double-handed and double-edged sword,whichwas solongthathewasobligedtoslingitacrosshisbackinordertokeepitofftheground. The handle projected above his left shoulder, and the blade, lyingdiagonallyacrosshisperson,extendedbeyondhisrightcalf.Theyoungmanwasremarkablyexpertintheuseofthisimmenseweapon,andwasnotonlyaterror to his foes, but, owing to the enormous sweep of its long blade, anobject of some anxiety to his friends when they chanced to be fightingalongside of him.Hewore a knife or dagger at his girdle on the right side,whichwasalsoofunusualsize;inallprobabilityitwouldhavebeendeemedaprettygoodswordbytheRomans.TherewereonlytwomeninthedalewhocouldwieldGlumm’sweapons.ThesewereErlingandhisfather,Haldor.ThelatterwasasstrongamanasGlumm,Erlingwasevenstronger;though,beinganamiablemanhecouldnotbeeasilypersuaded toprovehisstrengthuponhisfriends.Glummworehishairveryshort.Itwascurly,andlayclosetohishead.

As he sauntered along he kicked the stones out of his way savagely, andappearedtofindrelief tohisfeelingsinsodoing,aswellasbyallowinghissword to rasp across the rocks and shrubs at his side. It might have beenobserved,however,thatGlummonlykickedthelittlestonesoutofhisway;heneverkickedthebigones.Itisinterestingtoobservehowtriflingamatterwillbring out a trait of human nature! Men will sometimes relieve their angryfeelingsbystormingviolentlyatthoseoftheirfellowswhocannothurtthem,but, strangely enough, they manage to obtain relief to these same feelingswithout storming,when they chance to be in the company of strongermenthanthemselves,therebyprovingthattheyhavepowersofself-restraintwhichprudencenot tosayfearcancall intoexercise!commendthismoralreflectionparticularlytothestudyofboys.AfterGlummhadkickedall the littlestonesoutofhisway,carefully lettingthebigonesalone,hecamesuddenlyfacetofacewithAda,whosalutedhimwithalookofstartledsurprise,aslightblush,andaburstofheartylaughter.“Why,Glumm,”exclaimed themaiden,withanarchsmile,“thoumusthaverisenoffthywrongsidethismorning.Methinks,now,wereIaman,Ishouldhave to look tomyweapons, for that long blade of thine seems inclined tofightwiththerocksandshrubsofitsownaccord.”Poor Glumm blushed as red as if he had been a young girl, at being thusunexpectedlycaughtgivingvent tohis ill-humour;he stammered somethingaboutbaddreams and evil spirits, and then, breaking into a good-humouredsmile,said:“Well,Ada,Iknownotwhatitisthatailsme,butIdofeelsomewhatcross-grained.Perchanceawalkwiththeemaycureme,Iseethouartboundforthehayfield.But hast thou not heard the news?TheDanish vikings are off thecoast,burningandmurderingwherevertheygo.Itisrumoured,too,thattheirfleet is under that king of scoundrels, Skarpedin the Red. Surely there isreasonformybeingangry.”“Nay,then,ifthouwertaboldmanthouwouldstfindreasoninthisforbeingglad,”repliedAda.“IsnotthechanceofafightthejoyofatrueNorseman’sheart?Surelyaspellmusthavebeenlaidonthee,ifthybrowdarkensandthyheartgrowsheavyonhearingofastoutenemy.ItisnotthuswithErlingtheBold.His brow clears and his eye sparkleswhen a foeworthy ofButwhatseest thou, Glumm? Has the Dane appeared in the forest that thy browbecomes so suddenly clouded? I pray thee do not run away and leave meunprotected.”

“Doubtless if I did, Erling the Bold would come to thine aid,” replied theyoungmanwithsomeasperity.“Nay, do not be angry with me, Glumm,” said the girl, laughing, as theyreachedthefieldwhereHaldorandhisstoutsonwerebusilyatworkassistingUlf, who, with all his thralls and freemen, was engaged in cutting andgatheringinhishay.“Hey!herecomecloudandsunshinehandinhand,”criedErling,pausinginhiswork,asGlummandhisprettycompanionapproachedthesceneoflabour.“Getonwiththywork,then,andmakethehaywhileIamshining,”retortedAda,bestowingontheyouthabrightsmile,whichhereturnedcheerfullyandwithinterest.This was the wicked Ada’s finishing touch. Glumm saw the exchange ofsmiles,andapangoffiercejealousyshotthroughhisbreast.“Thecloudsometimesdartsout lightning,”hemutteredangrily,and, turningon his heel, began to toss the haywith all hismight in order to relieve hisfeelings.Just then Hilda entered the field, and Glumm, putting strong constraint onhimself, accosted her with extreme cheerfulness and respectresolved in hisheart to showAda that there were other girls in Horlingdal worth courtingbesidesherself.InthisgamehewasbynomeanssuccessfulasregardedAda,whoatoncediscernedhisintention,buttheshaftwhichflewharmlesslypastherfixeditselfdeepinthebreastofanothervictim.Glumm’sunusualurbanitytookthekind-heartedHildasomuchbysurprise,thatshewasinterested,andencouragedhim,inwhatsheconceivedtobeatendencytowardsimprovementofdisposition,bybestowingonhimhersweetestsmilesduringthecourseofthe day, insomuch that Erling the Bold becamemuch surprised, and at lastunaccountablycross.Thusdidthesetwomen,whohadformanyyearsbeenfastandlovingfriends,becomedesperately jealous, thougheachsought toconceal thefact fromtheother. But the green-eyed monster having obtained a lodgment in theirbosoms,couldnotbeeasilycastout.Yetthegoodsenseofeachenabledhimtostrugglewithsomesuccessagainstthepassion,forGlumm,althoughgruff,wasbynomeansabadman.Thepresenceofthoseconflictingfeelingsdidnot,however,interruptorretardthe work of the field. It was a truly busy scene. Masters, unfreemen, andthralls,mistressesandmaidens,werethere,cuttingandturningandpilingupthepreciouscropwithmightandmain;fortheyknewthattheweathercould

notbetrustedto,andtheverylivesoftheircattledependedonthesuccessfulingatheringofthehay.AswehaveherementionedthethreedifferentclassesthatexistedinNorway,itmaybewelltoexplainthatthemasterswerepeasantsor“bonders”,butnotbyanymeanssimilartopeasantsinotherlands;onthecontrary,theyweretheudal-bornproprietorsofthesoilthepeasant-nobility,sotospeak,theUdallers,orfreeholders,withoutanysuperiorlord,andwereentitledtoattendandhaveavoiceinthe“Things”orassemblieswherethelawswereenactedandpublicaffairs regulated. The next class was that of the “unfreemen”. These werefreed slaves who had wrought out or purchased their freedom, but who,although personally free, and at liberty to go where and serve whom theypleased,werenotfreetoattendthelegislativeassemblies.Theywereunfreeofthe Things, and hence their apparently contradictory designation. They,however,enjoyedtheprotectionandcivilrightsimpartedbythelaws,andtotheir classbelongedall the cottarson the landpayinga rent inworkon thefarm of the bonder or udaller, also the house-carles or freeborn indoormen,and the tradesmen, labourers, fishermen, etcetera, about villages and farms.Thrallswereslavestakeninwar,overwhomtheownershadabsolutecontrol.Theymightsellthem,killthem,ordowiththemastheypleased.Thrallswerepermitted to purchase their freedomand all the descendants of those freedthralls,orunfreemen,werefree.Theclothingoftheunfreemenwasfinerthanthatofthethralls.Thelegsandarmsofnearlyallwerebarefromthekneesandelbowsdownward,thoughafew had swathed their limbs in bands of roughwoollen cloth, while othersusedstrawforthispurpose.Nearlyallthemenworeshoesofuntannedleather,and caps of the same material, or of rough homespun cloth, resembling informthecapofmodernfishermen.Theudallers,suchasHaldor,Ulf,andtheirchildren,were clad in finergarments,whichwere loopedandbuttonedwithbroochesandpendantsofgoldandsilver,thebootygatheredonthosevikingcruises,againstwhichHildainveighedsoearnestly.Theworkwentonvigorouslyuntilthesunbegantosinkbehindthemountainrangethatlaytothenorth-westwardofthedale.Bythistimethehaywasallcut, and thatportionwhichwas sufficientlydrypiledup, soUlfandHaldorleft thework tobe finishedby theyoungerhands,andstood together in thecentreofthefieldchattingandlookingon.Little changehad takenplace in thepersonal appearanceofUlfofRomsdalsince theoccasionof thatmemorableduel related in the first chapterofourstory. Some of his elasticity, but none of his strength,was gone.Therewasperhaps a little more thought in his face, and a few more wrinkles on hisswarthybrow,buthishairwasstillblackandhisfigurestraightasthebladeof

his good sword.His old enemy but now fast friend,Haldor the Fierce, hadchanged still less. True, his formerly smooth chin and cheeks were nowthickly covered with luxuriant fair hair, but his broad forehead was stillunwrinkled,andhisclearblueeyewasasbrightaswhen,twentyyearsbefore,itgleamedinyouthfulfireatUlf.ManyabattlehadHaldorfoughtsincethen,athomeandabroad,andseveralscarsonhiscountenanceandshouldersgaveevidence thathehadnotcomeoutof thesealtogetherscathless;butwarhadnotsouredhim.Hissmilewasasfree,open,andhonest,andhislaughasloudandhearty,asindaysofyore.Erlingwasthecounterpartofhisfather,onlyatrifletallerandstouter.Atashortdistancetheymighthavebeentakenfortwinbrothers,andthosewhodidnotknowthemcouldscarcelyhavebelievedthattheywerefatherandson.Closetothespotwherethetwofriendsstood,asturdythrallwasengagedinpilinguphaywithanuncommondegreeofenergy.Thismanhadbeentakenprisoner on the coast of Ireland by Ulf, during one of his sea-rovingexpeditions.Hehadahugemassiveframe,withaprofusionofredhaironhisheadand face, andapeculiarlyhumorous twinkle inhis eye.HisnamewasKettleFlatnose.Wehavereasontobelievethatthefirstpartofthisnamehadnoconnectionwith thatdomesticutensilwhich is intimatelyassociatedwithtea!Itwasamereaccidentalresemblanceofsoundnodoubt.Astothelatterpart,thatiseasilyexplained.Inthosedaystherewerenosurnames.Inordertodistinguishmenofthesamenamefromeachother, itwasusual todesignatethem by their complexions, or by some peculiarity of person or trait ofcharacter.AblowfromaclubinearlylifehaddestroyedtheshapeofKettle’snose, and had disfigured an otherwise handsome and manly countenance.Hence his name.Hewas about thirty-five years of age, large-boned, broad-shouldered,andtall,butleaninflesh,andratherungainlyinhismotions.Fewmen cared to grapple with the huge Irish slave, for he possessed asuperabundant share of that fire and love of fight which are said tocharacterisehiscountrymenevenatthepresenttime.Hewasalsogiftedwithalargeshareof theircharacteristicgoodhumourand joviality;whichqualitiesendeared him to many of his companions, especially to the boys of theneighbourhood.Inshort,therewasnotabetterfellowinthedalethanKettleFlatnose.“Thylabourisnotlight,Kettle,”observedUlftothethrallashepausedforafewmomentsinthemidstofhisworktowipehisheatedbrow.“Ill would it becomeme,master,” replied theman, “to takemywork easywhenmyfreedomissonearlygained.”“Right, quite right,” replied Ulf with an approving nod, as the thrall set toworkagainwithredoubledenergy.

“Thatman,” he added, turning to Haldor, “will work himself free in a fewweekshence.Heisoneofmybestthralls.Igivemyslaves,asthouknowest,leavetoworkafterhourstopurchasetheirfreedom,andKettlelabourssohardthathe isalmostafreemanalready, thoughhehasbeenwithmelittlemorethantwoyearsandahalf.Ifearthefellowwillnotremainwithmeafterheisfree,forheisanunsettledspirit.Hewasachiefinhisownland,itseems,andleftabridebehindhim,Iamtold.Ifhegoes,Iloseamanequaltotwo,heissostrongandwilling.Ho!Kettle,”continuedUlf,turningtotheman,whohadjustfinishedthejobonwhichhehadbeenengaged,“tossmeyonderstoneandletmyfriendHaldorseewhatthouartmadeof.”Kettleobeyedwithalacrity.Heseizedaroundstoneaslargeashisownhead,and,withanunwieldyactionofhisgreatframe,cast itviolently throughtheairaboutadozenyardsinadvanceofhim.“Wellcast,wellcast!”criedHaldor,whileamurmurofapplauserosefromthethrongoflabourerswhohadbeeninstantlyattractedtothespot.“Come,Iwilltrymyownhandagainstthee.”Haldoradvanced,and,liftingthestone,balanceditforafewmomentsinhisrighthand,then,withagracefulmotionandanapparentlyslighteffort,hurleditforward.ItfellafootbeyondKettle’smark.Seeing this the thrall leaped forward, seized the stone, ran back to the line,benthisbodyalmosttotheground,and,exertinghimselftotheutmost,threwitintothesamehollowfromwhichhehadliftedit.“Equal!”criedUlf.“Come,Haldor,tryagain.”“Nay, Iwill not try until he beatsme,” repliedHaldorwith a good-naturedlaugh.“Butdothoutakeacast,Ulf.Thinearmispowerful,asIcantellfromexperience.”“Not so,” repliedUlf. “It becomesmenwho are past their prime to reservetheirstrengthfortheswordandbattle-axe.Tryitoncemore,Kettle.Mayhapthouwiltpassthemarknexttime.”Kettletriedagainandagain,butwithoutgainingahair’s-breadthonHaldor’sthrow.ThestalwartthrallhadindeedputforthgreaterforceinhiseffortsthanHaldor,buthedidnotpossesshisskill.“Willnoyoungmanmaketrialofhisstrengthandskill?”saidHaldor,lookingroundupontheeagerfacesofthecrowd.“Glummisnodoubtanxioustotryhishand,”saidErling,whostoodcloseto

theline,withhisarmsrestingontheheadofhislong-haftedbattle-axe.“TheshiningoftheSunbeamwilldoubtlesswarmthyheartandnervethinearm.”Erlingmutteredthelatterpartofhisspeechinasomewhatbittertone,alludingto Hilda’s smiles; but the jealous and sulky Glumm could appreciate nosunbeams save those that flashed fromAda’s dark eyes. He understood theremarkasa triumphantand ironical taunt,and, leaping fiercely into the ringformedbythespectators,exclaimed:“Iwillcastthestone,butImusthaveabettermanthanthou,Kettle,tostrivewith.IfErlingtheBoldwillthrow”“Iwillnotbalk thee,” interrupted theotherquickly,ashe laiddownhisaxeandsteppeduptotheline.Glummnowmadeacast.Everyoneknewwellenoughthathewasoneofthebestthrowersofthestoneinallthedale,andconfidentlyanticipatedaneasyvictory over the thrall. But the unusual tumult of conflicting feelings in theyoungman’sbreastrenderedhimatthetimeincapableofexertinghispowersto the utmost in a feat, to excel in which requires the union of skill withstrength.Athisfirstthrowthestonefellshortaboutaninch!AtthisAda’sfacebecamegrave,andherheartbegantoflutterwithanxiety;foralthoughwillingenoughtotormentherloveralittleherself,shecouldnotbrooktheideaofhisfailinginafeatofstrengthbeforehiscomrades.Furiouswithdisappointmentandjealousy,andattributingAda’sexpressiontoanxietylestheshouldsucceed,Glummcastagainwithpassionateenergy,andsentthestonejustaninchbeyondthethrall’smark.Therewasadisputeonthepoint,however,whichdidnot tend tosoothe theyouth’s feelings,but itwasultimatelydecidedinhisfavour.Erling now stood forth; and as he raised his tall form to its full height, andelevated thestoneabovehishead,heseemed(especially toHilda) thebeau-idéalofmanlystrengthandbeauty.Hewasgrieved,however,atGlumm’sfailure,forheknewhimtobecapableofdoingbetterthanhehaddone.Herememberedtheiroldfriendshiptoo,andpityforhisfriend’slossofcreditcausedtherecentlyimplantedjealousyforamoment toabate.He resolved, therefore, toexerthimself just sufficiently tomaintainhiscredit.But, unhappily for the successful issue of this effort of self-denial, Erlinghappened to cast his eye towards the spot where Hilda stood. The tender-heartedmaidenchancedatthatmomenttoberegardingGlummwithalookof

genuinepity.OfcourseErlingmisconstruedthelook!Nextmomentthehugestonewentsingingthroughtheair,andfellwithacrashfulltwoyardsbeyondGlumm’s mark. Happening to alight on a piece of rock, it sprang onward,passedovertheedgeofthehillorbraeonthesummitofwhichthefieldlay,and gathering additional impetus in its descent, went bounding down theslope, tearing througheverything in itsway,until it found restat laston theseabeachbelow.Aperfectstormoflaughterandapplausegreetedthisunexpectedfeat,buthighabove the din rose the voice of Glumm, who, now in a towering passion,seizedhisdouble-handedsword,andshouting“Guardthee,Erling!”madeafuriousblowathisconqueror’shead.Erling had fortunately picked up his axe after throwing the stone. Heimmediatelywhirledtheheavyheadsoviolentlyagainstthedescendingswordthat the blade broke off close to the hilt, and Glumm stood before him,disarmed and helpless, gazing in speechless astonishment at the hilt whichremainedinhishands.“Mygoodsword!”heexclaimed,inatoneofdeepdespondency.At thisErlingburst into a hearty fit of laughter. “Mybad sword, thoumustmean,”saidhe.“HowoftenhaveItoldthee,Glumm,thattherewasaflawinthemetal!Ihaveadvisedtheemorethanoncetoprovetheblade,andnowthatthouhastconsentedtodoso,beholdtheresult!Butbenotsocastdown,man;Ihave forgedanotherblade specially for thyself, friendGlumm,butdidnotthinktogiveittheesosoon.”Glummstoodabashed,andhadnotaword to reply.Fortunatelyhis feelingswere relieved by the attention of the whole party being attracted at thatmoment to the figure of aman on the opposite side of the valley,who rantowardsthematfullspeed,leapingoveralmosteveryobstaclethatpresenteditselfinhiscourse.Inafewminutesherushed,panting,intothemidstofthethrong,andpresentedabatonorshortpieceofwoodtoUlf,atthesametimeexclaiming:“Haste!KingHaraldholdsaThingat theSprings.Speedon thetoken.”The import of thismessage and signalwerewell understood by themen ofHorlingdal.When an assembly or Thingwas to be convened for discussingcivilmattersawoodentruncheonwassentroundfromplacetoplacebyfleetmessengers,eachofwhomranacertaindistance,andthendeliveredoverhis“message-token” toanother runner,whocarried it forward toa third,andsoon. In this manner the whole country could be roused and its chief menassembledinacomparativelyshorttime.When,however,theThingwastobe

assembledforthediscussionofaffairspertainingtowar,anarrowsplitinfourpartswas themessage-token.When the split arrow passed through the landmenwereexpectedtoassemblearmedtotheteeth,butwhenthebatonwentrounditwasintendedthattheyshouldmeetwithoutthefullpanoplyofwar.Assoonasthetokenwaspresented,Ulflookedaboutforafleetmantocarryforward themessage.Severalof theyouthsatoncesteppedforwardofferingtheirservices.Foremostamongthemwasastout,deep-chestedactiveboyofabout twelve years of age, with long flaxen curls, a round sunburnt face, abold yet not forward look, amerry smile, and a pair of laughing blue eyes.This was Erling’s little brother Alrica lad whose bosom was kept in aperpetualstateofstormyagitationbytheconflictcarriedonthereinbetweenapowerful tendency to fun andmischief, and a strong senseof theobedienceduetoparents.“Iwillgo,”saidtheboyeagerly,holdingouthishandforthetoken.“Thou, my son?” said Haldor, regarding him with a look of ill-suppressedpride.“Gotothymother’sbower,boy.Whatifafox,ormayhapevenawolf,mettheeonthefell?”“HaveInotmygoodbowofelm?”repliedAlric,touchingtheweapon,which,withaquiverfullofarrows,wasslungacrosshisback.“Tush!boy;gopopat thesquirrels till thoubegrownbigenoughtowarrantthyboasting.”“Father,” saidAlricwitha lookofglee, “I’msure Ididnotboast. Ididbutpoint to my poor weapons. Besides, I have good legs. If I cannot fight,methinksIcanrun.”“Outuponthee”“Nay,Haldor,”saidUlf,interruptingthediscussion,“thouarttoohardonthelad.Canherunwell?”“I’llanswerforthat,”saidErling,layinghislargehandonhisbrother’sflaxenhead.“Idoubtifthereisafleeterfootinallthedale.”“Awaythen,”criedUlf,handingthetokentoAlric,“andseethatyedeserveallthispraise.Andnow,sirs,letusfaretothehalltosupandprepareforourjourneytotheSprings.”ThecrowdatoncebrokeupandhurriedawaytoUlfstedeinseparategroups,discussing eagerly as they went, and stepping out like men who had somepressingbusinessonhand.Alrichadalreadydartedawaylikeahunteddeer.

Erlingturnedhastilyasideandwentawayalone.Assoonashereachedaspotwhere the rugged nature of the ground concealed him from his latecompanions,hestartedupthevalleyathisutmostspeed,directinghiscoursesoastoenablehimtoovershootandintercepthisbrother.Hepassedagorgeaheadoftheboy;andthen,turningsuddenlytotheleft,boredownuponhim.So well did he calculate the distance, that on turning round the edge of ajuttingcliffhemethimfacetoface,andthetworansomewhatviolentlyintoeachother’sarms.On being relieved from this involuntary embrace, Alric stepped back andopenedhiseyeswidewithsurprise,whileErlingroaredwithlaughter.“Yearemerry,mybrother,”saidAlric,relaxingintoagrin,“butIhaveseentheeoftenthus,andmaynotstoptoobservetheenow,seeingthatitisnothingnew.”“Giveme an arrow, thou rogue! There,” said Erling, splitting the shaft intofour parts, handing it back to the boy, and taking the baton fromhim. “Gettheegone,anduse thy legswell.Wemustnotdo theKing thedishonour toappearbeforehimwithoutourweaponsintheseunsettledtimes.Letthetokenbesentoutnorth,south,east,andwest;and,harkee,lad,saynothingtoanyoneabouttheobjectoftheassembly.”Alric’s countenance became grave, then it again relaxed into a broad grin.Givinghisbrotheranemphaticwinkwithoneofhislargeblueeyes,hedartedpasthim,andwassoonfaruptheglen,runningwiththespeedofadeerandwavingthewar-tokenoverhishead.

ChapterFourDescribesWarlikePreparations,andaNorseHallintheOldenTimeTells

alsoofaSurpriseInsteadofreturningtoUlfstede,Erlingdirectedhisstepshomewardatabriskpace,andinashortspaceoftimereachedthedoorofhisforge.Herehemetoneofhisfather’sthralls.“Ho!fellow,”saidhe,“isthymistressathome?”“Yes, master, she is in the hall getting supper ready against your father’sreturn.”“Go tell her there will be no men to eat supper in the hall to-night,” saidErling,unfasteningthedooroftheforge.“SaythatIamintheforge,andwillpresentlybe in to speakwithher.Goalso toThorer, and tellhim toget the

house-carlesbuskedforwar.Whentheyarereadylethimcomehithertome;and,harkee,usethineutmostspeed;theremaybebloodyworkforusalltodothisnightbeforethebirdsareonthewing.Away!”Theman turnedandran to thehouse,whileErlingblewup thesmoulderingfireoftheforge.Throwingoffhisjerkin,herolleduphissleeves,andseizingthe axe on which he had been engaged when Hilda interrupted him, hewroughtsovigorouslyatthestubbornmetalwiththegreatforehammerthatinthecourseofhalfanhouritwasreadytofitonthehaft.Therewasabundleofhaftsinacorneroftheworkshop.Oneofthese,atoughthickonewithoutknotorflaw,andaboutfivefeetlong,hefittedtotheironheadwithgreatneatnessandskill.Thepolishingofthisformidableweaponhedeferredtoaperiodofgreater leisure. Having completed this piece of work, Erling next turned toanothercorneroftheforgeandtookupthehugetwo-handedswordwhichhehadmadeforhisfriendGlumm.Theweaponwas beautifully executed, and being highly polished, the bladeglitteredwithaflashinglight in theruddyglareof theforgefire.Theyounggiant sat down on his anvil and put a few finishing touches to the sword,regardingitthewhilewithagrimsmile,asifhespeculatedontheprobabilityofhishaving formedaweaponwherewithhisownskullwasdestined tobeclovenasunder.WhilehewasthusengagedhismotherHerfridaentered.The soft-eyed dame could scarcely be called amatronly personage.Havingmarriedwhenabout sixteen, shewasnow just thirty-eightyearsof age; andthoughthebloomofmaidenhoodwasgone,thebeautyofawell-favouredandhealthywomanstillremained.Sheworeacloakofrichbluewool,andunderitascarletkirtlewithasilvergirdle.“Hownow,myson,”shesaid;“whythesewarlikepreparations?”“Because there is rumourofwar; I’msure that isneitherstrangenornewtoyou,mother.”“Trulyno;andwelldoIknowthatwherewar is, theremyhusbandandmysonwillbefound.”Herfridasaidthiswithafeelingofpride,for,likemostofthewomenofthattime and country, she esteemedmost highly themenwhowere boldest andcouldusetheirweaponsbest.“’Twerewellifwewerelessnotedinthatway,andmoregiventopeace,”saidErling half-jestingly. “For my own part, I have no liking for war, but youwomenwillbeforeveregginguson!”

Herfrida laughed. Shewaswell aware ofwhat shewas pleased to term herson’sweakness,namely,anideathathelovedpeace,whilehewasconstantlyproving to theworld that hewas just cut out forwar.Hadhe ever shownasparkofcowardiceshewouldhaveregardedthosespeechesofhiswithmuchanxiety,butasitwassheonlylaughedatthem.“Erling, my boy,” she said suddenly, as her eye fell on the axe at hisside,“what terribleweapon is this? Surely thoumust have purchasedThor’shammer.Canyewieldsuchathing?”“Ihope so,mother,” saidErlingcurtly; “ifnot, I shall soonbe inValhalla’shalls.”“Whataretheserumoursofwarthatareabroadjustnow?”askedHerfrida.ErlingrepliedbygivinghismotheranaccountofKingHarald’srecentdeeds,andtoldherofthecallingoftheThing,andoftheappearanceoftheDanishvikingsoffthecoast.“Maygoodspiritsattendthee,myson!”shesaid,kissingtheyouth’sforeheadfervently, as a natural gush of tenderness and womanly anxiety filled herbreast foramoment.But the feelingpassedawayasquicklyas it came; forwomenwhoarebornandnurtured inwarlike timesbecomeaccustomedandcomparatively indifferent todanger,whether it threatens themselvesor thosemostdeartothem.Whilemother and sonwere conversing, Thorer entered the smithy, bearingErling’sarmour.“Aretheladsalla-boun?”(armedandready)enquiredErlingasherose.“Aye,master;andIhavebroughtyourwar-gear.”ThemanwhothusspokewasHaldor’schiefhouse-carle.Hewasaveryshortand extremelypowerfulmanof about forty-fiveyears of age, and so sturdyandmuscularastohaveacquiredthetitleofThorertheThick.Heworeashirtof scale armour, rather rusty, and somewhat theworse of having figured inmanyatoughbattlebylandandsea.Atriangularshieldhungathisback,andhisheadpiecewasasimplepeakedhelmetofiron,withaprolongationinfrontthatguardedhisnose.Thorer’soffensivearmourconsistedofashortstraightsword,ajavelinandabow,withaquiverofarrows.“Howmanymenhastthouassembled,Thorer?”askedErlingashedonnedhisarmour.“Seventy-five,master;therestareuponthefells,onwhaterrandIknownot.”

“Seventy-five will do. Haste thee, carle, and lead them tomy longship theSwan.Methinkswewill skate upon the ocean to-night. (Longships, orwar-vessels, were sometimes called ocean-skates.) I will follow thee. Let everymanbeathispost,andquitnottheshoretillIcomeonboard.Nowfareawayas swiftly asmay be, and see that everything be done stealthily; above all,keepwelloutofsightofUlfstede.”Thusadmonished,Thorerquickly left the forge;anda fewseconds later theclankingtreadofarmedmenwasheardasErling’sfollowerstooktheirwaytothefiord.“Now I will to the hall, my son, and pray that thoumayst fare well,” saidHerfrida,oncemorekissingtheforeheadwhichtheyouthloweredtoreceivetheparting salute.Themother retired, and left her son standing in the forgegazingpensively at the fire, the dying flamesofwhich shot up fitfully nowandthen,andgleamedonhisshiningmail.IfErlingtheBoldwasasplendidspecimenofamaninhisordinarycostume,whencladin thefullpanoplyofwarhewastrulymagnificent.Therudebutnot ungraceful armour of the period was admirably fitted to display toadvantage the elegant proportions of his gigantic figure. A shirt or tunic ofleather, covered with steel rings, hung looselyyet, owing to its weight,closelyonhisshoulders.Thiswasgatheredinatthewaistbyabroadleathernbelt,studdedwithsilverornaments,fromwhichhungashortdagger.Acrossbeltofsomewhatsimilarmakehungfromhisrightshoulder,andsupportedatwo-edgedswordof immenseweight,whichwasquiteasstrong, thoughnotnearlysolong,asthatwhichhehadforgedforGlumm.Itwasintendedforasingle-handed weapon, though men of smaller size might have beenconstrained,inattemptingtowieldit,tomakeuseofbothhands.Theyouth’slower limbs were clothed in closely-fitting leather leggings, and a pair ofuntanned leather shoes, lacedwith a single thong,protectedhis feet.Onhisheadheworeasmallskull-cap,orhelmet,ofburnishedsteel,fromthetopofwhich rose a pair of hawk’s wings expanded, as if in the act of flight. Noglovesorgauntletscoveredhishands,butonhisleftarmhungalargeshield,shapedsomewhatlikeanelongatedheart,withasharppointatitslowerend.Itstoptouchedhisshoulder,andthelowerpartreachedtohisknee.Thisshieldwasmadeofseveralpliesofthickbull-hide,withanoutercoatofironthe whole being riveted firmly together with iron studs. It was paintedpurewhite,without device of any kind, but therewas a band of azure blueroundit,nearthemargintherimitselfbeingofpolishedsteel.Inadditiontohisenormousaxe,sword,anddagger,Erlingcarriedathisbackashortbowandaquiverfullofarrows.

Thewholeofthiswargearboreevidenceofbeingcherishedwiththeutmostcareandsolicitude.Everyringonthetunicwaspolishedashighlyasthemetalwould admit of, so that the light appeared to trickle over it as its wearermoved. The helmet shone like a globe of quicksilver, and lines of lightgleamedon theburnished edgeof the shield, or sparkledon theornamentalpointsofthemorepreciousmetalswithwhichthevariouspartsofhisarmourwere decorated.Above all hung a loosemantle or cloak of dark-blue cloth,whichwasfastenedontherightshoulderwithalargecircularbroochofsilver.Theweight of this panoplywas enormous, but longhabit had so inured theyoungNorsemantotheburthenofhisarmourthathemovedunderitaslightlyasifithadbeennoheavierthanhisordinaryhabiliments.Indeed,solittledidit impede his movements that he could spring over chasms and mountainstreamsalmostaswellwithaswithoutit;anditwasoneoftheboastsofhisadmiringfriendsthat“hecouldleaphisownheightwithallhiswargearon!”We have already referred to Erling’s partiality for the axe as an offensiveweapon. This preference was in truthstrange though the assertion mayappearowing to thepeculiaradaptationof that instrument to thepreservationoflifeaswellasthetakingofit!There are exceptions to all rules. The rule among the Northmen in formeryears was to slay and spare not. Erling’s tendency, and occasionally hispractice,wastospareandnottoslay,ifhecoulddosowithpropriety.Fromexperiencehefoundthat,byaslightmotionofhiswrist, theedgeofhisaxecouldbeturnedaside,andtheblowwhichwasdeliveredbyitsflatsidewasinvariablysufficient,withoutkilling, torender therecipientutterly incapableofcontinuingorrenewingthecombatat leastforafewdays.Withtheswordthisdelicatemanoeuvrecouldnotbesoeasilyaccomplished,forablowfromthe flatofa swordwasnot sufficientlycrushing,and ifdeliveredwithgreatforce theweaponwas apt to break.Besides, Erlingwas a blunt, downright,straightforwardman,anditharmonisedmorewithhisfeelings,andtheenergyof his character, to beat down sword and shield and headpiece with onetremendousblow,thantowastetimeinfencingwithalighterweapon.Havingcompletedhis toilet andconcludedhismeditationswhich latter filledhimwithmuchperplexity,ifonemightjudgefromthefrequencywithwhichheshookhisheadErlingtheBoldhungGlumm’slongswordathisback,laidhishuge axeonhis shoulder, and, emerging from the smithy, strode rapidlyalongthebridlepaththatledtotheresidenceofUlfofRomsdal.Suddenly it occurred tohim thathehadnotyet tried the temperofhisnewweapon, sohestoppedabruptlybeforea smallpine tree,aboutas thickasa

man’sarm.Itstoodontheedgeofaprecipicealongthemarginofwhichthetrack skirted. Swaying the axe once round his head, he brought it forciblydownon thestem, throughwhich itpassedas if ithadbeenawillowwand,andthetreewentcrashingintotheravinebelow.Theyouthlookedearnestlyathis weapon, and nodded his head once or twice as if the result weresatisfactory.Abenignantsmileplayedonhiscountenanceashereplaceditonhisshoulderandcontinuedonhisway.AbriskwalkofhalfanhourbroughthimtoUlfstede,wherehefoundthemenof the family making active preparations for the impending journey to theThing. In thegreathallof thehouse,his fatherheldearnestdiscussionwithUlf. The house-carles busied themselves in burnishing their mail andsharpening theirweapons,whileAda andHilda assistedDameAstrid,Ulf’swife,tospreadtheboardfortheeveningmeal.Everything in the hallwas suggestive of rudewealth and barbarouswarliketimes. The hall itself was unusually largecapable of feasting at least twohundredmen.At one end a raised hearth sustained a fire ofwood thatwaslarge enough to have roasted an ox. The smoke from this, in default of achimney,foundanexitthroughaholeintheroof.Therafterswere,ofcourse,smokedtoadeeprichcoffeecolour,andfromthesamecausethewallsalsopartooknotalittleofthathue.Allroundthesewallshung,ingreatprofusion,shields, spears, swords, bows, skins, horns, and such like implements andtrophiesofwarandthechase.Thecentreofthehallwasopen,butdowneachsiderantwolongtables,whichwereatthistimegroaningwithgreathaunchesofvenison,legsofmutton,andtrenchersofsalmon,interspersedwithplattersofwildfowl,andflankedbytankardsandhornsofmeadandale.Mostofthedrinkingcupswereofhorn,butmanyofthesewereedgedwitharimofsilver,and, opposite the raised seats of honour, in the centre of each table, thetankardswereof solid silver, richly though rudelychasedsquare, sturdy, andmassive, like the stout warriors who were wont to quaff their foamingcontents.“I tell thee,Ulf,”saidHaldor,“thouwiltdowrongtofare to theThingwithmenfullyarmedwhen the tokenwasoneofpeace.TheKing is innomoodjust now to brook opposition. Ifwewould save our independencewemustspeakhimsmoothly.”“Icarenot,”repliedUlfgruffly;“thisisnotimetogoaboutunarmed.”“Nay, I did not advise thee to go unarmed, but surely a short swordmightsuffice,and”At this moment Erling entered, and Ulf burst into a loud laugh as he

interrupted his friend: “Aye, a short swordsomething like that,” he said,pointingtothehugehiltwhichroseovertheyouth’sshoulder.“Hey!lad,”exclaimedhisfather,“artgoingtofightwithanaxeinonehandandaswordintheother?”“The sword is forGlumm, father. I owehimone after thismorning’swork.Here,friendGlumm,buckleitonthyshoulder.ThebestwishthatthouandIcanexchangeis,thatthyswordandmyaxemayneverkisseachother.”“Truly,iftheyeverdo,Iknowwhichwillfareworst,”saidHaldor,takingtheaxeandexaminingit,“Thouartfondofawearyarm,mylad,elseyewouldnot have forged soweighty aweapon. Takemy advice and leave it behindthee.”“Come,come,”interruptedUlf;“see,thetablesarespread;letususeourjawsonfoodanddrink,andnotonwords,forweshallneedbothtofitusfortheworkbeforeus,andperchancewemayhavenolongerneedofeitherbeforemanydaysgoby.WecantalkourfillattheThing,anitsopleaseus.”“ThatwilldependontheKing’spleasure,”repliedHaldor,laughing.“Somuchthemorereasonfortakingourarmswithus,inorderthatwemayhavethemeansoftalkingtheKing’spleasure,”retortedUlfwithafrown;“butsityedownatmyrighthand,Haldor,andHildawillwaitupon thee.Come,mymenallletusfallto.”Itisscarcelynecessarytosaythatthisinvitationwasacceptedwithalacrity.InafewminutesaboutfiftypairsofjawswereactivelyemployedinthemannerwhichUlfrecommended.Meanwhile Erling the Bold seated himself at the lower end of one of thetables,insuchapositionthathecouldkeephiseyeontheouterdoor,and,ifneedbe,stealawayunobserved.Hecalculatedthathislittlebrothermustsoonreturnfromhisflyingjourney,andheexpectedtohearfromhimsomenewsofthevikings.Inthisexpectationhewasright;butwhenAlricdidcome,Erlingsawandheardmorethanhelookedfor.Themealwasabouthalfconcluded,andUlfwas in theactofpledging,notabsent,butdefunct,friends,whenthedooropenedslowly,andAlricthrusthisheadcautiouslyin.Hishair,drippingandtangled,boreevidencethathisheadatleasthadbeenrecentlyimmersedinwater.HecaughtsightofErling,andtheheadwasatoncewithdrawn.NextmomentErlingstoodoutsideofthehouse.

“Hownow,Alric,whathasbefallenthee?Hey!thouartsoakingallover!”“Comehere;I’llshowyouafellowwhowilltellyouallaboutit.”Ingreatexcitementtheboyseizedhisbrother’shandanddraggedratherthanledhimround theendof thehouse,where the firstobject thatmethisviewwasamanwhosefacewascoveredwithblood,whichoozedfromawoundinhisforehead,whiletheheavingofhischest,andanoccasionalgasp,seemedtoindicatethathehadrunfarandswiftly.

ChapterFiveTheVikingRaidAlric’sAdventurewiththeDaneErling’sCutter,andthe

BattleinthePass“Whomhavewehere?”exclaimedErling, lookingclose into the faceof thewoundedman.“What!SwartoftheSprings!”Erlingsaid this sternly, forhehadno liking forSwart,whowasanotoriouscharacter,belonging tooneof theneighbouring fiordsawild reckless fellow,and,ifreportsaidtruly,athief.“That recentmischief has cost thee a cracked crown?” askedErling, a littlemoregently,asheobservedtheexhaustedconditionoftheman.“Mischiefenough,”saidSwart,risingfromthestoneonwhichhehadseatedhimself,andwiping theblood,dust,andsweat fromhishaggard face,whilehis eyes gleamed like coals of fire; “Skarpedin the Dane has landed in thefiord,myhouseisasmokingpile,mychildrenandmostofthepeopleinthestedeareburned,andtheSpringsrunblood!”Therewassomethingterrible in thehoarsewhisper inwhich thiswashissedout between the man’s teeth. Erling’s tone changed instantly as he laid hishandonSwart’sshoulder.“Canthisbetrue?”heansweredanxiously;“arewetoolate?areallgone?”“All,”answeredSwart,“savethefewfightingmenthatgainedthefells.”Themanthenproceededtogiveaconfusedanddisjointedaccountoftheraid,ofwhichthefollowingisthesubstance.Skarpedin, a Danish viking, noted for his daring, cruelty, and success, hadtaken it intohishead tovisit theneighbourhoodofHorlingdal,and repay inkindavisitwhichhehad received inDenmark theprevioussummer fromapartyofNorsemen,onwhichoccasionhiscropshadbeenburned,hiscattleslaughtered, and his lands “herried”, while he chanced to be absent from

home.ItmustbeobservedthatthisdeedoftheNorthmenwasnotdeemedunusuallywicked. Itwas theircustom,and thecustomalsoof theirenemies, togoouteverysummeronvikingcruisetoplunderandravagethecoastsofDenmark,Sweden,Britain,andFrance,carryingoffallthebootytheycouldlayholdof,andasmanyprisonersastheywantedorcouldobtain.Then,returninghome,theymadeslavesor“thralls”oftheirprisoners,oftenmarriedthewomen,andspentthewinterintheenjoymentoftheirplunder.Amongmany other simple little habits peculiar to the timeswas that called“Strandhug”.Itconsistedinaviking,wheninwantofprovisions,landingwithhismenonanycoastwhetherthatofanenemyoracountrymananddrivingasmany cattle as he required to the shore, where they were immediatelyslaughteredandputonboardwithoutleaveaskedorreceived!Skarpedinwasinfluencedbothbycupidityandrevenge.Swarthadbeenoneofthechiefleadersoftheexpeditionwhichhaddonehimsomuchdamage.TotheSpringsthereforehedirectedhiscoursewithsix“longships”,orshipsofwar,andaboutfivehundredmen.IntheafternoonofacalmdayhereachedthefiordattheheadofwhichweretheSpringsandSwart’sdwelling.Therewasasmallhamletattheplace,anduponthisthevikingsdescended.Sopromptandsilentwerethey,thatthemenoftheplacehadbarelytimetoseizetheirarmsanddefendtheirhomes.Theyfoughtlikelions,forwelltheyknewthattherewasnohopeofmercyiftheyshouldbebeaten.Buttheoddsagainstthemwereoverwhelming.Theyfellinheaps,withmanyoftheirfoesunderneaththem.Thefewwhoremainedtothelastretreatedfighting,stepbystep,eachmantowardshisowndwelling,wherehe fell dead on its threshold. Swart himself,with a few of the bravest, haddrivenbackthatpartoftheenemy’slinewhichtheyattacked.Thustheywereseparatedforatimefromtheirlesssuccessfulcomrades,anditwasnottillthesmokeoftheirburninghomesteadsroseupindensecloudsthattheybecameawareofthetruestateofthefight.Atoncetheyturnedandrantotherescueoftheirfamilies,buttheirretreatwascutoffbyapartyoftheenemy,andtheroarof the conflagration told them that they were too late. They drew together,therefore,and,makinga lastdesperateonset,hewed theirway right throughtheranksoftheirenemies,andmadeforthemountains.Allweremoreorlesswounded in the mêlée, and only one or two succeeded in effecting theirescape.Swartdashedpasthisowndwellinginhisflight,andfounditalreadydownonthegroundinablazingruin.Hekilledseveralofthemenwhowereaboutit,andthen,boundingupthemountainside,soughtrefugeinaravine.Herehelaydowntorestafewmoments.Duringthebriefperiodofhisstayhe

sawseveralofhiscapturedfriendshavetheirhandsandfeetchoppedoffbythemarauders,whileaterribleshriekthataroseonceortwicetoldhimalltooplainlythatonafewofthemhadbeenperpetratedthenotuncommoncrueltyofputtingouttheeyes.Swartdidnot remainmanymoments inactive.Hedescendedbyacircuitouspathtotheshore,and,keepingcarefullyoutofsight,setoffinthedirectionofHorlingdal.Thedistancebetweenthetwoplaceswaslittlemorethannineorten miles, but being separated from each other by a ridge of almostinaccessible mountains, that rose to a height of above five thousand feet,neither sight nor sound of the terrible tragedy enacted at the Springs couldreach theeyesorearsof the inhabitantsofUlfstede.Swart ranroundby thecoast,andmadesuchgooduseofhislegsthathereachedthevalleyinlittlemorethananhour.BeforearrivingatUlfstedehisattentionwasattractedandhissteparrestedbythesightofawarshipcreepingalongthefiordcloseundertheshadowoftheprecipitouscliffs.HeatonceconjecturedthatthiswasoneoftheDanishvesselswhichhadbeendispatchedtoreconnoitreHorlingdal.Heknew by its small size (having only about twenty oars) that it could not bethere for the purpose of attack.He crouched, therefore, among the rocks toescapeobservation.Now,ithappenedatthisverytimethatErling’sbrotherAlric,havingexecutedhiscommissionbyhandingthewar-tokentothenextmessenger,whosedutyitwastopass iton,camewhistlinggailydownaneighbouringgorge,slashingthebushesashewentwithastoutstick,which in the lad’seyes representedthebroadswordorbattle-axehehopedonedaytowield,insimilarfashion,onthe heads of his foes. Those who knew Erling well could have traced hislikenessineveryactandgestureoftheboy.ThevikingshappenedtoobserveAlricbeforehesawthem,aswasnottobewonderedat,consideringthenoisehemade.Theythereforerowedcloseintotherocks,andtheirleader,astoutred-haired fellow, leapedon shore, ascended the cliffs by a narrow ledgeornaturalfootpath,andcametoaspotwhichoverhungthesea,androundwhichtheboymustneedspass.Herethemanpaused,andleaningonthehaftofhisbattle-axe,awaitedhiscomingup.It isnodisparagement toAlric to say that,whenhe foundhimself suddenlyfacetofacewiththisman,hismouthopenedaswideasdidhiseyes,thatthecolourfledfromhischeeks, thathisheartflutteredlikeabirdinacage,andthat his lips and tongue becameuncommonly dry!Well did the little fellowknowthatoneoftheDanishvikingswasbeforehim,formanyatimehadheheardthemeninHaldorstededescribetheirdressandarmsminutely;andwelldid he know also that mercy was only to be purchased at the price ofbecominganinformerastothestateofaffairsinHorlingdalperhapsaguideto

hisfather’shouse.Besidesthis,Alrichadneveruptothattimebeheldarealfoe,evenatadistance!Hewouldhavebeenmorethanmortal,therefore,hadheshownnosignoftrepidation.“Thouartlightofheart,lad,”saidtheDanewithagrimsmile.Alricwouldperhapshaverepliedthathisheartwasthereverseoflightatthatmoment, but his tongue refused to fulfil its office, so he sigheddeeply, andtriedtolickhisparchedlipsinstead.“ThouartonthywaytoUlfstedeorHaldorstede,Isuppose?”saidtheman.Alricnoddedbywayofreply.“Towhich?”demandedtheDanesternly.“T–totoUlf”“Ha!”interruptedtheman.“Isee.Iaminwantofaguidethither.Wiltguideme,lad?”AtthisthetruantbloodrushedbacktoAlric’scheeks.Heattemptedtosayno,andtoshakehishead,butthetonguewasstillrebellious,andtheheadwouldnotmoveat leastnot in thatwayso thepoorboyglancedslightlyaside,as ifmeditatingflight.TheDane,withoutalteringhisposition,justmovedhisfootonthestones,whichacthadtheeffectofcausingtheboy’seyestoturnfullonhimagainwith that speciesof activitywhichcats arewont todisplaywhenexpectinganimmediateassault.“Escapeisimpossible,”saidtheDane,withanothergrimsmile.Alric glanced at the precipice on his left, full thirty feet deep,with the seabelow;attheprecipiceonhisright,whichroseanunknownheightabove;atthesteepruggedpathbehind,andatthewildruggedmaninfront,whocouldhaveclutchedhimwithonebound;andadmittedinhisheartthatescapewasimpossible.“Now,lad,”continuedtheviking,“thouwiltgowithmeandpointoutthewaytoUlfstedeandHaldorstede;ifnotwithagoodwill,tortureshallcausetheetodoitagainstthywill;andafterwehaveplunderedandburntboth,wewillgivetheeacruisetoDenmark,andteachtheetheuseofthepitchforkandreaping-hook.”This remark touched a chord in Alric’s breast which at once turned histhoughts from himself, and allowed his native courage to rise. During theforegoing dialogue his left hand had been nervously twitching the little elm

bowwhichitcarried.Itnowgraspedthebowfirmlyashereplied:“UlfstedeandHaldorstedemayburn,butthoushaltnotlivetoseeit.”With that he plucked an arrow from his quiver, fitted it to the string, anddischargeditfullattheDane’sthroat.Quickasthoughtthemanofwarsprangaside, but the shaft had beenwell and quickly aimed. It passed through hisneckbetweentheskinandtheflesh.Acryofangerburstfromhimasheleapedontheboyandcaughthimbythethroat.He hastily felt for the hilt of his dagger, and in the heat of his ragewould assuredly have ended the career of poor Alric then and there; but,missingthehiltatthefirstgrasp,hesuddenlychangedhismind,liftedtheboyasifhehadbeenalittledog,andflunghimovertheprecipiceintothesea.Afallofthirtyfeet,eventhoughwatershouldbetherecipientoftheshock,isnotatriflebyanymeans,butAlricwasoneofthosevigorouslittlefellowsofwhomtherearefortunatelymanyinthisworldwhotrainthemselvestofeatsofstrength and daring. Many a time had he, when bathing, leaped off thatidenticalcliffintotheseaforhisownamusement,andtotheadmirationandenvyofmanyofhiscompanions,and,nowthathefelthimselftumblingintheair against his will, the sensation, althoughmodified, was nothing new. Hestraightenedhimselfoutafterthemannerofabadchildthatdoesnotwishtositonnurse’sknee,andwentintothebluefiord,headforemost,likeajavelin.He struck thewater close to the vessel of his enemies, and on rising to thesurface one of themmade a plunge at himwith an oar,which, had it takeneffect,wouldhavekilledhimonthespot;buthemissedhisaim,andbeforehecouldrepeatit,theboyhaddived.TheDanewassensibleofhiserrortheinstanthehadtossedAlricawayfromhim,sohehastenedtohisboat,leapedintoit,andorderedthementopulltotherocksneartowhichAlrichaddived;butbeforetheycouldobeytheorderaloud ringingcheerburst from the cliffs, and in anothermoment the formofSwartwasseenona ledge,highabove, in theactofhurlingahugemassofrock down on the boat. The mass struck the cliff in its descent, burst intofragments,andfellinashowerupontheDanes.At the same time Swart waved his hand as if to someone behind him, andshoutedwithstentorianvoice:“Thisway,men!Comeon!Downintotheboatsandgivechase!huzza!”Theenemydidnotawaittheresultoftheorder,butpulledoutintothefiordasfastaspossible,whileSwart randown to theedgeof thewaterandassisted

Alric to land. Itwasnotuntil theyheardbothmanandboyutter a cheerofdefiance,andburstintoafitoflaughter,andsawthemhasteningatfullspeedtowardsHorlingdal, that the vikings knew they had been duped. It was toolate,however,toremedytheevil.Theyknew,also,thattheymightnowexpectanimmediateattack,so,bendingtotheoarswithalltheirmight,theyhastenedofftowarntheircomradesattheSprings.“Now,Swart,”saidErling,afterhearingthis taletoitsconclusion,“ifyearenottoomuchexhaustedto”“Exhausted!” cried Swart, springing up as though he had but risen from arefreshingslumber.“Well, I see thou art still fit for the fight.Revenge, like love, is a powerfulstirrerof theblood.Comealongthen;Iwill leadtheway,anddothoutreadsoftlyandkeepsilence.Followus,Alric,Ihaveyetmoreworkforthee,lad.”TakingoneofthenumerousnarrowpathsthatranfromUlfstedetotheshoresofthefiord,Erlingledhiscompanionstoagrassymoundwhichcrownedthetopofabeetlingcliffwhosebasewaslavedbydeepwater.Althoughthenightwasyoungprobably twohours shortofmidnightthe sunwas stillhigh in theheavens, for in most parts of Norway that luminary, during the height ofsummer,sinksbutashortwaybelowthehorizontheyhavedaylightallnightforsometime.Inthehigherlatitudesthesun,forabriefperiod,shinesallthetwenty-four hours round. Erling could therefore see far and wide over thefiord,aswellasifitwerethehourofnoon.“Nothinginsight!”heexclaimedinatoneofchagrin.“Iwasafooltolettheetalk so long,Swart; but there is still a chanceof catching theboat before itroundstheness.Comealong.”Sayingthishurriedly,theyouthdescendedintowhatappearedtobeaholeinthe ground. A rude zigzag stair cut in the rock conducted them into asubterraneancavern,whichatfirstseemedtobeperfectlydark;but inafewsecondstheireyesbecameaccustomedtothedimlight,andastheyadvancedrapidly over a bed of pebbles, Swart, who had never been there before,discovered that he was in an ocean-made cave, for the sound of breakingripplesfellsoftlyonhisears.Onturningroundacornerofrocktheopeningofthecavetowardstheseasuddenlyappearedwithadazzlinglightlikeagreatwhitegem.Butanotherbeautifulsightmethisastonishedgaze.ThiswasErling’sshipofwar, the Swan, which, with its figurehead erect, as though it were a livingthing,satgracefullyonthewater,aboveitsownreflectedimage.

“Allready?”askedErling,asamansteppeduptohim.“Allready,”repliedThorer.“Getonboard,Swart,”saidErling;“wewillteachtheseDanesalessontheywillnotforgetaslongastheSpringsflow.Here,Alricwhereareye,lad?”Now,unfortunatelyforhimself,aswellasforhisfriend,Alricwasalmosttooself-reliant in his nature. His active mind was too apt to exert itself inindependentthoughtincircumstanceswhereitwouldhavebeenwisertolistenandobey.Erlinghadturnedwiththeintentionoftellinghislittlebrotherthathe had started thus quietly in order that he might have the pleasure ofcapturing thescoutingboat,andofbeginning the fightat theSpringswithasmallbandoftriedmen,thuskeepingtheenemyinplayuntilreinforcementsshouldarrive; forhe shrewdlysuspected that if thewholevalleywere togooutatonceagainstthevikings,theywoulddeclinethecombatandmakeoff.He had intended, therefore, to havewarnedAlric towatch the Swan past acertain point before sounding the alarm at Ulfstede. But Alric had alreadyformedhisownopinionsonthesubject,andresolvedtoactonthem.Hesuspected thatErling, inhis thirst forglory,meant tohaveall the fun tohimself,and toattack theDaneswithhis singleboat’screwof fiftyor sixtymen.Heknewenoughofwartobeawarethatsixtymenagainstsixhundredwould have very small chance of successin fact, that the thing was sheermadnessso he resolved to balk, and by so doing to save, his headstrongbrother.WhenErlingturned,aswehavesaid,hebeheldAlricrunningintothecaveatfullspeed.Instantlysuspectingthetruth,hedashedafterhim,buttheboywasfleet,andErlingwasheavilyarmed.Theresultwas,thattheformerescaped,while the latter returned to the beach and embarked in the Swan in amostunenviablestateofmind.Erling’s“longship”wasoneofthesmaller-sizedwarvesselsoftheperiod.ItpulledtwentyoarstenoneachsideandbelongedtotheclassnamedSnekiars,orcutters,whichusuallyhadfromtentotwentyrowersonaside.Toeachoarthreemenwere apportionedone to row, one to shield the rower, and one tothrow missiles and fight, so that her crew numbered over sixty men. Theforecastle and poopwere very high, and the appearance of height was stillfurther increasedby the figureheadtheneckandheadofa swanandbya tailthat rose from the stern-post, over the steersman’s head.Both head and tailwererichlygilt; indeed, thewholevesselwasgaudilypainted.Allroundthegunwales, from stem to stern, hung a rowof shining red andwhite shields,whichresembledthescalysidesofsomefabulouscreature,sothatwhenthe

oars,whichgaveitmotion,andnotinaptlyrepresentedlegs,weredipped,thevesselglidedswiftlyoutofthecavern,likesomeantediluvianmonsterissuingfromitsdenandcrawlingawayoverthedarkbluesea.Atallheavymastrosefromthecentreoftheship.Itstopwasalsogilded,aswellasthetipsoftheheavyyardattachedtoit.Onthistheyhoistedahugesquaresail,whichwascomposedofalternatestripesofred,white,andbluecloth.It need scarcely be said that Erling’s crew pulled with a will, and that thewatersofthefiordcurledwhiteuponthebreastoftheSwanthatnight;butthevikings’boathadgottoolongastartofthem,sothat,whentheydoubledthenessandpulledtowardstheSprings,theydiscoveredtheenemyhurryingintotheirshipsandpreparingtopushofffromtheland.Now,thisdidnotfallinwithErling’spurposeatall,forhewaswellawarethathis littleSwan could do nothing against such an overwhelming force, so hedirectedhiscourse towards themouthofa small stream,besidewhich therewasaspitofsand,and,justbehindit,apieceoflevelland,ofafewacresinextent, covered with short grass. The river was deep at its mouth. About ahundred yards upstream it flowed out of a rugged pass in themountains orcliffswhichhemmedinthefiord.IntothisdarkspottheNorthmanrowedhisvesselandlandedwithhismen.Thevikingsweremuchsurprisedatthismanoeuvre,andseemedatalosshowto act, for they immediately ceased their hurried embarkation and held aconsultation.“Methinkstheyaremad,”saidSkarpedin,onwitnessingthemovementsoftheSwan.“Butwewillgivethemoccasiontomakeuseofallthespiritthatisinthem.Ihadthoughtthereweremoremeninthedale,butiftheybefewtheyseemtobebold.Theyhavewiselychosentheirground.Rocks,however,willnotavailthemagainstahostlikeours.MethinkssomeofuswillbeinValhallato-night.”Saying this Skarpedin drew up hismen in order of battle on the little plainbefore referred to, and advanced to the attack. Erling, on the other hand,postedhismenamongtherocksinsuchawaythattheycouldcommandtheapproachtothepass,whichtheirleaderwithafewpickedmendefended.On perceiving the intention of the Danes to attack him, Erling’s heart wasglad,becausehenowfeltsurethattosomeextenthehadtheminhispower.Iftheyhad,onhisfirstappearance,takentotheirships,theymighthaveeasilyescaped, or some of the smaller vesselsmight have pulled up the river andattackedhisship,which,inthatcase,wouldhavehadtomeetthemonunequalterms;but,nowthat theywereabout toattackhimon land,heknewthathe

couldkeeptheminplayaslongashepleased,andthatiftheyshould,ontheappearanceofreinforcements,againmakefortheirships,hecouldeffectivelyharassthem,andretardtheirembarkation.Meditating on these things the young Norseman stood in front of his menleaningonhisbattle-axe,andcalmlysurveyingtheapproachingfoeuntiltheywerewithinafewyardsofhim.“Thorer,”he saidat length, raisinghisweaponslowly tohis shoulder, “takethouthemanwiththeblackbeard,andleaveyonderfellowwiththeredhairtome.”Thorer drew his sword and glanced along its bright bladewithout replying.Indeed,therewasscarcetimeforreply.Nextmomentthecombatantsutteredaloudshoutandmetwithadirecrash.Forsometimetheclashofsteel,theyellsofmaddenedmen, the shrieks of thewounded, and thewails of the dying,resounded in horrible commotion among the echoing cliffs. Thewisdom ofErling’s tactics soon became apparent. Itwas not until the onsetwasmade,andthebattlefairlybegun,thatthemenwhomhehadplacedamongtherocksabove the approach to the pass began to act. These now sent down such ashowerofhugestonesandmassesof rock thatmanyof the foewerekilled,andbydegreesagapwasmade,sothatthosewhowereontheplaindarednotadvancetothesuccourofthosewhowerefightinginthepass.Seeingthis,Erlingutteredhiswar-cry,and,collectinghismentogether,actedontheoffensive.Whereverhisbattle-axeswung,orThorer’sswordgleamed,theremenfell,andothersgaveway,tillatlasttheyweredrivencompletelyoutof the pass and partly across the plain. Erling took care, however, not toadvancetoofar,althoughSkarpedin,byretreating,endeavouredtoenticehimto do so; but drew off his men by sound of horn, and returned to his oldpositiononemanonlyhavingbeenkilledandafewwounded.Skarpedinnowheldacouncilofwarwithhischiefs,andfromthe lengthoftimetheywereaboutit,Erlingwasledtosuspectthattheydidnotintendtorenew theattackat thesamepointor in thesamemanner.He thereforesentmentopointsofvantageonthecliffstoobservethemoredistantmovementsoftheenemy,whileheremainedtoguardthepass,andoftengazedanxiouslytowardstheness,roundwhichheexpectedeveryminutetoseesweepingthelongshipsofUlfandhisfather.

ChapterSixEveningintheHallTheScaldtellsofGundalf’sWooingTheFeast

InterruptedandtheWarCloudsThicken

Itisnecessarynowthatweshouldturnbackwardsalittleinourstory,tothatpointwhereErlingleftthehallatUlfstedetolistentothesadtaleofSwart.Ulfandhisfriends,notdreamingofthetroublesthatwerehangingoverthem,continuedtoenjoytheireveningmealandlistentothesongsandstoriesoftheScald, or to comment upon the doings of King Harald Haarfager, and theprospectsofgoodoreviltoNorwaythatwerelikelytoresulttherefrom.Atthepointwherewereturntothehall,Ulfworeaverycloudedbrowashesatwithcompressedlipsbesidehisprincipalguest.Hegraspedthearmofhisrudechairwithhis lefthand,whilehis righthelda largeandmassive silvertankard. Haldor, on the other hand, was all smiles and good humour. Heappearedtohavebeenattemptingtosoothethespiritofhisfieryneighbour.“I tell thee, Ulf, that I have as little desire to see King Harald succeed insubduing all Norway as thou hast, but in this world wise men will act notaccordingtowhattheywishsomuch,asaccordingtowhatisbest.AlreadytheKinghaswonoverorconqueredmostofthesmallkings,anditseemstomethat the restwill have to follow,whether they like it or no.Common senseteachessubmissionwhereconquestcannotbe.”“Anddoesnotpatriotismteachthatmenmaydie?”saidUlfsternly.“Aye,whenbywarringwiththatendinviewanythingistobegainedforone’scountry;butwheretheresultwouldbe,first,theembroilingofone’sdistrictinprolonged bloody and hopeless warfare, and, after that, the depriving one’sfamilyofitsheadandoftheKing’sfavour,patriotismsaysthattodiewouldbefolly,notwisdom.”“Tush, man; folk will learn to call thee Haldor the Mild. Surely years aretelling on thee.Was there ever anything in this worldworth having gainedwithoutastruggle?”“Thouknowest,Ulf, thatIamnotwonttobefarfromthefrontwhereverorwheneverastruggle is thoughtneedful,but Idoubt theproprietyof it in thepresent case. The subject, however, is open to discussion. The question is,whether it would be better for Norway that the kings of Horlingdal shouldsubmit to the conqueror for the sake of the general good, or buckle on theswordinthehopeofretrievingwhatislost.Peaceorwarthatisthequestion.”“I saywar!” criedUlf, striking theboard soviolentlywithhis clenched fistthatthetankardsandplattersleapedandrangagain.At this a murmur of applause ran round the benches of the friends andhousemen.

“Theyoungbladesareeverreadytohuzzaovertheirdrinkat thethoughtoffighting;butmethinksitwillnotstrengthenthycausemuch,friendUlf,thustofrightenthewomenandspilltheale.”Ulfturnedroundwithamomentarylookofangeratthisspeech.Themanwhouttereditwasasplendidspecimenofaveteranwarrior.Hisforeheadwasquitebald,butfromthesidesandbackofhisheadflowedamassofluxuriantsilkyhairwhichwaswhiteasthedrivensnow.Hisfeatureswereeminentlyfirmandmasculine, and there was a hearty good-humoured expression about themouth, and a genial twinkle in his eyes, especially in the wrinkled cornersthereof, that rendered the stoutoldman irresistiblyattractive.Hisvoicewasparticularly rich, deep, and mellow, like that of a youth, and although hisbulkyframestoopedalittlefromage,therewasenoughofhisyouthfulvigourlefttorenderhimaformidablefoe,asmanyapoorfellowhadlearnedtohiscostevenindaysbutrecentlygoneby.HewasanuncleofUlf,andonavisittothestedeatthattime.ThefrownfledfromUlf’sbrowashelookedintheoldman’sruddyandjovialcountenance.“Thanks,Guttorm,”saidhe,seizinghistankard,“thanksforremindingmethatgreyhairsarebeginning to sprinklemybeard;come, letusdrink success totheright,confusiontothewrong!thoucanstnotrefusethat,Haldor.”“Nay,”saidHaldor, laughing;“norwill I refuse to fight in thycauseandbythyside,beitrightorwrong,whentheThingdecidesforwar.”“Wellsaid,friend!butcome,drinkdeeper.Why,Ihavetakentheedownthreepegs already!” said Ulf, glancing into Haldor’s tankard. “Ho! Hilda; fetchhithermoreale, lass,andfillfill tothebrim.”ThetoastwasdrunkwithrightgoodwillbyallfromUlfdowntotheyoungesthouse-carleatthelowestendofthegreathall.“Andnow,Guttorm,” continuedUlf, turning to the bluff oldwarrior, “sincethouhastshownthyreadinesstorebuke,letusseethywillingnesstoentertain.Singusa staveor tellusa saga,kinsman,aswell thouknowesthow,beinggiftedwithmorethanafairshareofthescald’scraft.”Theapplausewithwhichthisproposalwasreceivedbytheguestsandhouse-carleswhocrowdedthehallfromendtoendprovedthattheywereawareofGuttorm’sgifts,andwouldgladlyhearhim.Likeasensiblemanhecompliedat once, without affecting that air of false diffidence which is so commonamongmodernsongstersandstory-tellers.“Iwill tell you,” said the oldmanhaving previouslywet his lips at a silvertankard, which was as bluff and genuine as himself“of King Gundalf’s

wooing.ManyyearshavegonebysinceIfollowedhimonvikingcruise,andGundalfhimselfhaslongbeenfeastinginOdin’shall.Iwasabeardlessyouthwhen I joined him. KingGundalf of Orkedal was a goodlyman, stout andbrisk, and very strong.He could leap on his horsewithout touching stirrupwithallhiswargearon;hecouldfightaswellwithhislefthandaswithhisright,andhisbattle-axebitsodeepthatnonewhooncefelt itsedgelivedtotell of its weight. Hemight well be called a Sea-king, for he seldom sleptunder a sooty roof timber. Withal he was very affable to his men, open-hearted,andanextremelyhandsomeman.“One summer he ordered us to get ready to go on viking cruise.Whenwewerealla-bounwesetsailwithfivelongshipsandaboutfourhundredmen,andfaredawaytoDenmark,whereweforayedandfoughtagreatbattlewiththe inhabitants. King Gundalf gained the victory, plundered, wasted, andburnedfarandwideintheland,andmadeenormousbooty.HereturnedwiththistoOrkedal.Herehefoundhiswifeatthepointofdeath,andsoonaftershedied.GundalffelthislosssomuchthathehadnopleasureinRaumsdalafterthat.He therefore took tohisshipsandwentagaina-plundering.Weherriedfirst inFriesland,next inSaxland,andthenall thewaytoFlanders;sosingsHalfredthescald:“‘Gundalf’saxeofshiningsteelFortheslywolfleftmanyameal.Theill-shapedSaxoncorpseslayHeap’dupthewitch-wife’shorses’prey.Sheridesbynight,atpoolsofblood,WhereFrieslandmenindaylightstood,Herhorsesslaketheirthirst,andflyOntothefieldwhereFlemingslie.’”(Note.Ravenswerethewitch-wife’shorses.)Theoldwarriorhalfrecitedhalfsangtheselinesinarichfullvoice,andthenpausedafewseconds,whileaslightmurmurarosefromtheearnestlistenersaroundhim.“Thereafter,” resumedGuttorm, “we sailed toEngland, and ravaged far andwide in the land.We sailed all thewaynorth toNorthumberland,whereweplundered,andthencetoScotland,wherewemaraudedfarandwide.Thenwe

went to theHebrides and fought some battles, and after that south toMan,which we herried.We ravaged far around in Ireland, and steered thence toBretland, which we laid waste with fire and swordalso the district ofCumberland.ThenwewenttoValland,(thewestcoastofFrance)fromwhichwe fared away for the south coast of England, but missed it andmade theScillyIsles.After thatwewent toIrelandagain,andcametoaharbour, intowhichweranbutinafriendlyway,forwehadasmuchplunderasourshipscouldcarry.“Now,whilewewerethere,asummonstoaThingwentthroughthecountry,andwhentheThingwasassembled,aqueencalledGydacametoit.ShewasasisterofOlafQuarram,whowasKingofDublin.Gydawasverywealthy,andherhusbandhaddiedthatyear.IntheterritorytherewasamancalledAlfin,whowasagreatchampionandsingle-combatman.HehadpaidhisaddressestoGyda,butshegaveforanswerthatshewouldchooseahusbandforherself;and on that account the Thing was assembled, that she might choose ahusband.Alfincametheredressedoutinhisbestclothes,andthereweremanywell-dressedmenatthemeeting.Gundalfandsomeofhismenhadgonetherealso, out of curiosity, but we had on our bad-weather clothes, and Gundalfworeacoarseover-garment.Westoodapartfromtherestofthecrowd,Gydawentroundandlookedateach,toseeifanyappearedtoherasuitableman.Nowwhen she came towherewewere standing, she passedmost of us bywithaglance;butwhenshepassedme, Inoticed that she turnedhalf roundandgavemeanotherlook,whichIhavealwaysheldwasaproofofhergoodjudgment.However,Gydapassedon,andwhenshecametoKingGundalfshestopped, lookedathimstraight in theface,andaskedwhatsortofamanhewas.“Hesaid,‘IamcalledGundalf,andamastrangerhere!’“Gydareplies,‘WiltthouhavemeifIchoosethee?’Heanswered,‘IwillnotsayNo to that;’ then he asked herwhat her namewas, and her family anddescent.“‘I amcalledGyda,’ said she, ‘andamdaughterof theKingof Ireland, andwasmarried in thiscountry toanearlwho ruledover thisdistrict.Sincehisdeath I have ruled over it, andmanyhave courtedme, but none towhom Iwouldchoosetobemarried.’“She was a young and handsome woman. They afterwards talked over themattertogetherandagreed,andsoGundalfandGydawerebetrothed.“Alfin was very ill pleased with this. It was the custom there, as it issometimeshere,iftwostroveforanything,tosettlethematterbyholm-gang.

(Note:orsinglecombat:socalledbecausethecombatantsinNorwaywenttoaholm,oruninhabited isle, to fight.)AndnowAlfin challengedGundalf tofight about this business.The time and place of combatwere settled, and itwasfixedthateachshouldhavetwelvemen.Iwasoneofthetwelveonourside.Whenwemet,Gundalftoldustodoexactlyaswesawhimdo.Hehadalargeaxe,andwentinadvanceofus,andwhenAlfinmadeadesperatecutathimwithhissword,hehewedawaytheswordoutofhishand,andwith thenextblowhitAlfinonthecrownwiththeflatofhisaxeandfelledhim.Weallmet nextmoment, and eachmandid his best; but itwas hardwork, for theIrishmenfoughtwell,andtwoofthemcutdowntwoofourmen,butoneoftheseIknockeddown,andGundalffelledtheother.Thenweboundthemallfast,andcarriedthemtoGundalf’slodging.ButGundalfdidnotwishtotakeAlfin’slife.Heorderedhimtoquitthecountryandneveragaintoappearinit,andhetookallhisproperty.InthiswayGundalfgotGydainmarriage,andhelivedsometimesinEnglandandsometimesinIreland.Thikskulthescaldsaysinregardtothis:“‘KingGundalfwoo’dQueenGydafair,Withwhomnowomancouldcompare,Andwonher,too,withallherlands,ByforceoflooksandmightofhandsFromIreland’sgreenandlovelyisleHecarriedofftheQueeninstyle.HemadeproudAlfin’sweapondull,AndflatteneddownhisstupidskullThisdidtheboldKingGundalfdoWhenhewento’ertheseatowoo.’”Thewholesale robberyandmurderwhichwas thus relatedby theoldNorseviking appeared quite a natural and proper state of things in the eyes of allsave two of those assembled in the hall, and the saga was consequentlyconcludedamidresoundingapplause.It is tobepresumedthat,neverhavingseenorheardofanyothercourseoflife,andhavingalwaysbeentaughtthatsuch doings were quite in accordance with the laws of the land, theconsciencesoftheNorthmendidnottroublethem.Atallevents,whilewedonotforamomentpretendtojustifytheirdoings,wethinkitrighttopointoutthat theremustnecessarilyhavebeenawidedifferencebetween their spirits

and feelings, and the spirits and feelings ofmodern pirates,who know thattheyaredeliberatelysettingatdefiancethelawsofbothGodandman.IthasbeensaidthereweretwointhehallatUlfstedewhodidnotsympathisewiththetaleoftheoldwarrior.ThereaderwillscarcerequiretobetoldthatoneofthesewasHildatheSunbeam.TheotherwasChristianthehermit.Theold man, although an occasional visitor at the stede, never made hisappearance at meal-times, much less at the nightly revels which were heldthere; but on that day he had arrivedwith important news, just asGuttormbeganhisstory,andwouldhaveunceremoniouslyinterruptedithadnotoneofthe young house-carles, who did not wish to lose the treat, detained himforciblyat the lowerendof thehalluntil itwasended.Themomenthewasreleasedthehermitadvancedhastily,andtoldUlfthatfromthedoorofhishutonthecliffhehadobservedbandsofmenhasteninginalldirectionsdownthedale.“Thynews,oldman, isnonews,”saidUlf;“the tokenforaThinghasbeensent out, and it is natural that the bonders should obey the summons. Weexpectthem.Butcome,itisnotoftenthoufavourestuswiththycompany.Sitdownbyme,andtakeahornofmead.”Thehermitshookhishead.“Inevertastestrongliquor.Itstendencyistomakewisemenfoolish,”hesaid.“Nay,then,thouwiltnotrefusetoeat.Here,Hilda,fetchthyfriendaplatter.”“Ithankthee,but,havingalreadysupped,Ineednomorefood.IcamebuttobringwhatIdeemednews.”“Thou art churlish, old man,” exclaimed Ulf angrily; “sit down and drink,else”“Come,come,”interruptedHaldor,layinghishandonUlf’sarm,“Lettheoldmanbe;heseemstothinkthathehassomethingworthhearingtotellof;lethimhavehissayoutinpeace.”“Goon,”saidUlfgruffly.“Wasthetokensentoutabatonorasplitarrow?”askedthehermit.“Abaton,”saidUlf.“Thenwhy,” rejoined theother, “domencome to a peacefulThingwith alltheirwargearon?”

“What say ye? are they armed?” exclaimedUlf, starting up. “Thismust belookedto.Ho!mycarlesall,toarms”Atthatmomenttherewasabustleatthelowerendofthehall,andAlricwasseenforcinghiswaytowardsUlf’shighseat.“Father,”hesaideagerly,addressingHaldor,“shortisthehourforacting,andlongthehourforfeasting.”Haldorcasthiseyesuponhissonandsaid“Whatnowisintheway?”“The Danes,” said Alric, “are on the fiordmore than six hundred men.Skarpedinleadsthem.Oneofthempitchedmeintothesea,butImarkedhisneck to keepmyself in hismemory! They have plundered and burnt at theSprings, andErling has gone away to attack them all by himself,with onlysixtyhouse-carles.Youwillhavetobequick,father.”“Quick,truly,”saidHaldor,withagrimsmile,ashedrewtightthebuckleofhissword-belt.“Aye,” said Ulf, “with six hundred Danes on the fiord, and armed mendescendingthevale,methinks”“Oh! I can explain that” cried Alric, with an arch smile; “Erling mademechangethebatonforthesplitarrowwhenIwassentroundwiththetoken.”“Thatisgoodluck,”saidHaldor,whileUlf’sbrowclearedalittleashebuskedhimselfforthefight;“weshallneedallourforce.”“Aye,andallourtimetoo,”saidGuttormStoutheart,asheputonhisarmourwiththecheerfulairofamanwhodonshisweddingdress.“Come,mymerrymenall.Luckyitisthatmylongshipsareathandjustnowreadyloadedwithstones:“‘O!agallantsightitistome,Thewarshipsdartingo’erthesea,ApleasantsounditistohearThewartrumpringingloudandclear.’”Ulfandhisfriendsandhouse-carlesweresoonreadytoembark,forinthosedaystheNorsemankepthisweaponsreadytohishands,beingaccustomedtosuddenassaultsandfrequentalarms.Theystreamedoutofthehall,andwhile

somecollectedstones,tobeusedasmissiles,othersrandowntotheshoretolaunchtheships.MeanwhileUlf,Haldor,Guttorm,andotherchiefmenheldarapidconsultation,astheystoodandwatchedtheassemblingofthemenofthedistrict.Itwasevidentthatthesplitarrowhaddoneitsduty.Fromthegrassymoundon which they stood could be seen, on the one hand, the dark recesses ofHorlingdal,whichwerelostinthemistsofdistanceamongtheglaciersonthefells; and, on the other hand, the blue fiord with branching inlets andnumerous holms, while the skerries of the coast filled up thebackgroundloomingfaintandfaroffonthedistantsea.Inwhateverdirectiontheeyewasturnedarmedmenwereseen.Fromeverydistantgorgeandvalleyonthefells theyissued,singly,or intwosandthrees.Astheydescendedthedaletheyformedintogroupsandlargerbands;andwhentheygainedthemorelevelgroundsaroundHaldorstede,theheavytreadoftheirhasteningfootstepscouldbedistinctlyheard,whilethesunforalthoughnearmidnightnowitwasstillabove thehorizonflashedfromhundredsof javelins,spears,swords,andbills,glitteredonsteelheadpiecesandtherimsofshields,or trickledfitfullyon suits of scale armour and shirts of ring mail. On the fiord, boats cameshooting forth from every inlet or creek,making their appearance from thebaseofprecipitouscliffsordark-mouthedcavesasiftheverymountainswerebringing forthwarriors to aid in repelling the foe.Theseweremore sombrethan those on the fells, because the sun had set to them by reason of thetowering hills, and the fiordwas shrouded in deepest gloom.But all in theapproaching hoston water and landwere armed from head to foot, and allconvergedtowardsUlfstede.Whentheywereallassembledtheynumberedfivehundredfightingmenandastouter or more valiant band never went forth to war. Six longships weresufficienttoembarkthem.Threeofthesewereofthelargestsizehavingthirtyoars on each side, and carrying a hundred men. One of them belonged toHaldor, one to Ulf, and onebesides several smaller shipsto Guttorm, whochanced to be on viking cruise at the time he had turned aside to visit hiskinsman. The warlike old man could scarce conceal his satisfaction at hisunexpected good fortune in being so opportunely at handwhen hard blowswerelikelytobegoing!Twooftheothershipswerecutters,similartoErling’sSwan,andcarryingsixtymeneach,andonewasalittlelarger,holdingabouteightymen.ItbelongedtoGlummtheGruff;whosegruffness,however,hadabatedconsiderably,nowthattherewasaprospectofwhatwemodernswouldcall“lettingthesteamoff”inavigorousmanner.Soon the oars were dipped in the fiord, and the sails were set, for a lightfavourablewindwasblowing.Inashorttimethefleetroundedtheness,and

came in sight of the groundwhere Erling and Skarpedinwere preparing torenewthecombat.

ChapterSevenTheTaleReturnstotheSpringsDescribesaGreatLandFight,andTells

ofaPeculiarStyleofExtendingMercytotheVanquishedIn a previous chapter we left Skarpedin discussing with his chiefs the bestmodeofattackingthesmallbandofhisopponentsinthepassoftheSprings.They had just come to a decision, and were about to act on it, when theysuddenlybeheldsixwarshipssweepingroundtheness.“Nowwillwehavetochangeourplans,”saidSkarpedin.Thorvold agreed with this, and counselled getting on board their ships andmeetingtheenemyonthewater;buttheotherobjected,becauseheknewthatwhilehismenwereintheactofembarking,Erlingwouldsallyforthandkillmanyofthembeforetheycouldgetaway.“Methinks,”saidhe,“Iwill takefortyofmybestmen,andtrytoenticethatfoxoutofhishole,beforehehastimetoseetheships.”“Griefonlywillcomeofthat,”saysThorvold.Skarpedindidnotreply,butchoosingfortyofhisstoutestcarleshewenttothepassanddefiedErlingtocomeoutandfight.“NowhereamI,Erling,withfortymen.Wiltthoucomeforth?oristhytitleofBoldillbestowed,seeingthouhastmorementhanI?”“Ill should I deserve the title,” replies Erling, “if I were tomeet thee withsuperiorforce.”Withthathechosethirtymen,and,runningdowntotheplain,gavetheassaultsofiercelythatmenfellfastoneveryside,andtheDanesgavebacka little.When they saw this, and thatErlingandThorerhewedmendownwherevertheywent,theDanesmadeashieldcircleroundSkarpedin,aswasthecustomwhenkingswentintobattle;becausetheyknewthatifhefelltherewouldbenoonesoworthy toguide themin thefightwith theapproaching longships.Thustheyretreated,fighting.WhenErlingandhismenhadgonefarenough,theyreturnedtothepass,andcheeredloudlyastheywent,bothbecauseofthejoyofvictory,andbecausetheysawthewarshipsoftheirfriendscomingintothebay.KingHaldorandhiscompanionsatoncerantheirshipsonthebeachnearthe

mouthof the river, and, landing,drew themup, intending to fighton shore.Skarpedindidnottrytopreventthis,forhewasaboldman,andthoughtthatwith so large a force he could well manage to beat the Northmen, if theywouldfightonlevelground.Hethereforedrewuphismeninorderofbattleatoneendoftheplain,andHaldortheFierce, towhomwasassignedthechiefcommand,drewuptheNorthmenattheotherend.Erlingjoinedthemwithhisband, and then it was seen that the two armies were not equalthat of theNorthmenbeingalittlesmallerthantheother.ThenHaldorsaid,“Letusdrawup ina long line that theymaynot turnourflanks,astheyhavemostmen.”Thiswasdone,andHaldoradvancedintotheplainandsetuphisbanner.TheDanes in like manner advanced and planted their banner, and both armiesrushed to the attack,whichwas very sharp andbloody.Wherever the battleragedmost fiercely thereKingHaldor and Erlingwere seen, for theyweretallerbyhalfaheadthanmostothermen.Beingclothedalikeinalmosteveryrespect,theylookedmorelikebrothersthanfatherandson.Eachworeagilthelmet,andcarriedalongshield,thecentreofwhichwaspaintedwhite,butroundtheedgewasarimofburnishedsteel.Eachhadaswordbyhisside,andcarried a javelin to throw, but both depended chiefly on their favouriteweapon, thebattle-axe, for,beingunusually strong, theyknew that fewmencould withstand the weight of a blow from that. The defensive armour offatherandsonwasalso thesameashirtof leather,sewedalloverwithsmallsteelrings.Theirlegswereclothedinarmourofthesamekind,andamantleofclothhungfromtheshouldersofeach.Mostofthechiefmenonbothsideswerearmedinasimilarway,thoughnotquite so richly, and with various modifications; for instance, the helmet ofThorvoldwasofplainsteel,andforornamenthadthetailoftheptarmiganasitscrest.Skarpedin’s,ontheotherhand,wasquiteplain,butpartlygilded;hisarmourwasofpiecesof steel like fish scales sewedona leathern shirt, andoverhisshouldersheworeasamantle theskinofawolf.Hischiefweaponwasabillasortofhookorshortscythefixedtoapole,anditwasverydeadlyinhishands.Mostofthecarlesandthrallswerecontenttowearthickshirtsofwolfandotherskins,whichwere found tooffergoodresistance toasword-cut, and some of themhad portions of armour of various kinds.Their armswerespears,bows,arrowswithstoneheads,javelins,swords,bills,andbattle-axesandshields.Whenbothlinesmettherewasahardfight.Thecombatantsfirstthrewtheirspearsandjavelins,andthendrewtheirswordsandwentateachotherinthegreatestfury.InthecentreHaldorandErlingwenttogetherinadvanceoftheirbanner,cuttingdownonbothsidesof them.OldGuttormStoutheartwent in

advance of the rightwing, also hewing down right and left.With himwentKettleFlatnose, for thatambitious thrallcouldnotbemade to rememberhisposition,andwasalwaysputtinghimselfinfrontofhisbettersinwar;yetitisduetohimtosaythathekeptmodestlyinthebackgroundintimeofpeace.TothesewasopposedThorvold,withmanyofthestoutestmenamongtheDanes.Now, old Guttorm and Kettle pressed on so hard that they were almostseparatedfromtheirmen;andwhileGuttormwasengagedwithaverytallandstrongman,whom he hadwounded severelymore than once, another stoutfellowcamebetweenhimandKettle,andmadeacutathimwithhissword.Guttormdidnotobservehim,anditseemedasiftheoldStoutheartshouldgethisdeath-wound there;but the thrall chanced to seewhatwasgoingon.Hefoughtwith a sort of hook, like a reaping-hook, fixed at the end of a spearhandle,withthecuttingedgeinside.ThemenofHorlingdalusedtolaughatKettle because of his fondness for this weapon, whichwas one of his owncontriving;butwhentheydidso,hewaswonttoreplythatitwasbetterthanmostotherweapons,becauseitcouldnotonlymakehisfriendslaugh,buthisenemiescry!WiththishookthethrallmadeaquickblowattheDane;thepointofitwentdownthroughhishelmetintohisbrain,andthatwashisdeathblow.“Well done, Kettle!” cried old Guttorm, who had just cleft the skull of hisopponentwithhissword.AtthisThorvoldranforwardandsaid:“Welldoneitmaybe,butwellhaditbeenforthedoerhaditnotbeendone.Comeon,thouflatnose!”“Now,thoumustbearemarkablycleverman,”retortedKettle,withmuchofthatrichtoneofvoicewhich,manycenturieslater,cametobeknownas“theIrishbrogue”,“foritisplainyeknowmynamewithoutbeingtoldit!”Sosaying,withasuddenquickmovementhegothishookroundThorvold’sneck.“Thatisanuglygrip,”saidThorvold,makingafiercecutatthehaftwithhissword;butKettlepulledthehooktohim,andwithitcamethehead,andthatwasThorvold’send.While thiswas going on at the rightwing, the leftwingwas led byUlf ofRomsdalandGlummtheGruff;butUlf’smenwerenotsogoodasHaldor’smen,forhewasnotsowiseamanasHaldor,anddidnotmanagehishousesowell.

It was a common saying among the people of Horlingdal that Haldor hadunderhimthemostvaliantmeninNorwayandasthemasterwas,sowerethemen.Haldor neverwent to seawith less than a fully-manned ship of thirtybenchesofrowers,andhadotherlargevesselsandmentomanthemaswell.Oneofhisshipshadthirty-twobenchesofrowers,andcouldcarryatleasttwohundred men. He had always at home on his farm thirty slaves or thralls,besidesotherservingpeople,andabouttwohundredhouse-carles.Heusedtogivehisthrallsacertainday’swork;butafteritwasdonehegavethemleaveandleisuretoworkinthetwilightandatnightforthemselves.Hegavethemarablelandtosowcornin,andletthemapplytheircropstotheirownuse.Hefixedacertainquantityofwork,bythedoingofwhichhisslavesmightworkthemselves free; and this put so much heart into them that many of themworkedthemselvesfreeinoneyear,andallwhohadanyluckorpluckcouldworkthemselvesfreeinthreeyears.Ulfdidthistoo,buthewasnotsowisenoryetsokindinhiswayofdoingit.WiththemoneythusprocuredHaldorboughtotherslaves.Someofhisfreedpeoplehetaughttoworkintheherringfishery;toothershetaughtsomehandicraft;inshort,hehelpedallofthemtoprosperity;sothatmanyofthebestofthemremainedfastbytheiroldmaster,althoughfreetotakeservicewheretheychose.Thusitwasthathismenwerebetterthanthoseofhisneighbour.Ulf’smenwere, nevertheless, good stout fellows, and they fought valiantly;butitsohappenedthatthewingoftheenemytowhichtheywereopposedwascommandedbySkarpedin,ofwhomitwassaid thathewasequal toanysixmen.Inspite,therefore,ofthecourageandthestrengthofUlfandGlumm,theNorthmeninthatpartofthefieldbeganslowlytogiveback.UlfandGlummweresomaddenedatthisthattheycalledtheirmencowards,andresolvedtogoforwardtilltheyshouldfall.Utteringtheirwar-cry,theymadeadesperatecharge, hewing downmen like stalks of corn; but although this caused theDanestogivewayalittle,theycouldnotadvance,notbeingwellbacked,butstoodfighting,andmerelykepttheirground.Nowithadchancedshortlybeforethis,thatHaldorstayedhishandanddrewbackwithErling.Theywentoutfromthefrontofthefight,andobservedtheleftwinggivingway.“Come,letusaidthem,”criedHaldor.Sayingthisherantotheleftwing,withErlingbyhisside.Theytwoutteredawar-cry that rose high above the din of battle like a roar of thunder, and,rushingtothefront,felluponthefoe.Theirgilthelmetsroseabovethecrowd,and their ponderous axes went swinging round their heads, continuallycrashing down on the skulls of the Danes.With four such men as Haldor,

Erling,UlfandGlumminfront,theleftwingsoonregaineditslostgroundanddrove back the Danes. Nothing could withstand the shock. Skarpedin sawwhathadoccurred,andimmediatelyhastenedtothespotwhereHaldorstood,sweepingdownallwhostoodinhisway.“I have been searching for thee, Erling,” he cried, going up toHaldor, andlaunchingajavelin.Haldorcaughtitonhisshield,whichitpiercedthrough,butdidhimnohurt.“Mistaken thouart,but thouhast foundmenow,”criedErling, thrustinghisfatherasideandleapingupontheDane.Skarpedinchangedhisbilltohislefthand,drewhissword,andmadesuchablowathisadversary,thatthepointcutrightthroughhisshield.Withaquickturnoftheshield,Erlingbroketheswordshortoffatthehilt.Skarpedinseizedhisbillandthrustsofiercelythatitalsowentthroughtheshieldandstuckfast.Erlingforcedthelowerendorpointofhisshielddownintotheearth,andsohelditfast,droppedhisaxe,drewhissword,andmadeitflashsoquickroundhis head that no one could see the blade. It fell upon Skarpedin’s neck andgavehimagrievouswound,cuttingrightthroughhisarmouranddeepintohisshoulderblade.A great cry arose at this. The Danes made a rush towards their chief, andsucceeded in dragginghimout of the fight.Theyput himonhis shield andbore him off to his ship, which was launched immediately. This was theturning-pointintheday.EverywheretheDanesfledtotheirshipspursuedbythe victors. Some managed to launch their vessels, others were not sofortunate,andmanyfellfighting,whileafewweretakenprisoners.Foreseeing that this would be the result, Haldor and Erling called off theirmen,hastenedonboardtheirships,andgavechase,whiletherestoftheforcelooked after the prisoners and the booty, and dressed their own and theircomrades’wounds.“Abloodyday this,” saidUlf toGuttorm, as the latter cameup,wiping thebladeofhissword.“Ihaveseenworse,”observedtheoldwarrior,carefullyreturninghisweapontoitsscabbard.“TheDaneswilllongrememberit,”observedGlumm.“Theravenswillhaveagoodfeastto-night.”“AndOdin’shallsafewmoretenants,”saidGuttorm:

“TheDanescamehereallfilledwithgreed,Andlefttheirfleshthecrowstofeed.“Butwhatistobedonewiththese?”headded,pointingtotheprisoners,abouttwentyofwhomwereseatedona logwith their feet tied togetherbya longrope,whiletheirhandswereloose.“Killthem,Isuppose,”saidUlf.Therewere thirtymenseated there,andalthoughtheyheard thewords, theydidnotshowbyasingleglancethattheyfearedtomeettheirdoom.JustthenSwartoftheSpringscameup.Hehadagreataxeinhishands,andwasveryfurious.“Thou hast killed and burned my wife, children, and homestede,” he saidfiercely,addressingtheprisonerwhosatattheendofthelog,“butthoushaltneverreturntoDenmarktotellit.”He cut at him with the axe as he spoke, and the man fell dead. One afteranotherSwartkilledthem.Therewasonewholookedupandsaid“IwillstickthisfishbonethatIhaveinmyhandintotheearth,ifitbesothatIknowanythingaftermyheadiscutoff.”Hisheadwasimmediatelycutoff,butthefishbonefellfromhishand.Besidehimtheresataveryhandsomeyoungmanwithlonghair,whotwistedhishairoverhishead,stretchedouthisneck,andsaid,“Don’tmakemyhairbloody.”Amantookthehairinhishandsandhelditfast.ThenSwarthewedwithhisaxe,buttheDanetwitchedhisheadbacksostrongly,thathewhowasholdinghishairfellforward;theaxecutoffbothhishands,andstuckfastintheearth.“Whoisthathandsomeman?”askedUlf.Themanrepliedwithlookofscorn,“IamEinar,thesonofKingThorkelofDenmark; and know thou for a certainty thatmany shall fall to avengemydeath.”Ulf said, “Art thoucertainlyThorkel’s son?Wilt thounow take thy lifeandpeace?”“Thatdepends,”repliedtheDane,“uponwhoitisthatoffersit.”

“HeofferswhohasthepowertogiveitUlfofRomsdal.”“Iwilltakeit,”sayshe,“fromUlf’shands.”Uponthattheropewasloosedfromhisfeet,butSwart,whosevengeancewasstillunsatisfied,exclaimed“Althoughthoushouldstgiveallthesemenlifeandpeace,KingUlf,yetwillInotsufferEinartodepartfromthisplacewithlife.”So saying he ran at him with uplifted axe, but one of the viking prisonersthrewhimselfbeforeSwart’s feet, so thathe tumbledoverhim,and theaxefellatthefeetofavikingnamedGills.GillscaughttheaxeandgaveSwarthisdeath-wound.ThensaidUlf,“Gills,wiltthouacceptlife?”“ThatwillI,”saidhe,“ifthouwiltgiveittoallofus.”“Loosethemfromtherope,”saidUlf.Thiswasdone,andthemenweresetfree.Eighteen of theDanish vikingswere killed, and twelve got their lives uponthatoccasion.

ChapterEightTellsofDiscussionsandExcitingDeedsatUlfstede

While the fight at the Springswhichwe have just describedwas going on,Christian the hermit sat in the hall at Ulfstede conversing with Hilda andDameAstrid,andsomeoftheotherwomen.Allthefightingmenoftheplacehadbeen takenawayonlyoneor twooldmenandAlricwere leftbehindforUlf,inhisimpetuosity,hadforgottentoleaveaguardathome.“IhopeitwillfarewellwithourmenattheSprings,”saidHilda,lookingupwith an anxious expression from themantle with which her nimble fingerswerebusy.“Ihopesotoo,”saidChristian,“thoughIwouldratherthattherehadbeennooccasiontofight.”“Nooccasiontofight!”exclaimedAlric,whowasdressingthefeathersonanarrow which he had made to replace the one he lost in shooting at theDane,andthelosingofwhich,bytheway,hewasparticularlycarefultobringto remembrance as often as opportunity offeredsometimes whether

opportunityofferedornot.“Nooccasion to fight!Whatwouldbe theuseofweaponsiftherewerenofighting!Whereshouldwegetourplunderiftherewere no fighting, and our slaves?why,whatwouldNorthmen find to do iftherewerenofighting?”Thehermitalmostlaughedattheimpetuosityoftheboyashereplied“Itwouldtakeawiserheadthanmine,lad,toanswerallthesequestions,moreparticularly to answer them to thy satisfaction. Notwithstanding, it remainstruethatpeaceisbetterthanwar.”“Thatmaybeso,”saidDameAstrid;“butitseemstomethatwarisnecessary,andwhatisnecessarymustberight.”“Iagreewiththat,”saidAda,withatossofherprettyheadforitwouldseemthatthatmethodofexpressingcontemptforanadversary’sopinionwasknowntowomankindatleastathousandyearsago,ifnotlonger.“Butthoudostnotfight,Christian:whathaswardonetotheethatthoushouldstobjecttoitso?”“What has war done for me?” exclaimed the old man, springing up withsuddenexcitement,andclaspinghisleanhandstighttogether;“hasitnotdoneallthatitcoulddo?Woman,ithasrobbedmeofallthatmakeslifesweet,andleftmeonlywhatIdidnotwant.Ithasrobbedmeofwifeandchildren,andleftaburdenedlife.YetnoIsininspeakingthus.Lifewasleftbecausetherewassomethingworthlivingfor;somethingstilltobedone:thetruthofGodtobeproclaimed;thegoodofmantobecompassed.ButsometimesIforgetthiswhenthepastflashesuponme,andIforget that it ismydutyaswellasmyjoytosay,‘TheLordgave,andtheLordhathtakenaway;blessedbethenameoftheLord.’”Theoldmansatdownagain,and leanedhisbrowonhishand.Thewomen,althoughsympathetic,werepuzzledbysomeofhisremarks,andthereforesatinsilenceforalittle,butpresentlythevolatileAdalookedupandsaid“Whatthinkestthou,Hilda,inregardtowar?”“Iknownotwhattothink,”repliedHilda.“Nay, then, thyspiritmustbeflyingfromthee,for thouwertnotwont tobewithout an opinion onmost things.Why, evenErling’s sister, Ingeborg, hasmadeuphermindaboutwarIdoubtnot,thoughsheistoomodesttoexpressit.”Now this was a sly hit at Ingeborg, who was sitting by, for she was wellknowntohaveashrewishtemper,andtobeself-willedandopinionated,inso

muchthatmostmenkeptoutofherway.ShewasveryunlikeErling,orherfatherandmother,orherlittlesisters,inthisrespect.“Icanexpressmyopinionwellenoughwhen Ihaveamind,” said Ingeborgsharply; “and as towar, it stands to reason that a Sea-king’s daughtermustapprove of a Sea-king’s business. Why, the beautiful cloths, and gold andjewels,thataresoplentifulinthedale,wouldneverhavedelightedoureyesifourmenhadnotgoneonvikingcruise,and fallen inwith those rich tradersfromthefarsouthlands.Besides,warmakesourmenbriskandhandsome.”“Aye,”exclaimedAlric,laughing,“especiallywhentheygettheirnosescutoffandtheircheeksgashed!”“Sometimesittakesthemfromusaltogether,”observedapoorwomanofthehousehold, thewidowofamanwhohadbeenslainonavikingcruise,afterhavinghadhiseyesputout,andbeingotherwisecruellytreated.“Thatistheothersideofthequestion,”saidAstrid.“Ofcourseeverythinghastwosides.Wecannotchangetheplansofthegods.Sunshineandrain,heatandcold,comeastheyaresent.Wemustacceptthemastheyaresent.”“That is true,” said Christian, “and thou sayest wisely that wemust acceptthingsastheyaresent;butcanitbesaidthatwarissenttouswhenwerushinto it of our own accord? Defensive warfare, truly, is rightelse would thisworldbe left in thesolepossessionof thewicked;butaggressivewarfare isnotright.Togoonvikingcruiseandtakebyforcethatwhichisnotourownissinful.Thereisagoodwaytoprovethetruthofthesethings.Letmeaskthequestion,Astrid,Howwouldthyhusbandliketohavetheeandallhispropertytakenfromhim,andUlfstedeburnedabouthisears?”“Methinkshewouldlikeitill.”“Then why should he do that to others which he would not like done tohimself?”“These are strangewords,” saidAstrid in surprise; “I know not that I haveeverheardthelikebefore.”“Truly no,” said Christian, “because the Word of God has not yet beensoundedinthedale.Thousaidstjustnowthatwecannotchangetheplansofthegods;thatwouldbetrueifyehadsaid‘theplansofGod,’forthereisbutoneGod,andHiswaysareunchangeable.ButwhatifGodhadrevealedsomeofHisplanstoman,andtoldhimthatthisrevelationwassufficienttoguidehiminhiswalkthroughthislife,andtopreparehimforthenext?”

“ThenwouldIthinkitman’swisdomtofollowthatguidecarefully,”repliedAstrid.“Suchplansdoexist,sucharevelationhasbeenmade,”saidthehermit,“andthenamethatstandsontheforefrontofitisJesusChrist.”Ashespokethehermitdrewfromhisbosomascrollofparchment,whichheunrolled slowly. This, he said,was a copy,made by himself, of part of theGospel.Hehadmeant,hesaid,tohavecopiedthewholeofit,butwarhadputanendtohislaboursatthesametimethatitdeprivedhimofhisearthlyjoys,anddrovehimfromhisnativelandtobeawandererontheearth.“Butif,”hecontinued,“theLordpermitsmetopreachHisgospeloftruthandloveandpeaceinNorway,Ishallcountthesufferingsofthispresenttimeasnothingcomparedwiththegloryyettoberevealed.”“Christian,” said Astrid, who appeared to have been struck by somereminiscence,“methinksIhaveheardUlftalkofareligionwhichthemenofthesouthprofess.Hesawsomethingofitwhenhewentonvikingcruisetothegreatfiordthatrunsfarintotheland,(theMediterranean)andifmymemoryisfaithful he said that they called themselves by a name that soundsmarvellouslylikethineown.”“I suppose Ulf must have met with Christians, after whom I call myself,seeingthatmyownnameisofconsequencetonoone,”saidthehermit.“Whatsaidheaboutthem?”“That theywereabad set,” repliedAstrid,“menwhoprofessed love to theirfellows,butwereguiltyofgreatcrueltytoallwhodidnotbelievetheirfaith.”“Allwhocall themselvesChristiansdeservenot thename,Astrid; somearehypocritesanddeceivers,othersarefoolishandeasilydeceived.”“Theyallmakethesameprofession,Iamtold,”saidDameAstrid.“The men of Norway are warriors,” returned the hermit, “and all professcourage,nay,whentheystandintheranksandgoforthtowar,theyallshowthe same stern face and front, so that one could not knowbut that allwerebrave;yetaretheynotallcourageous,asthouknowestfullwell.Some,itmaybeveryfew,butsomearecowardsatheart,anditonlyrequiresthetestofthefighttoprovethem.SoisitwithprofessingChristians.IwouldgladlytellthestoryofJesusifyewillhearme,DameAstrid.”Thematron’scuriositywasexcited,sosheexpressedherwillingnesstolisten;and the hermit, reading passages from his manuscript copy of the New

Testament, and commenting thereon, unfolded the “old old story” of God’swonderfullovetomaninJesusChrist.Whilehewasyetinthemidstofhisdiscoursethedoorofthehallwasburstviolently open, and one of the serving-girls, rushing in, exclaimed that theDaneswereapproachingfromthefiord!The Danes referred to composed a small party who had been sent off in acutterbySkarpedinRedbeardtosurveythecoastbeyondHorlingdalfiord,ashehadintended,afterherryingthatdistrict,toplunderstillfarthernorth.Thisparty in returning had witnessed, unseen, the departure of the fleet ofNorthmen.Thinkingitprobablethattheplacemighthavebeenleftwithfewprotectors, theywaiteduntil theydeemed it safe to sendout scouts, and,ontheir report being favourable, they landed tomake an attack on the nearestvillageorfarm.OnhearingthenewsallwasuproarinUlfstede.Thewomenrushedaboutinadistractedstate,imploringthefewhelplessoldmenabouttheplacetoarmanddefendthem.Todotheseveteranwarriorsjusticetheydidtheirbest.Theyputthe armour thatwas brought to themon their palsied limbs, but shook theirheads sadly, for they felt that although they might die in defence of thehousehold,theycouldnotsaveit.MeanwhileChristianandAlricprovedthemselvesequaltotheoccasion.Theformer,althoughadvancedinyears,retainedmuchofhisstrengthandenergy;and the latter, still inflated with the remembrance of the fact that he hadactuallydrawnbloodfromafull-grownbeardedDane,anddeeplyimpressedwiththeideathathewastheonlyable-bodiedwarriorinUlfstedeatthiscrisis,resolved to seize the opportunity and prove to the whole world that hisboastingwasatalleventsnot“empty!”“Thefirstthingtobedoneistobarthedoors,”hecried,startinguponhearingthe serving-girl’s report. “Thou knowest how to do it, Christian; run to thesouthdoor,Iwillbarthenorth.”The hermit smiled at the lad’s energy, but he was too well aware of theimportanceof speed towaste time in talking.Hedroppedhisoutergarmentandrantothesouthdoor,whichwasverysolid.Closingit,andfasteningtheponderouswoodenbarwhichstretcheddiagonallyacrossit,heturnedandrantothechamberinwhichtheweaponswerekept.OnthewayhewasarrestedbyacryfromAlric“Here!here,quick,Christian,elsewearelost!”Thehermitsprangtothenorthdoorwiththeagilityofayouth.Hewasjustin

time. Poor Alric, despite the strength of his bold heart and will, had notstrengthofmuscleenoughtoclosethedoor,whichhadsomehowgotjammed.Through the open doorway Christian could see a band of Danish vikingsrunning towards the house at full speed. He flung the door forward with acrash,anddrewthebaracrossjustasthevikingsranagainstit.“Open,openwithoutdelay!”criedavoiceoutside,“elsewillwetearouttheheartofeverymanandchildunderthisroof.”“Wewillnotopen;wewilldefendourselvestothelast;ourtrustisinGod,”repliedChristian.“Andas to tearingoutourhearts,”criedAlric, feelingemboldenednowthatthestoutdoorstoodbetweenhimandhisfoes,“ifyedonotmakeoffasfastasyecame,wewillpunchoutyoureyesandroastyourlivers.”Thereplytothiswasashowerofblowsonthedoor,soheavythatthewholebuildingshookbeneaththem,andAlricalmostwishedthathisboastfulthreathadbeenleftunsaid.Herecollectedatthatmoment,however,thattherewasaholeunder theeavesof theroof justabovethedoor.Ithadbeenconstructedforthepurposeofpreventingattacksofthiskind.Theboyseizedhisbowandarrowsanddashedup the ladder that led to the loftabove thehall.On ithefoundoneof theoldretainersof thestedestrugglingupwithaweightyironpot,fromwhichissuedcloudsofsteam.“Letmepass,oldIvor;whathastthouthere?”“Boilingwater towarm them,” gasped Ivor, “I knewwe shouldwant it erelong.Finnisgonetotheloftabovethesouthdoorwithanotherpot.”Alricdidnotwaittoheartheendofthisanswer,butpushingpasttheoldman,hastenedto the trap-doorunder theeavesandopenedit.Hefound,however,thathecouldnotusehisbowintheconstrainedpositionnecessarytoenablehimtoshootthroughthehole.Indesperationheseizedabarrelthatchancedtobeathand,andoverturneditscontentsontheheadsofthefoe.Ithappenedtocontain rye-flour, and the result was that two of the assailants were nearlyblinded,whiletwootherswhostoodbesidethemburstintoaloudlaugh,and,seizingthebattle-axeswhichtheothershadbeenusing,continuedtheireffortstodriveinthedoor.Bythis timeoldIvorhadjoinedAlric.Hesetdownthepotofboilingwaterbythesideofthehole,andatonceemptieditscontentsontheheadsofthevikings,whoutteredaterrificyellandleapedbackwardasthescaldingwaterflowedovertheirheadsandshoulders.Asimilarcryfromtheotherdoorofthehousetoldthatthedefencetherehadbeenequallysuccessful.AlmostatthesamemomentAlricdiscoveredasmallslit intheroofthroughwhichhecouldobservetheenemy.Hequicklysentthroughitanarrow,which

fixed itself in the left shoulder of one of the men. This had the effect ofinducingtheattackingpartytodrawoffforthepurposeofconsultation.The breathing-time thus afforded to the assailed was used in strengtheningtheir defences and holding a hurried council of war. Piling several heavypieces of furniture against the doors, and directing the women to makeadditions to these, Christian drew Alric into the hall, where the ancientretainerswerealreadyassembled.“Itwillcostthemalongtimeandmuchlabourtodriveinthedoors,defendedastheyare,”saidthehermit.“Theywillnotwastetimenorlabouruponthem,”saidIvor,shakinghishoaryhead.“Whatthinkye,Finn?”Thewomen,whohadcrowdedroundthemen,lookedanxiouslyatFinn,whowasamanof immensebulk,andhadbeennotedforstrengthinhisyoungerdays,butwhowasnowbentalmostdoublewithage.“Firewilldotheworkquicker than thebattle-axe,” answeredFinn,withgrim smile,whichdidnotimprovetheexpressionofacountenancealreadydisfiguredbythescarsofahundredfights,andbytheabsenceofaneyelongagogougedoutandleft tofeedtheravensofaforeignshore!“Ifthishadonlycometopassadozenyearsago,”headded,whileagleamoflightilluminedthesoundeye,“ImighthavegoneofftoValhallawithastraighthackandsomecredit.Butmayhapagoodonsetwillstraightenityet,whoknows?andIdofeelasifIhadstrengthlefttosendatleastonefoeoutoftheworldbeforeme.”IvortheOldnodded.“Yes,”hesaid;“Ithinktheywillburnusout.”“I had already feared this,” saidChristian,with a look of perplexity. “Whatwouldstthourecommendshouldbedone,Ivor?”“Nothingmorecanbedonethantokillasmanyaspossiblebeforewedie.”“IpraytheLordtohelpusinourextremity,”saidChristian;“butIbelieveittobeHiswilltohelpthosewhoarewillingtohelpthemselves,dependinguponHim for strength, courage, andvictory. Itmaybe thatUlf andhismenwillsoonreturnfromtheSprings,sothatifwecouldonlyholdoutforashorttimeallmightbewell.Haveyenothingtosuggest?”“AstoUlfandthemenreturningfromtheSprings,”saidFinn,“thereissmallchanceofthatbeforemorning.Withregardtoholdingout,Iknowofnothingthatwill cause fire toburn slowonce it iswellkindled.AnhourhenceandUlfstedewillbeinashes,asthatsoundsurelytells.”

He referred to a crashing blowwhich occurred just then at the north door.Nearlyallpresentknewfullwellthatitwasthefirstbundleofapileoffaggotswithwhichtheassailantsmeanttosetthehouseonfire.“Had this arm retained but a little of the strength it once knew,” continuedFinnbitterly,ashestretchedoutthehugebutwitheredlimb,“thingshadnotcometothispasssoquickly.Iremembertheday,nowfortyyearsago,whenontheroofofthisveryhouseIstoodalonewithmybowandkeptthirtymenatbayfortwofullhours.ButIcouldnotnowdrawanarrowofAlric’slittlebowtoitshead,tosavethelivesofallpresent.”“But I can do it,” cried Alric, starting forward suddenly; “and if thou wiltshowmethewindowintheroofIwill”“Braveboy,”saidoldIvor,withakindlysmile,ashelaidhishandonAlric’shead,“thyheartislarge,anditissadthatonesofullofpromiseshouldcometo such an end; but it needs not that ye should fall before thy time. Theseshaftsmaydoagainstthecrows,buttheywouldavailnothingagainstmeninmail.”“Istherenotawarrior’sbowinthehouse?”askedChristianquickly.“Thereis,”repliedIvor,“butwhowilluseit?”“Iwill.”“Thou?”exclaimedIvor,withaslighttouchofcontemptinhistone.“Holdthypeace,Ivor,”saidHildaquickly.“Thismanhassavedmylifeonce,asthouknowest,andwellassuredamIthatwhatheundertakestodohewillaccomplish.”“Nowthankstothee,Hilda,forthat,”saidthehermitheartily;“notthatIboastofbeingsuretoaccomplishwhatIundertake,yetIneveroffertoattemptwhatIhavenotsomereasonablehopeofbeingabletodo.Butitisnotstrangethatthisoldwarriorshoulddoubtofthecourageorcapacityofonewhopreachesthegospelofpeace.Nevertheless,whenIwasayouthIfoughtinthearmyofthe great Thorfin, and was somewhat expert in the use of the bow. It ispossiblethatsomeofmyancientskillmayremain,andIamwillingtouseitinagoodcause.Ipraythee, therefore, letusnotwastemoretimeinuselesstalk,butfetchmeabowandquiver,andshowmethewindowintheroof.”Ivorwentatoncetotheplacewherethearmourwaskept,andbroughtoutthedesiredweapons,whichheplacedinthehandsofthehermit,andwatchedhismode of handling them with some curiosity. Christian, unconscious of the

look, strung thebowandexaminedoneof thearrowswith theairof amanwho was thoroughly accustomed to such weapons. Ivor regarded him withincreasedrespectasheconductedhimtotheloft,andopenedthewindow.Thehermitatoncesteppedout,andwasinstantlyobservedbytheDanes,whoof course seized the opportunity and let fly several arrows at him, whichgrazedhimorstuckquiveringintheroofclosetothespotwherehestood.Hewasnotslowtoreply.Oneofthevikings,whowasapproachingthehouseatthe moment with a bundle of faggots on his back, received a shaft in hisshoulder,whichcausedhimtodrophisbundleandflytothewoods,wherehetook shelter behind a tree. Almost before that shaft had reached its markanotherwasonthestring,and,inanotherinstant,transfixedthebicepsmuscleof the right arm of one of the vikings who was preparing to discharge anarrow.Healsosoughtshelterbehindatree,andcalledtoacomradetocomeandassisthimtoextracttheshaft.“Mine ancient skill,” said the hermit in anundertone, as if the remarkweremadehalftohimselfandhalftoIvor,whoseheadappearedatthewindow,andwhoseoldcountenancewaswrinkledwithagrinofdelightatthisunexpecteddisplayofprowess;“mineancientskill, itwouldseem,hasnotdesertedme,forwhichIamthankful, for it isanawful thing, Ivor,moreawful than thouthinkest,tosendahumanbeingintoeternityunforgiven.Iamglad,therefore,tobeablethustorenderourassailantsunfitforwarwithouttakingawaytheirlivesha! that was better aimed than usual,” he added, as an arrow passedthrough his jerkin, and stuck deep into the roof. “Theman shoots well, hewouldsoonendthefightifIdidnotstopthat.”Atthesecond-lastwordthehermitbenthisbow;atthelast,whichwasutteredwith emphasis, he let the arrow fly, and sent it through the left hand of hisadversary,whoinstantlydroppedhisbow.Atthesamemomentitseemedasthough thewholebandofvikingshadbecomesuddenlyconvinced that theystood exposed to the shafts of a man who could use them with unerringcertainty, for they turnedwithoneconsentandfled into thewoodseachmanseekingshelterbehindthenearesttree.Heretheycalledtooneanothertostandforthandshootatthehermit.“Gothou,Arne,”criedtheleader;“thineaimistrue.Surelyoneoldmanisnottokeepusallatbay.IfmylefthandwereunscathedIwouldnottroubletheetodoit,thouknowest.”“I have no desire to get an arrow inmine eye,” criedArne; “see, I did butshowthetipofmyrightelbowjustnow,andtheskinofitiscutupasthoughthecrowshadpeckedit.”

IntheexcessofhiswrathArneextendedhisclenchedfistandshookitatthehermit,who instantly transfixed itwithanarrow,causing thefoolishman tohowlwithpainandpassion.“Ihavealwaysheldandactedontheopinion,”saidChristiantoIvor,whowasnowjoinedbyhiscomradeFinn,“thatwhateverisworthdoingatall,isworthdoingwell.Thouseest,”hecontinued,wipinghisbrowwiththesleeveofhiscoat, “it is only by being expert in the use of this weapon that I havesucceededindrivingbarktheDaneswithoutthelossoflife.ThereisindeedapassageintheBookofGod(whichIhopetobesparedtotelltheemoreaboutintimetocome),wherethisprincipleofthoroughnessinallthingsisimplied,ifnotabsolutely taughtnamely, ‘Whatever thyhand findeth todo,do itwiththymight.’”“A just maxim,” said Finn, shading his one eye with his hands and gazingearnestlyintothewoods,“andifactedupon,makesamanfitforeverydutythatfallsuponhim;butitseemstomethatwhilewearetalkinghere,thereissomemovement going on. See, Christian (since that is thy name), they areretiringinhaste,andexposingthemselves.Now,Ipraythee,asthineeyeissosure,dodropashaftonthenapeofyonderfellow’sneck, thatwemayhavesomethingtoshowofthisnight’swork.”“Itoldthee,Finn,thatmydesireistoavoidtakinglife.”“Humph,”saidFinntestily,“whateverthydesiremaybematterslittlenow,forheisbeyondrange.Hark!ThatshoutaccountsfortheflightoftheDanes.Ulfmusthavereturned.”As he spoke, a loud cry, as if of men in conflict, arose from the fiord.Immediately after, the vikingswho had not already taken to flight left theirplaces of shelter and dashed into the underwood. The hermit let them gowithoutmovingahand;butAlric,whowasactuatedbynomercifulprinciples,suddenlyopenedthenorthdoor,sprangout,andletflyanarrowwithsotrueanaimthatitstruckoneoftheDanesbetweentheshoulders.Fortunatelyforhim,theDanehad,inaccordancewiththeusualcustomofthetime,hunghisshieldonhisbackwhenhetooktoflight,sothattheshaftreboundedfromitandfellharmlesstotheground.Bythis timethehermithaddescendedfromtheroof.RunningoutheseizedAlric,and,dragginghimintothehouse,reclosedthedoor.“Yeknownot,foolishboy,whetherornotthisisUlfwhomwehear.”Ashespoke,thetrampofapproachingfootstepsandthevoicesofexcitedmenwereheardoutside.Thedoorflewopen,andUlf,Erling,andHaldor,witha

numberofthehouse-carles,strodeintothehallandflungdowntheirarms.“Notmuchtoosoon,itwouldseem,”saidUlf,withalookofsternjoy.“Thou wouldst have been altogether too late, Ulf,” said Astrid, “had notChristianbeenheretosaveus.”“Howso?”exclaimedUlf,turningwithanenquiringlooktothehermit;“hastturnedwarriorafterallthypreachingofpeace?Butthouartpale.Ho!fetchahornofalehere;fightinghasdisagreedwiththystomach,oldman.”“I think,” said Christian, pressing his hand to his side, “that one of thesearrowsmusthave”He paused suddenly, and would have fallen to the ground had not Erlingcaughthim.Lettinghimgentlydownatfulllength,ourheroraisedhisheadonhisknee,whileHildacameforwardwithahornofale.Asshekneeledbytheoldman’ssidesheglancedanxiouslyather lover’sface,whichwascoveredwithbloodanddust,andpresentedanythingbutanattractiveappearance.“Hastthoubeenwounded?”whisperedHilda.“No,notwounded,”mutteredErling,“but”“Notwounded!”exclaimedUlf,whooverheardthewords,butmisunderstoodtheirapplication,“notwounded!Why,Erling,wherehavethywitsgone?Theman is wellnigh dead from loss of blood. See, his jerkin is soaking. Bringhitherbandages;come,letmeseethewound.IftheoldmanhasindeedsavedUlfstedethisday,eternaldisgracewouldbeourduedidwelethislifeslipoutunder our roof-tree for want of proper care. And hark’ee; get ready all thedressingsthouhast,forwoundedmenenoughwillbehereerelong,andlettheboardsbespreadwiththebestofmeatandale,forwehavegonethroughhardworkto-day,andthereisharderyetinstoreforus,Itrow.”Thusadmonished, thewomenwent tomakepreparation for the receptionofthewounded,andtheentertainmentofthosewhohadbeenmorefortunateintherecentconflict.MeanwhilethehermitwasconveyedtoUlf’sownbed,andhiswound,whichprovedtobelessseriousthanhadbeenfeared,wascarefullydressed by Hilda, to whom Erling, in the most attentive and disinterestedmanner,actedthepartofassistant-surgeon.

ChapterNineShowshowtheAncientSea-KingstransactedNationalBusiness

Scantwas the time allowed themen ofHorlingdal for refreshment and rest

afterthebattleoftheSprings,fortheassemblingofThingsmenarmedtotheteeth, as well as the news that King Harald threatened a descent on them,rendereditnecessarythataDistrictThingorCouncilshouldbeheldwithoutdelay.Accordingly, after brief repose, Haldor the Fierce, who had returned withErlingtohisownhouseupthedale,aroseandorderedthehorntobesoundedforaThing.Severalhundredsofmenhadbythattimeassembled,andwhentheyallcametogether they formed an imposing band of warriors, whom any wise kingwouldhavedeemeditadvisabletoholdconversewith,ifpossible,onfriendlyterms.WhentheThingwasseatedHaldorrose,and,amidprofoundsilence,said:“MenofHorlingdal,KingHaraldHaarfagerhassentroundthemessage-tokenforaThing tobeheldat theSprings.The tokensentwasoneofpeace.Thetokenofwarwassentroundinstead,asyeknow.Whetherthiswaswiseornotdoesnotmuchconcernusnow,asyehaveseenwithyourowneyesthattherewas good fortune in the change; for we knew not, when the token wasforwarded,oftheurgentneedthatshouldariseattheSpringsforourweapons.But, now that theDaneshavebeen sent homeexcepting that goodlynumberwhohavegone toValhalla’shalls tokeep companywithOdin anddepartedwarriorsitseemstomethatweshouldmeettheKinginthemannerwhichhedesiresuntilheshallgiveusoccasiontoassumearmsindefenceofourlaws.AndIwouldhereremindyouthatHaraldisourrightfulKing,udal-borntotheKingdomofNorway,histitlehavingbeenstatedandprovedatalltheDistrictThings, beginning with the Ore Thing of Drontheim, and having beenapprovedbyall thepeopleofNorway. I therefore counselpacificmeasures,andthatweshouldgototheSpringsunarmed.”WhenHaldorsatdowntherewasaslightmurmurofassent,butmostofthosepresentremainedsilent,wishingtohearmore.ThenupstartedUlf,andspokewithgreatheat.“IagreenotwithHaldor,”hesaidsternly.“WhodoesnotknowthatHaraldisrightfulKingofNorway;thatheisdescendedinadirectlinefromthegodarswhocameoverfromtheeastwithOdin,andhasbeenfairlyelectedKingofNorway?Butwhodoesnotknowalso,thatourlawsareaboveourKing,thatHarald is at this time trampling on these laws, and is everywhere setting atdefiancethesmallkings,whoareastrulyudal-borntotheirrightsandtitlesashimself?”

AtthispointUlf’sindignationbecamesogreatthathefoundhecouldnottalkconnectedly,soheconcludedbycounsellingthattheyshouldgototheSpringsfullyarmed,andreadytobravetheworst.Therewasaloudshoutofapproval,and thenErling startedup.Hismanner and tonewere subdued,buthis facewasflushed;andmencouldsee,ashewenton,thathewaskeepingdownhiswrathandhisenergy.“Ilikeitill,”hesaid,“todisagreeonthispointwithmyfather;butUlfisright.WeallknowthatHaraldisKingofNorwaybylaw,andwedonotmeetheretodisputehistitle;butwealsoknowthatkingsarenotgods.Mencreatealawandplaceitovertheirownheads,sothatthelawmakersaswellasthoseforwhomitismademustbowbeforeit;butwhenitisfoundthatthelawworksunfairly,thelawmakermayrepealit,andcastitasideasuselessorunworthy.So kings were created for the sole purpose of guiding nations andadministering laws, in order that national welfare might be advanced. Themoment they cease to act their part, that moment they cease to be worthykings,andbecomeuseless.Butif,inadditiontothis,theydaretoignoreandbreak the laws of the land, then do they become criminal; they deserve notonly to be cast aside, but punished. If, in defence of our rights, we find itnecessarytodethronetheKing,wecannotbechargedwithdisloyalty,becausetheKinghasalreadydethronedhimself!”Erlingpausedamomentatthispoint,andamurmurofapprovalranthroughthecircleofhisauditors.“When Harald Haarfager’s father,” he resumed, “Halfdan the Black, ruledoverNorway,hemade lawswhichwereapprovedbythepeople.Heobeyedthemhimself, andobligedothers toobserve them; and, thatviolence shouldnotcomeintheplaceofthelaws,hehimselffixedthenumberofcriminalactsinlaw,andthecompensations,mulcts,orpenalties,foreachcase,accordingtoeveryone’sbirthanddignity,fromtheKingdownwards;sothatwhendisputesweresettledattheThingstheutmostfairplayprevaileddeathfordeath,woundforwound;or,ifthepartieschose,matterscouldbeadjustedbypaymentsinmoneyeach injury being valued at a fixed scale; ormattersmight be settledandputrightbysinglecombat.Allthis,yeknowfullwell,HalfdantheBlackcompassedandsettled ina legalmanner,and thegood thathas flowedfromhiswiseandlegalmeasures(forIholdthatakingisnotentitledtopassevenwiselawsillegally)hasbeenapparenttouseversince.Butnowallthisistobe overturnedwith or without the consent of the Thingsbecause a foolishwoman,forsooth,hasthepowertostirupthevanityofafoolishking!Shallthisbeso?Isourmanhoodtobethusrivenfromus,andshallwestandaloofandseeitdone,or,worsestill,beconsentinguntoit?Letdeathbeourportionfirst!Ithasbeenrumouredthatthepeopleofsouthernlandshavedonethisthat

theyhavesoldthemselvestotheirkings,sothatoneman’svoiceislaw,andpaidtroopsofmilitaryslavesarekeptupinorderthatthisonemanmayhavehisfullswing,whilehisfavouritesandhissoldier-slavesbaskinhissunshineand fatten on the people of the land! It is impossible for us of Norway tounderstandthefeelingsorideasofthemenwhohavethussoldthemselvesforwehaveneverknownsuch tyrannyhaving,as thescalds tellus,enjoyedourprivileges,heldourThings,andgovernedourselvesbymeansofthecollectivewisdom of the people ever since our forefathers came from the East; but Iwarn ye that if thisman,HaraldHaarfager, is allowed to have hiswill, ourinstitutionsshallbesweptaway,ourprivilegeswilldepart,ourrightswillbecrushed,andthetimewillcomewhenitshallbesaidofNorsementhat theyhaveutterlyforgottenthattheyoncewerefree!AgainIask,shallwetamelystandasideandsufferthistobe?Shallourchildreneverhaveitintheirpowerto say, ‘There was a time when our mean-spirited forefathers might haveeasily stopped the leak that caused the flood by which we are now borneirresistiblydownward?’ I repeat, letus ratherperish!Letusgoarmed to theSpringsandtelltheKingthatheequallywithourselvesissubjecttothelawsoftheland!”Erlingdeliveredthelastsentenceinavoiceofthunder,andwithafiercewaveofthehand,thatdrewforthshoutsofenthusiasticapplause.Instantly Glumm started up, forgetful, in the heat of the moment, of thejealousythathadsorecentlysprungupbetweenhimandhisfriend.“I am not a speaker,” he shouted gruffly, “but poor is themanwho cannotbackupandeggonhisfriend.Erlingspeaksthetruth;andallIhavetosuggestisthatheshouldbesentbyustotellallthistoKingHaraldHaarfager’sface!”Glumm sat down with the prompt decision of a man who has thoroughlydelivered himself of all that he intends to say; and many in the assemblytestifiedtheirapprovalofhissentiments.AtthispointIvortheOldaroseandgaveitashisopinionthatthesoonertheKingshouldbebroughtoffhishighhorsethebetter;whereuponFinntheOne-eyedsuggested,withalaugh,thattheoldhermitshouldbesentwithhisbowand arrow to teach himdue submission to the laws.Then therewas a gooddealof confused, andnot a littlepassionatediscussion,whichwaxed louderandmore vehement until Guttorm Stoutheart stood up, and, although not adalesman,requestedtheattentionoftheassemblyforafewminutes.“Itisobvious,”hesaidintheheartytonesofamanwhoknowsthatheissureofcarryinga largeportionofhisaudiencealongwithhim“it isobvious thatyouareallprettymuchofonemindastotheprincipleonwhichweshouldact

atthistime;andmygoodfriendHaldortheFierce(whoseemsoflatetohavechangedhisnature,andshould,methinks,infuture,bestyledHaldortheMild)isevidentlyonthelosingside.Theonlythingthatconcernsus,itseemstome,isthemannerinwhichweshallconveyouropiniontotheKinghowweshallbest,asthescaldsays:“‘WhisperintheKing’sunwillingearThatwhichiswholesomebutunsweettohear.’“Now, to the quick-witted among you various methods will doubtless havealready been suggested; and I amperchance only echoing the sentiments ofmanyhere,whenIsaythatitwouldbeworthyofthemenofHorlingdalthattheyshouldfight theKingatonce,andputastopto theburnings,hangings,torturings,jarl-makings,andsubduingsofwhichhehasbeensoguiltyoflate,andwhich I confess is so unlike his free, generous,manly character, that Ihave found it hard to believe the reports which have reachedmy ears, andwhich,afterall,canonlybeaccountedforbythefactthatheisatpresentledbythenosebythatworstofallcreatures,aproudimperiousgirl,whohasthepassionsofawarriorandthebrainsofabairn!Anothermethod,whichwouldsignifyatleastourcontemptforHarald’sprinciples,wouldbethesendingofathralltohimwithareaping-hook,andarequestthathewouldcutoffhisownheadandgiveittousintokenthat,havingceasedtobeaking,heisresolvednolongertocontinuetobeadishonouredman!AndthatremindsmeofoneofUlf’sthrallsnamedKettleFlatnose,whocouldassistHaraldnoblyintheworkofbeheadinghimself,forlastnight,whenheandIfoughtsidebysideagainsttheDanes,heusedahookofhisownmaking,withsucheffect,thatIwasfaintopauseandlaugh,whilemyselfintheveryactofsplittinganironheadpiece.Butperchancethatisnotasuitablemethodofcompassingourends,besidesitwouldcostthethrallhislife,andIshouldbesorrytoaidinbringingaboutthedeathofKettleFlatnose,whoseislandisahappyoneif itcountsmanysuchclear-headedandable-bodiedwarriors.“ButanotherplanwasproposedbyGlummtheGruff,whichseemedtometohavetheapprovalofmanypresent,andassuredlyithasmine,thatweshouldsendKingErling at once toHarald, to tell him our opinions to his face, tosoundhimastohisintentions,andtobringbackthenewsasfastaspossible,sothatwemaygoarmedorunarmedtotheSprings,asprudencemaydirect.Moreover, as it would be unfair to send a man alone on such a dangerouserrand,Iwouldsuggestthatheshouldhaveacomradetokeephimcompanyandsharehis fortunes,and that for thisendnonebettercouldbefound thanGlummtheGruffhimself.”This speech settled themind of themeeting. After a littlemore talk it was

finally arranged that Erling and Glumm should go at once to meet KingHarald,who could not yet, itwas thought, have arrived at the Springs, andendeavourtofindouthistemperofmindinregardtothemenofHorlingdal.After that the Thing broke up, and the members dispersed to partake of“midag-mad”,ordinner,inthedwellingsoftheirvariousfriends.

ChapterTenProvesthattheBestofFriendsmayquarrelaboutnothing,andthatWar

hastwoAspects

“Now,Erling,”saidGlumm,withafacesocheerful, thathad theexpressionbeen habitual, he neverwould have been styled theGruff, “Iwill go homewiththeeandwaituntilthouartbusked,afterwhichwewillgotogethertomyhouseandhaveabiteandahornofmeadbeforesettingoutonthisexpedition.IthanktheStoutheartforsuggestingit,forthebusinesslikesmewell.”“Thouwerteverpronetocourtdanger,Glumm,”saidErlingwithalaugh,astheyhurriedtowardsHaldorstede,“andmethinksthouartgoingtobeblessedwitha fullshareof it justnow, for thisHaraldHaarfager isnotaman tobetrifledwith.AlthoughthouandIcouldholdourownagainstsomeodds,weshallfindtheoddstoomuchforusintheKing’scamp,shouldhesethisfaceagainstus.However,thecauseisagoodone,andtosaytruth,Iamnotsorrythattheyhadthegoodnesstopitchontheeandmetocarryouttheplan.”Thus conversing they arrived at Ulfstede, where Herfrida met them at thedoor, andwas soon informed of theirmission. She immediatelywent to aninnercloset,where thebestgarmentsandarmswerekept,andbrought forthErling’s finest suit of armour, in order that he might appear with suitabledignityatcourt.Shemadehimchangehisordinaryshoesforapairmadeoftannedleather,onwhichheboundapairofsilverspurs,whichhadbeentakenfromacavalierofsouthern lands in one of Haldor’s viking cruises. She brought, and assistedhim to put on, a new suit of mail, every ring of which had been brightlypolishedbythebusyhandsofIngeborg,whowasunusuallyfondofmeddlingwith everything that pertained to the art of war; also a new sword-belt ofyellow leather, ornamented with gold studs. On his head she placed a gilthelmetwithhisfavouritecrest,apairofhawk’swingsexpandedupwards,andacurtainofleathercoveredwithgilt-steelringstodefendtheneck.Overhisshoulderssheflungashortscarletcloak,whichwasfastenedatthethroatbyalargesilverbrooch,similartothecircularbroocheswhicharestilltobefoundin the possession of the rich bonders of Norway. Then she surveyed herstalwartsonfromheadtofoot,andsaidthathewouldstandcomparisonwith

anykingintheland,smallorgreat.AtthisErlinglaughed,andaskedforhissword.“Whichone,myson?”“Theshortone,mother.Ihadindeedthoughtoftakingmygoodoldaxewithme,butthatwouldnotlookwellinamanbentonamissionofpeace.Wouldit,Glumm?AndifIshouldhavetofight,why,myshortswordisnotalightone,andbyputtingtoalittlemoreforceIcanmakeitbitedeepenough.Sonow,Glumm,Iamreadyfortheroad.Farewell,mother.”TheyoungmenwentoutandhasteneddownthevalleytoGlummstede,nearHorlingend.Nowitchanced thatHildaandher foster-sisterAdahadresolved,about thattimeoftheday,towalkupthedaletogether,andastherewasonlyoneroadonthatsideoftheriver,ofnecessitytheyweremetbytheirlovers;anditsofelloutthatthemeetingtookplaceinapicturesquepartofthedale,wheretheroadpassedbetweentwohighprecipitouscliffs.TheinstantthatAda’seyesfellonGlummheractivebrainconceivedtheideaoftreatinghimtoadisappointment,soshesaidhurriedlytoherfriend:“Hilda,wiltthoumanagetoleadGlummasideandkeeptalkingtohimforashorttime,whileIspeakwithErling?Iwanttoaskhimsomethingaboutthatsword-beltwhichIammakingforGlumm,andwhichIintendtosendhimasthegiftofanenemy.”“Iwilldoasyedesire,”repliedHilda,withafeelingofdisappointment;“butwithwhattruthcanstthousendit,Ada,asanenemy’sgift?”“SimpleHilda!”saidtheother,withalaugh,“amInotanenemytohispeaceofmind?Buthush!theywilloverhearus.”ItchancedthatHildawasonthesamesideoftheroadwithErling,andAdaonthatwithGlumm,andbothyouthsobservedthisfactwithsecretsatisfactionastheyapproachedandwishedthemaids“goodday”;butjustastheywereaboutto shake handsAda crossed in front of her companion, and taking Erling’soutstretchedhandsaid:“Erling, Iamglad tomeet thee,because Ihaveaknottypointwhich Iwishthineaidtodisentangle.Iwillturnandwalkwiththeeashortway,becauseIknowthybusinessispressing.Itisalwayssowithmen,isitnot?”“I know not,” answered Erling, smiling at the girl’s arch look, despite his

surpriseandchagrinattheunexpectedturnaffairshadtaken,forhehadnotedthereadinesswithwhichHildahadturnedtowardsGlumm,andalmost,asheimagined, ledhimasidepurposely!“But it seems tome,Ada, that,howeverpressingaman’sbusinessmaybe,womanhasthepowertodelayit.”“Nay,then,ifthineisindeedsopressingjustnow,”saidAda,withatossofthehead(whichGlumm,whowalkedbehindwithHilda,tookparticularnoteof),“Iwillnotpresumeto”“Now,Ada,” saidErling,witha light laugh,“thouknowest that it ismerelywasteoftimetoaffectindignation.Iknowtheetoowelltobedeceived.Come,what is it thatyewouldconsultmeabout?not theforgingofabattle-axeorspear-head,Iwarrantme.”“Nay, but a portion of armour scarce less important, though not so deadly.Whatsayyoutoasword-belt?”“Well,Iamsomewhatskilledinsuchgear.”“Iamornamentingoneforafriendofthine,Erling,butIwillnottellhisnameunless I have thy promise not to mention to him anything about ourconversation.”“Ipromise,”saidErling,withanamusedglance.“ItisforGlumm.”“ForGlumm!”repeatedErlinginsurprise;“doesGlummthenknow”“Knowwhat?”askedAda,asErlingstoppedabruptly.“Doesheknowthatthouartmakingthisbeltforhim?”“Knowit?why,howcoulditbeasecretifheknewit?”“Ah,true,Iwell?”“Besides,”continuedAda,“Iamnotmakingit;IsaidIwasgoingtoornamentit.NowitiswithreferencetothatIwouldconsultthee.”HereAdabecamesodeeplyabsorbedinthemysteriesofornamentalarmourthat sheconstrainedErlingat least toappear interested,although,poorman,hisheartwasbehindhim,andhehadmuchdifficultyinresistingthedesiretoturn roundwhenheheardHilda’svoicewhich,by theway,washeardprettyconstantly, for Glumm was so uncommonly gruff and monosyllabic in hisrepliesthatshehadmostofthetalkingtoherself.

Thisunpleasantstateofthingsmighthavelastedaconsiderabletime,hadnottheparty reached thepathwhichdiverged to the left,and,crossing the riverover a narrow bridge composed of two tall trees thrown across, led toGlummstede.HereErlingstoppedsuddenly,andwheelinground,said:“Iregretthatwecannotgofartherdownthedaleto-day,asGlummandImustfarewithallspeedtotheSpringstomeetKingHarald.”“Itrustthineerrandisoneofpeace?”saidHildainaslightlyanxioustone.“To judge by their looks,” said Ada, glancing expressively at Glumm, “Ishouldsaythattheirintentionswerewarlike!”“Despiteourlooks,”repliedErling,withalaugh,“ourbusinesswiththeKingisofapeacefulnature,andasitispressing,yewillexcuseusif”“Oh!itispressing,afterall,”criedAda;“come,sister,letusnotdelaythem.”Sosaying,shehurriedawaywithherfriend,andthetwoyouthsstrodeontoGlummstedeinaveryunenviableframeofmind.Having refreshed themselves with several cuts of fresh salmondrawn thatmorningfromthefoamingriverandwithadeephornofhome-brewedale,theyoungwarriorsmountedacoupleofactivehorses,androdeupthemountainpath that led inazigzagdirectionover thefells to thevalleyof theSprings.They rode in silence at firstpartlybecause thenatureof the track compelledthem to advance in single file, and partly because each was in the worstpossiblehumourofwhichhisnaturewascapable,whileeachfeltindignantattheother,althoughneithercouldhavesaid thathis friendhadbeenguiltyofanydefinablesin.It may here be mentioned in passing, that Glumm had clothed and armedhimselfmuchinthesamefashionashiscompanion,thechiefdifferencebeingthathishelmetwasofpolishedsteel,andthecentreofhisshieldwaspaintedred,whilethatofErlingwaswhite.Hisonlyoffensiveweaponswereadaggerandthelongtwo-handedswordwhichhadbeenforgedforhimbyhisfriend,whichlatterwasslungacrosshisback.Anhourandahalfofsteadyclimbingbroughttheyouthstothelevelsummitofthehills,where,aftergivingtheirsteedsafewminutestobreathe,theysetoffatasharpgallop.Heretheyrodesidebyside,buttheroughnatureofthegroundrendereditnecessarytoridewithcare,sothatconversation,althoughpossible,wasnot,inthecircumstances,verydesirable.Thesilence,therefore,wasmaintainedallthewayacrossthefells.Whentheycametodescendontheothersidetheywereagainobligedtoadvanceinsinglefile,sothatthesilence

remainedunbrokenuntiltheyreachedthebaseofthemountains.HereErling’sspiritrevivedalittle,andhebegantorealisetheabsurdityoftheconductofhimselfandhisfriend.“Why,Glumm,”heexclaimedatlast,“adumbspiritmusthavegotholdofus!Whatpossessesthee,man?”“Trulyittakestwotomakeaconversation,”saidGlummsulkily.“That isas thousayest,friend,yetIamnotawarethatIrefusedtotalkwiththee,”retortedErling.“Nor I with thee,” said Glumm sharply, “and thy tongue was glib enoughwhenyetalkedwithAdainHorlingdal.”AlightflasheduponErlingashisfriendspoke.“Why,Glumm,”hesaid lightly,“aprettygirlwillmakemostmen’s tongueswagwhethertheywillorno.”GlummrememberedhisownobstinatesilencewhilewalkingwithHilda,anddeemingthisastudiedinsulthebecamefurious,reinedupandsaid:“Come, Erling, if ye wish to settle this dispute at once we need fear nointerruption,andhereisapieceoflevelsward.”“Nay,man,benotsohot,”saidErling,withasmilethatstillmoreexasperatedhis companion; “besides, is it fair to challenge me to fight with this lightweaponwhilethoubearestaswordsolonganddeadly?”“Thatshallbenobar,”criedtheother,unslinginghistwo-handedsword;“thoucanstuseitthyself,andIwillcontentmewiththine.”“Andpray,howshallwegiveaccountofourmission,”saidErling,“ifyouandIcuteachother’sheadsoffbeforefulfillingit?”“Thatwouldthenconcernuslittle,”saidGlumm.“Nay, thouartmoreselfish thanI thought thee,friend.Formypart, Iwouldnot that she should think me so regardless of her welfare as to leaveundelivered a message that may be the means of preventing the ruin ofHorlingdal.MyregardforAdaseemstositmoreheavilyonmethanonthee.”At thisGlummbecamestillmore furious.He leapedoffhishorse,drewhissword,and flinging itdownwith thehilt towardsErling,cried inavoiceofsuppressedpassion:

“No longer will I submit to be trifled with byman or woman. Choose thyweapon,Erling.Thismatter shallbe settlednowandhere, and theonewhowinshershallprovehimworthyofherbyridingforthfromthisplainalone.Ifthouartbentonequalcombatwecanfalltowithstavescutfromyondertree,or,forthematterofthat,wecanmakeshifttosettleitwithourknives.What!haswoman’sloveunmannedthee?”AtthisErlingleapedoutofthesaddle,anddrewhissword.“Takeupthyweapon,Glumm,andguardthee.Butbeforewebegin,perhapsitwouldbewelltoaskforwhosehanditisthatwefight.”“Have we not been talking just now of Ada the Dark-eyed?” said Glummsternly,ashetookuphisswordandthrewhimselfintoapostureofdefence,withtheenergeticactionofamanthoroughlyinearnest.“Then is our combat uncalled for,” said Erling, lowering his point, “for Idesire not the hand ofAda, though Iwould fight even to the death for herblue-eyedsister,couldIhopetherebytowinherlove.”“Artthouinearnest?”demandedGlumminsurprise.“Ineverwasmoresoinmylife,”repliedErling;“wouldthatHildaregardedmewithbuthalfthefavourthatAdashowstothee!”“There thou judgestwrongly,” saidGlumm, fromwhose brow the frown ofangerwaspassingawaylikeathundercloudbeforethesummersun.“Idon’tpretend tounderstandagirl’s thoughts,but Ihavewitenoughtoseewhat isveryplainlyrevealed.WhenIwalkedwithHildato-dayInoticedthathereyefollowed theeunceasingly,andalthoughshe talked tomegliblyenough,herthoughts were wandering, so that she uttered absolute nonsense attimesinsomuch that I would have laughed had I not been jealous ofwhat Ideemed themutual love ofAda and thee.No, Erling, thy suitwill prosper,dependon’t.ItisIwhohavereasontodespond,forAdalovesmenot.”Erling,whoheardallthiswithacertaindegreeofsatisfaction,smiled,shookhishead,andsaid:“Nay, then, Glumm, thou too art mistaken. The dark-eyed Ada laughs ateveryone,andbesides,Ihavegoodreasontoknowthatherinterestintheeissogreatthatsheconsultedmeto-dayaboutabouta”ThepromiseofsecrecythathehadmadecausedErlingtostammerandstop.“Aboutwhat?”askedGlumm.

“Imaynottellthee,friend.Sheboundmeovertosecrecy,andImustholdbymypromise;butthisImaysay,thatthouhastfullygreatercauseforhopethanIhave.”“Thenitismyopinion,”saidGlumm,“thatwehavenothingtodobutshakehandsandproceedonourjourney.”Erling laughed heartily, sheathed his sword, and grasped his friend’s hand,afterwhich they remounted and rode forward; but they did not now ride insilence. Their tongues were effectually loosened, and for some time theydiscussed their respective prospects with all the warmth and enthusiasm ofyouthfulconfidants.“ButAdaperplexesme,”suddenlyexclaimedGlumm,inthemidstofabriefpause;“Iknownothowtotreather.”“Ifthouwilttakemyadvice,Glumm,Iwillgiveitthee.”“Whatisthat?”askedGlumm.“Thereisnothinglikefightingawomanwithherownweapons.”“Aprettyspeech,”saidGlumm,“tocomefromthe lipsofamanwhoneverregards the weapons of his foes, and can scarce be prevailed on to carryanythingbutabelovedbattle-axe.”“Thecaseisentirelythereversewhenonefightswithwoman,”repliedErling.“Inwar Iconfess that I likeeverything tobestraightforwardanddownright,becausewhenthingscometotheworstamancaneitherhewhiswaybymainforcethroughthickandthin,ordie.Truly,Iwouldthatitwerepossibletoactthusinmattersoflovealso,butthisbeingimpossibleseeingthatwomenwillnothaveitso,andinsistondallyingthenextbestthingtobedoneistoactontheir own principles. Fight them with their own weapons. If a woman isoutspoken and straightforward, a man should be the sameand rejoice,moreover, thathehasfoundagemsoprecious.But ifshewillplayfastandloose,letamanifhedoesnotgiveherupatoncedothesame.GiveAdaalittletasteofindifference,Glumm,andthouwiltsoonbringherdown.Laughatheraswellaswithher.Shownotquitesomuchattentiontoherashasbeenthywont;andbemoreattentivetotheothergirlsinthedale”“ToHilda,forinstance,”saidGlummslyly.“Aye,evenso,anitpleasethee,”rejoinedErling;“butrestassuredthouwiltreceivenoencouragement in thatquarter; forHilda theSunbeamis theverysoulofinnocence,truth,andstraightforwardness.”

“NotlesssoisAda,”saidGlumm,firingupattheimpliedcontrast.Erlingmadeasharprejoinder,towhichGlummmadeafiercereply;anditisprobable that these hot-blooded youths, having quarrelled because of amisunderstanding in regard to their mistresses, would have come to blowsabouttheircomparativeexcellence,hadtheynotcomesuddenlyuponasightwhich,forthetime,banishedallotherthoughtsfromtheirminds.Duringthediscussiontheyhadbeendescendingthevalleywhich terminatedin theplainwhere the recentbattleof theSpringshadbeenfought.Here,astheygallopedacross the field,whichwas still strewnwith thebodiesof theslain,theycameupontheblackenedruinsofahut,aroundwhichanoldhagwasmoving,activelyengaged,apparently, in rakingamong theasheswithaforkedstickforanythingthatshecoulddrawforth.Neartoherawoman,whohadnotyetreachedmiddleage,wasseatedontheburntearth,withherhandstightlyclasped,andherbloodshoteyesgazingwithastonystareatablackenedheapwhichlayonherlap.Astheyoungmenrodeup theysaw thatpartof theheadand faceofachild lay in themidstof thecharred heap,with a few other portions of the little one that had been onlypartiallyconsumedinthefire.TheNorthmendidnotrequiretobetoldthecauseofwhattheysaw.Thestorywastooplainlywrittenineverythingaroundthemtoadmitofuncertainty,hadtheyevenbeenignorantoftherecentfightanditsconsequences.Theseweretwoofthefewsurvivorsofthatterriblenight,whohadventuredtocreepforthfrom the mountains and search among the ashes for the remains of thosewhose smiles and voices had once made the sunshine of their lives. Theterrible silence of these voices and the sight of these hideous remains haddriven the grandmother of the household ravingmad, and she continued torakeamongthestillsmoulderingembersoftheoldhouse,utterlyregardlessofthetwowarriors,andonlycomplaining,inaqueruloustonenowandthen,thatherdaughtershouldsittherelikeastoneandleaveherunaidedtodotheworkof trying to save at least some of the household from the flames. But thedaughterneitherheardnorcaredforher.Shehadfoundwhatwasleftofheridolheryoungestchildoncearuddy,fearlessboy,withcurlyflaxenhair,whohadalreadybeguntocarvemodellongshipsandwoodenswords,andtotalkwitha joyoussmileand flashingeyeofwar!butnowthe fairhairgone,andnothing left save ablackened skull and a small portionof his face, scarcelyenoughyettoamotherfarmorethanenoughtorecognisehimby.Erling and Glumm dismounted and approached the young woman, butreceivednoglanceofrecognition.ToaremarkmadebyErlingnoreplywas

given.Hethereforewentclosetoher,and,bendingdown,laidhislargehandonherhead,andgentlysmoothedherflaxenhair,whilehespokesoothinglytoher.Stillthestrickenwomantooknonoticeofhimuntilalargehottear,whichtheyouthcouldnotrestrain,droppeduponherforehead,andcourseddownhercheek.ShethenlookedsuddenlyupinErling’sfaceandutteredalowwailofagony.“Would ye slay her too?” shrieked the oldwoman at thatmoment, comingforwardwiththepolewithwhichshehadbeenrakingintheashes,asifsheweregoingtoattackthem.Glummturnedasidethepointofthepole,andgentlycaughttheoldwomanbythearm.“Oh! spare her,” she cried, falling on her knees and clasping her witheredhands;“spareher,sheisthelastleftthelast.Itriedtosavetheothersbut,but,theyaregoneallgone.Willyenotspareher?”“Theywon’t harmus,mother,” said the youngerwomanhuskily. “They arefriends.Iknowtheyarefriends.Come,sitbyme,mother.”Theoldwoman,whoappearedtohavebeensubduedbyexhaustion,creptonherhandsandkneestoherside,andlayingherheadonherdaughter’sbreast,moanedpiteously.“Wecannotstaytoaidthee,”saidErlingkindly;“butthatmattersnotbecausethosewillsoonbeherewhowilldotheirbestforthee.Yetifthoucansttravelafewleagues,Iwillgivetheeatokenwhichwillensureagoodreceptioninmyfather’shouse.KnowestthouHaldorstedeinHorlingdal?”“Iknowitwell,”answeredthewoman.“Here is a ring,” saidErling, “which thouwilt take toHerfrida, thewife ofHaldor, and say that her sonErling sent thee, andwould have thee and thymotherwellcaredfor.”Hetookfromhisfinger,ashespoke,agoldring,andplaceditinthewoman’shand,butsheshookherheadsadly,andsaidinanabsenttone:“Idarenotgo.Swartmightcomebackandwouldmissme.”“ArtthouthewifeofSwartoftheSprings?”“Yes;andhetoldmenottoquitthehousetillhecameback.Butthatseemssolong,longago,andsomanythingshavehappenedsince,that”Shepausedandshuddered.

“Swartisdead,”saidGlumm.On hearing this the woman uttered a wild shriek, and fell backward to theearth.“Now a plague on thy gruff tongue,” said Erling angrily, as he raised thewoman’sheadonhisknee.“Didyounotseethattheweightwasalreadymorethanshecouldbear?Gettheetothespringforwater,man,asquicklyasmaybe.”Glumm, whose heart had already smitten him for his inconsiderate haste,madenoreply,butrantoaneighbouringspring,andquicklyreturnedwithhishelmetfullofwater.Alittleofthissoonrestoredthepoorwoman,andalsohermother.“NowhastetheetoHorlingdal,”saidErling,givingthewomanashareofthesmall supply of food with which he had supplied himself for the journey.“There may be company more numerous than pleasant at the Springs to-morrow,andaheartywelcomeawaitstheeatHaldorstede.”Sayingthisheremountedandrodeaway.“IwastoldlastnightbyHilda,”saidErling,“that,whenwewereoutaftertheDanes, and just before the attack was made by the men of their cutter onUlfstede,thehermithadbeentalkingtothewomeninawonderfulwayaboutwarandtheGodwhomheworships.Hethinksthatwarisanevilthing;thattofightinself-defencethatis,indefenceofhomeandcountryisright,butthattogoonvikingcruiseiswrong,anddispleasingtoGod.”“Thehermitisafool,”saidGlummbluntly.“Nay,heisnofool,”saidErling.“WhenIthinkofthesepoorwomen,Iamledtowishthatcontinuedpeacewerepossible.”“But it is,happily,notpossible; therefore it isourbusiness to lookupon thebrightsideofwar,”saidGlumm.“Thatmaybe thybusiness,Glumm,but it ismybusiness to lookuponbothsidesofeverything.Whatwould itavail thee topitchandpaintandgild theoutside of thy longship, if no attention were given to the timbering andplankingoftheinside?”“Thatisadifferentthing,”saidGlumm.“Yes,truly;yetnotdifferentinthis,thatithastwosides,bothofwhichrequire

tobelookedat,iftheshipistoworkwell.IwouldthatIknewwhatthemenofotherlandsthinkonthispoint,forthehermitsaysthattherearenationsinthesouthwheremenpractisechieflydefensivewarfare,andoftenspendyearsatatimewithoutdrawingthesword.”“RightgladamI,”saidGlumm,withagrimsmile,“thatmylothasnotfallenamongthese.”“Do you know,” continued Erling, “that I have more than once thought ofgoingoffonacruisefarandwideovertheworldtohearandseewhatmensayanddo?Butsomething,Iknownotwhat,preventsme.”“PerchanceHildacouldtellthee!”saidGlumm.Erling laughed, and said there was some truth in that; but checked himselfsuddenly,foratthatmomentamaninthegarbofathrallappeared.“Ho!fellow,”criedGlumm,“hastheardofKingHaraldHaarfageroflate?”“TheKingisinguest-quartersinUpdal,”answeredthethrall,“inthehouseofJarlRongvold,mymaster.”“Wemustspeedon,”saidErlingtoGlumm,“ifwewouldspeakwiththeKingbeforesupper-time.”“IfyouwouldspeakwiththeKingatall,”saidthethrall,“thelessyousaytohimthebetter,forheisinnomoodtobetroubledjustnow.HesetsoutfortheSpringsto-morrowmorning.”Withoutmakingareplytheyouthsclappedspurstotheirhorsesandgallopedaway.

ChapterElevenDescribesourHero’sInterviewwithJarlRongvoldandKingHarald

Haarfager

Late in the evening,Erling andGlummarrived in theneighbourhoodof thehouseof JarlRongvold,whereKingHaraldHaarfagerwasstaying inguest-quarterswithanumerousretinue.In the days ofwhichwewrite therewere no royal palaces inNorway. Thekings spent most of their timewhen not engaged in war or out on vikingcruisesintravellingaboutthecountry,withabandof“herd-men”,ormen-at-arms,in“guest-quarters”.Wherevertheywenttheinhabitantswereboundbylawtoaffordthemhouse-roomandgoodcheerattheirowncost,andthekings

usuallymadethistaxupontheirpeopleaslightaspossiblebystayingonlyafewdaysateachplace.Rongvold,who entertained theKing at this time,was one of those Jarls orEarlsrulersoverdistrictsunderhimselfofwhomhehadrecentlycreatedmanythroughouttheland,tosupersedethosesmallindependentkingswhorefusedtobecomesubjecttohim.Hewasastoutwarrior,anablecourtier,andaverydearfriendoftheKing.JustbeforehisarrivalatJarlRongvold’shouse,KingHaraldhadcompletedaconsiderablepartoftheprogrammewhichhehadlaiddowninthegreatworkof subduing thewhole ofNorway to himself.Andwild bloodywork it hadbeen.Hearingthatseveralofthesmallkingshadcalledameetingintheuplandstodiscusshisdoings,Haraldwent,withallthemenhecouldgather,throughtheforests to theuplands, came to theplaceofmeetingaboutmidnightwithoutbeingobservedbythewatchmen,setthehouseonfire,andburntorslewfourkings with all their followers. After that he subdued Hedemark, Ringerige,Gudbrandsdal, Hadeland, Raumarige, and the whole northern part ofVingulmark,andgotpossessionofallthelandasfarsouthastheGlommen.ItwasatthistimethathewastauntedbythegirlGyda,andtooktheoathnottocliphishairuntilhehadsubduedthewholelandasformerlyrelated.Afterhissomewhatpeculiardetermination,hegatheredtogetheragreatforce,andwentnorthwardsuptheGudbrandsdalandovertheDoverfielde.Whenhecametothe inhabited land he ordered all themen to be killed, and everythingwidearound to be delivered to the flames. The people fled before him in alldirectionsonhearingofhisapproachsomedownthecountrytoOrkadal,someto Gaulerdal, and some to the forests; but many begged for peace, andobtained it on condition of joining him and becoming his men. Hemet nodecidedoppositiontillhecametoOrkadal,whereakingnamedGrytinggavehimbattle.Haraldwonthevictory.KingGrytingwastakenprisoner,andmostofhismenwerekilled.Hetookservicehimself,however,undertheKing,andthereafterallthepeopleofOrkadaldistrictsworefidelitytohim.ManyotherbattlesKingHaraldfought,andmanyotherkingsdidhesubdueallof which, however, we will pass over at present, merely observing thatwhereverheconqueredhelaiddownthelawthatalltheudalpropertyshouldbelongtohim,andthatthebondersthehithertofreelandholdersbothsmallandgreat, shouldpayhim landdues for theirpossessions. It is due,however, toHaraldFairhair, tosaythatheneverseemstohaveaimedatdespoticpower;foritisrecordedofhimthatovereverydistricthesetanearl,orjarl,tojudgeaccordingtothelawofthelandandtojustice,andalsotocollectthelandduesand the fines; and for this each earl received a third part of the dues and

servicesandfinesforthesupportofhis tableandotherexpenses.Everyearlhadunderhimfourormorebersers,oneachofwhomwasbestowedanestateof twentymerks yearly, forwhich hewas bound to support twentymen-at-armsathisownexpenseeachearlbeingobligedtosupportsixtyretainers.TheKing increased the landduesandburdenssomuch thathisearlshadgreaterpowerandincomethanthekingshadbefore,andwhenthisbecameknownatDrontheimmanyofthegreatmenofthatdistrictjoinedtheKing.WhereverHaraldwent,submissionorextinctionwerethealternatives;andashe carried things with a high hand, using fire and sword freely, it is not amatterofwonderthathisconquestswererapidandcomplete.Ithasbeensaidof Harald Fairhair by his contemporaries, handed down by the scalds, andrecorded in the Icelandic Sagas, that he was of remarkably handsomeappearance,greatandstrong,andverygenerousandaffabletohismen.Buttoreturn.Itwaslateintheevening,aswehavesaid,whenErlingandGlummreachedthe vicinity of Jarl Rongvold’s dwelling. Before coming in sight of it theyweremetbytwoofthemountedguardsthatwerepostedregularlyassentriesround the King’s quarters. These challenged them at once, and, on beinginformedthattheydesiredtohavespeechwiththeKingonmattersofurgency,conveyedthempasttheinnerguardtothehouse.Thestateof readiness for instantaction inwhich themenwerekeptdidnotescapetheobservanteyesofthevisitors.Besidesanoutlyingmountedpatrol,whichtheyhadmanagedtopassunobserved,andthesentrieswhoconductedthem,theyfoundastrongguardroundtherangeoffarmbuildingswheretheKingandhismenlay.Thesemenwereallwellarmed,andthoseofthemwhowerenotonimmediatedutylayattheirstationssoundasleep,eachmanwithhishelmetonhishead,hisswordunderit,hisrighthandgraspingthehilt,andhisshieldservingthepurposeofablankettocoverhim.Although the youngmenobserved all this they did not suffer their looks tobetrayidlecuriosity,butrodeonwithsterncountenances,looking,apparently,straightbeforethem,untiltheyreinedupatthefrontdoorofthehouse.InafewminutesastouthandsomemanwithwhitehaircameoutandsalutedErlinginafriendlyway.ThiswasJarlRongvold,whowasdistantlyrelatedtohim.“Iwould I could saywith truth that I amglad to see thee, cousin,”he said,“but I fearme that thine errand to theKing is not likely to end in pleasantintercourse,ifallbetruethatisreportedofthefolkinHorlingdal.”

“Thanks, kinsman, for thewish, if not for thewelcome,” replied the youth,somewhat stiffly, as he dismounted; “but itmatters little tomewhether ourintercourse be pleasant or painful, so long as it is profitable. The men ofHorlingdalsendamessagetoHaraldHaarfager;canmycompanionandIhavespeechwithhim?”“Icanmanagethatforthee,yetwouldIcounseldelay,fortheKingisnotinasweetmoodto-night,anditmaygoillwiththee.”“IcarenotwhethertheKing’smoodbesweetorsour,”repliedErlingsternly.“Whatever hemay become in the future,Harald is not yet the all-powerfulking he would wish to be. The men of Horlingdal have held a Thing, andGlumm and I have been deputed to see the King, convey to him theirsentiments,andaskhisintentions.”Agrimsmileplayedonthejarl’sfinefeaturesforamoment,asheobservedthebloodmantlingtotheyouth’sforehead.“Nogoodwill come to thee or thine, kinsman, bymeeting theKingwith aproudlook.Beadvised,Erling,”hecontinuedinamoreconfidentialtone;“itis easier to swim with the stream than against itand wiser too, when it isimpossible to turn it. Thou hast heard, no doubt, of Harald’s doings in thenorth.”“Ihaveheard,”saidErlingbitterly.“Well,beherightorbehewrong,itwereeasiertomaketheGlommenrunupthe fells than to alter the King’s determination; and it seems to me that itbehoveseverymanwholoveshiscountry,andwouldsparefurtherbloodshed,tosubmittowhatisinevitable.”“Everyloverofhiscountrydeemsbloodshedbetterthanslavery,”saidErling,“becausethedeathofafewisnotsogreatanevilastheslaveryofall.”“Aye,whenthereishopethatgoodmaycomeofdying,”rejoinedthejarl,“butnowthereisnohope.”“That is yet tobeproved,” said theyouth; andGlummutteredoneof thoseemphaticgruntswithwhichmenoffewwordsarewonttosignifytheirheartyassenttoaproposition.“Tut,kinsman,”continuedRongvold,witha lookofperplexity,“Idon’t liketheideaofseeingsogoodlyayouthendhisdaysbeforehisrighttime.Letmeassuretheethat,ifthouwiltjoinusandwinoverthyfriendsinHorlingdal,asplendidcareerawaits thee,for theKinglovesstoutmen,andwill treat thee

well;heisagoodmaster.”“Itgrievesme thatonewhoseblood flows inmyveinsshouldcallanymanmaster!”saidErling.“Nowaplagueonthee,forastupidhot-blood,”criedthejarl;“ifthouartsodispleasedwiththeword,Icantell theethatitneedneverbeused,for, ifyewilltakeservicewiththeKing,hewillgivetheethechargeandtherevenuesofagoodlydistrict,wherethoushaltbemasterandajarltoo.”“I am a king!” said Erling, drawing himself proudly up. “Thinkest thou Iwould exchange an old title for a new one,which the giver has no right tocreate?”Glummutteredanotherpowerfullyemphaticgruntatthispoint.“Besides,”continuedErling,“Ihavenodesiretobecomeascatt-gatherer.”Thejarlflushedalittleatthisthrust,butmasteringhisindignationsaid,withasmile“Nay,then,ifyepreferawarrior’sworkthereisplentyofthatatthedisposaloftheKing.”“Ihavenoparticular love forwar,” saidErling. JarlRongvold lookedathiskinsmaninundisguisedamazement.“Trulythouartwellfittedforit,ifnotfondofit,”hesaidcurtly;“butasthouartbentonfollowingthineownnose,thouartliketohavemorethanenoughofthatwhichthoulovestnot.Come,IwillbringtheetotheKing.”The jarl led the two youngmen into his dwelling, where nearly a hundredmen-at-armswerecarousing.Thehallwasalong,narrow,andhighapartment,witha table runningdowneach side, andoneat either end. In thecentreofeachtablewasaraisedseat,onwhichsatthechiefguests,but,atthemomenttheyentered, thehighestof theseseatswasvacant, for theKinghad left thetable.Thefireplaceofthehallwasinthecentre,andthesmokefromitcurledupamongtherafters,whichitblackenedbeforeescapingthroughaholeintheroof.As all the revellerswere armed, andmany of themweremoving about thehall,nonoticewas takenof theentranceof thestrangers,except thatoneortwonearwhom theypassed remarked that JarlRongvoldowned some stoutmen-at-arms.The King had retired to one of the sleeping-chambers off the great halt in

whichhesatatasmallwindow,gazingdreamilyuponthemagnificentviewofdale,fell,fiord,andsea,thatlaystretchedoutbeforethehouse.Theslantingraysof thesunshone through thewindow,and through theheavymassesoftheKing’sgoldenhair,whichfellinenormousvolumes,likealion’smane,onapairofshoulderswhichwerenoted,even in thatageofpowerfulmen, forenormousbreadthand strength.Likehismen,KingHaraldwasarmed fromheadtofoot,withtheexceptionofhishelmet,whichlay,withhisshield,onthelowwolf-skincouchonwhichhehadpassedthepreviousnight.Hedidnotmovewhenthejarlandtheyoungmenentered,butontheformerwhispering in his ear he let his clenched fist fall on the window sill, and,turning,withafrownonhisbold,handsomeface,lookedlongandsteadilyatErling.Andwellmighthegaze,forhelookedupononewhoboreasingularlystrong resemblance to himself. There was the same height and width andmassivestrength, thesamebold,fearlesslookintheclearblueeyes,andthesamefirmlips;butErling’shair fell insoftercurlsonhisshoulders,andhisbrowwasmoreintellectual.Beingayoungerman,hisbeardwasshorter.Advancing a step, after Jarl Rongvold had left the room, Erling stated thesentimentsofthemenofHorlingdalinsimple,bluntlanguage,andendedbytellingtheKingthat theyhadnowishtorefusedueandlawfulallegiancetohim, but that they objected to having the old customs of the land illegallyaltered.DuringtheprogressofhisstatementbothErlingandGlummobservedthattheKing’sfaceflushedmorethanonce,andthathisgreatblueeyesblazedwithastonishment and suppressed wrath. After he had concluded, the King stillgazedathiminominoussilence.Thenhesaid,sternly:“For what purpose camest thou hither if the men of Horlingdal hold suchopinions?”“Wecametotellyou,KingHarald,whatthemenofHorlingdalthink,andtoaskwhatyouintendtodo.”There was something so cool in this speech that a sort of grin curled theKing’s moustache, and mingled with the wrath that was gathering on hiscountenance.“I’lltelltheewhatIwilldo,”hesaid,drawinghisbreathsharply,andhissingthewords;“Iwillmarchintothedale,andburnands”Hestoppedabruptly,and then ina soft toneadded,“Butwhatwill theydo if I refuse to listen tothem?”“Iknownotwhat themenofHorlingdalwilldo,”repliedErling;“butIwill

counselthemtodefendtheirrights.”At this theKing leapedup,anddrewhisswordhalfoutof its scabbard,butagaincheckedhimselfsuddenly;for,astheSagatellsus,“itwashisinvariablerule,wheneveranythingraisedhisanger,tocollecthimselfandlethispassionrunoff,andthentakethematterintoconsiderationcoolly.”“Go,”he said, sittingdownagain at thewindow, “Iwill speakwith theeonthissubjectto-morrow.”Erling, who during the little burst of passion had kept his blue eyesunflinchingly fixed on those of the King, bowed and retired, followed byGlumm,whoseadmirationofhisfriend’sdiplomaticpowerswouldhavebeenunbounded, had he only wound up with a challenge to the King, then andthere,tosinglecombat!

ChapterTwelveDescribesaTerrificandUnequalCombat

“Now, kinsman, let me endeavour to convince thee of thy folly,” said JarlRongvold toErling, on themorning that followed the evening inwhich theinterviewwiththeKinghadtakenplace,astheywalkedinfrontofthehousetogether.“Itneedsnogreatpowerofspeechtoconvincemeofthat,”saidErling.“Thefact thatIamstillhere,afterwhat theKingletout lastnight,convincesme,withoutyouraid,thatIamafool.”“Andpraywhatsaidhethathashadsuchpowerfulinfluenceonthineobtusemind?”“Trulyhesaidlittle,butheexpressedmuch.HegavewaytoanunreasonableburstofpassionwhenIdidbutclaimjusticeandassertourrights;andthemanmust be slow-witted indeed who could believe that subdued passion ischangedopinion.However,Iwillwaitforanotherinterviewuntilthesunisinthe zenithafter that I leave,whatever be the consequences. So it werewell,kinsman,thatyoushouldseeandadvisewithyourmaster.”The jarl bit his lip, andwas on the point of turning awaywithout replying,whenaremarkablystoutandtallyoungmanwalkedupandaccostedthem.“This is my son Rolf,” said the jarl, turning round hastily.“Our kinsman,ErlingtheBold.IgotoattendtheKing.Makethemostofeachother,foryearenotlikelytobelongincompany.”

“AreyouthatRolfwhoisstyledGanger?”enquiredErlingwithsomeinterest.“Aye,” replied theothergruffly.“At least IamRolf.Menchoose tocallmeGangerbecauseIprefertogangonmylegsratherthangangonthelegsofahorse.Theysayitisbecausenohorsecancarryme;butthouseestthatthatisalie,forIamnotmuchheavierthanthyself.”“Ishouldliketoknowtheebetter,kinsman,”saidErling.RolfGangerdidnotrespondsoheartily to thisasErlingwished,andhefeltmuchdisappointed;for,beingamanwhodidnotoftenexpresshisfeelings,hefeltallthemorekeenlyanythinglikearebuff.“WhatisyourbusinesswiththeKing?”askedRolf,afterashortpause.“To defy him,” said our hero, under the influence of a burst of mingledfeelings.RolfGangerlookedatErlinginsurprise.“ThoudostnotliketheKing,then?”“Ihatehim!”“SodoI,”saidRolf.Thisinterchangeofsentimentseemedtobreakdownthebarriersofdiffidencewhichhadhithertoexistedbetween the two, for fromthatmoment their talkwasearnestandconfidential.ErlingtriedtogetRolftodeserttheKing’scauseandjoinhisopponents,butthelattershookhishead,andsaidthattheyhadnochance of success; and that itwas of no use joining a hopeless cause, evenalthough he had strong sympathy with it.While they were conversing, JarlRongvoldcameoutandsummonedErlingtothepresenceoftheKing.ThiswasthefirstandlastinterviewthatourherohadwiththatRolfGanger,whosenamealthoughnotmuchcelebratedat that timewasdestined toappearin the pages of history as that of the conqueror of Normandy, and theprogenitoroflineofEnglishkings.“I have sent for thee, Erling,” said the King, in a voice so soft, yet soconstrained,thatErlingcouldnotavoidseeingthatitwasforced,“totelltheethou art at liberty to return to thy dalesmen with this messageKing HaraldrespectstheopinionsofthemenofHorlingdal,andhewillholdaThingattheSpringsforthepurposeofhearingtheirviewsmorefully,statinghisown,andconsulting with them about the whole matter.Art satisfied with that?” heasked,almoststernly.

“Iwillconveyyourmessage,”saidErling.“Andthesoonerthebetter,”saidtheKing.“Bytheway, therearetworoadsleadingtotheSprings,Iamtold;isitso?”headded.“There are,” said Erling; “one goes by the uplands over the fells, the otherthroughtheforest.”“WhichwouldyourecommendmetofollowwhenIfaretotheSprings?”“Theforestroadisthebest.”“Itisthatwhichthouwiltfollow,Isuppose?”“Itis,”repliedErling.“Well,gettheetohorse,andmakethemostofthytime;myberserkherewillguidetheepasttheguards.”As he spoke, amanwho had stood behind theKingmotionless as a statueadvancedtowardsthedoor.HewasoneofapeculiarclassofmenwhoformedpartofthebodyguardoftheKing.Onhisheadtherewasaplainsteelhelmet,butheworeno“serk”,orshirtofmail(hencethenameofberserk,orbareofserk), and hewas, like the rest of his comrades, noted for being capable ofworking himself up into such a fury of madness while in action, that fewpeopleofordinarypowerscouldstandbeforehisterribleonset.HewascalledHake, the berserk ofHadeland, andwas comparatively short in stature, butlookedshorterthanhereallywas,inconsequenceoftheunnaturalbreadthandbulkofhischestandshoulders.HakeledErlingouttothedoorofthehouse,wheretheyfoundGlummwaitingwithtwohorsesreadyfortheroad.“Thouartsharpthismorning,Glumm.”“Better tobe too sharp than tooblunt,” repliedhis friend. “It seemed tomethatwhatevershouldbetheresultofthetalkwiththeKingto-day,itwerewelltobereadyfor theroad ingoodtime.What isyonderbig-shoulderedfellowdoing?”“Hush,Glumm,” saidErling,with a smile, “thoumust be respectful if thouwouldst keep thy head on thy shoulders. That is Hake of Hadeland, KingHarald’sfamousberserk.Heistoconductuspasttheguards.Ionlyhopehemaynothavebeencommissionedtocutoffourheadsontheway.ButIthinkthatperchanceyouandImightmanagehim together, ifourcouragedidnotfailus!”

Glumm replied with that expression of contempt which is usually styledturningupone’snose,andErling laughedashemountedhishorseandrodeoffattheheelsoftheberserk.Hehadgoodreasontolookgrave,however,ashefoundoutafewmomentslater.Justastheywereabouttoentertheforest,avoicewasheard shoutingbehind, and JarlRongvoldwas seen running afterthem.“Ho! stay, kinsman, go not away without bidding us farewell. A safe andspeedyjourney,lad,andgivemygoodwishestotheoldfolkatHaldorstede.Say that I trust things may yet be happily arranged between the men ofHorlingdalandtheKing.”Ashe spoke the jarlmanaged tomove so thatErling’shorse camebetweenhimandtheberserk;thenhesaidquickly,inalowbutearnestwhisper:“TheKingmeanstoplaytheefalse,Erling.Icannotexplain,butdothoubesure to take the road by the fells, and let not the berserk know. Thy lifedependsonit.Iamorderedtosendthisberserkwithatroopofnineteenmentowaylaythee.Theyaretogobytheforestroad.There,thoucanstnotdoubtmyfriendship for thee, fornowmy life is in thyhands!Haste, thouhastnochance against such odds. Farewell, Glumm,” he added aloud; “give myrespectstoUlf,whennextyeseehim.”JarlRongvoldwavedhishandasheturnedroundandlefthisfriendstopursuetheirway.They soon reached the point where they had met the two guards on thepreviousday.Afterridingalittlefarther,soastomakesureofbeingbeyondtheoutmostpatrol,theberserkreinedup.“HereIleaveyoutoguardyourselves,”hesaid.“Trulyweareindebtedtotheeforthyguidancethusfar,”saidErling.“Ifyoushouldstill chance tomeetwithanyof theguards, theywill letyoupass,nodoubt.”“Nodoubt,” repliedErling,with a laugh, “and, should theyobject,wehavethatwhichwillpersuadethem.”Hetouchedthehiltofhissword,andnoddedgood-humouredlytotheberserk,whodidnotappeartorelishthejestatall.“Yourroadliesthroughtheforest,Ibelieve?”saidHake,pausingandlookingbackashewasabouttorideaway.

“Thatdependsoncircumstances,”saidErling.“Ifthesuntroublesme,Imaygobytheforest,ifnot,Imaygobythefells.ButInevercantellbeforehandwhichwaymyfancymaylead,andIalwaysfollowit.”Sosayingheputspurstohishorseandgallopedaway.The berserk did the same, but itwas evident that hewas ill at ease, for hegrumbledverymuch,andcomplainedagooddealofhisillluck.Hedidnot,however, slacken his pace on that account, but rather increased it, until hereached Rongvoldstede, where he hastily summoned nineteen armed men,mounted a fresh horse, and, ordering them to follow, dashed back into theforestatfullspeed.For some time he rode in silence by the side of a stout man who was hissubordinateofficer.“Krake,”hesaidatlength,“IcannotmakeupmymindwhichroadthisErlingandhiscomradearelikelytohavetaken,so,aswemustnotmissourmen,theKing’scommandsbeingverypositive,I intendtosendtheebythemountainroadwithnineofthemen,andgomyselfbytheforestwiththeothernine.Wewillrideeachatfullspeed,andwillbesuretoovertakethembeforetheyreachthe split rockon the fells, or thedouble-stemmedpine in the forest. If thoushalt fall inwith them,keep theminplay till Icomeup, for Iwillhasten tojoin theewithoutdelayafter reaching thedoublepine. If Imeet them Iwillgivetheattackatonce,andthouwilthastentojoinmeafterpassingthesplitrock.Now,away,forhereourroadspart.”Inaccordancewiththisplanthetroopwasdivided,andeachportionrodeoffatfullspeed.MeanwhileErlingandGlummpursuedtheirway,chattingastheyrodealong,andpausingoccasionallytobreathetheirhorses.“Whatailsthee,Erling?”saidGlummabruptly.“OnewouldfancythatthefairHildawasbehind thee, sooftenhast thou lookedbacksince theberserk leftus.”“ItisbecausethefairHildaisbeforemethatIlooksooftenovermyshoulder,forIsuspectthattherearethosebehinduswhowillonedaycausehergrief,”repliedErlingsadly;then,assumingagayair,headded“Come,friendGlumm,I wish to know thy mind in regard to a matter of some importance. Howwouldstthouliketoengage,singlehanded,withtenmen?”Glummsmiledgrimly,ashewaswonttodowhenamusedbyanythingwhich,tosaytruth,wasnotoften.

“Truly,”saidhe,“myanswertothatmustdependonthineanswertothisAmIsupposedtohavemybackagainstacliff,ortobesurroundedbytheten?”“Withthybackguarded,ofcourse.”“In that case I should not refuse the fight, but I would prefer to be moreequallymatched,” saidGlumm, “Two to one, now, is a common chance ofwar, as thou knowest full well. I myself have had four against me at onetimeandwhenoneisingoodspiritsthisisnotaseriousdifficulty,unlesstherechancetobeaberserkamongstthem;eveninthatcase,bytheuseofalittleactivityoflimb,onecanseparatethem,andsokillthemindetail.Buttenarealmosttoomanyforoneman,howeverbold,big,orskilfulhemaybe.”“Thenwhatwouldst thou say to twenty against two?” askedErling, giving apeculiarglanceathisfriend.“Thatwerebetterthantentoone,becausetwostoutfellowsbacktobackarenot easily overcome, if the fight be fairwith sword and axe, and arrows orspearsbenotallowed.ThouandI,Erling,mightmakeagoodstandtogetheragainst twenty, for we can use our weapons, and are not small men.Nevertheless, I think that itwouldbeour last fight, thoughImakenodoubtweshouldthintheirnumbersomewhat.Butwhyasksuchquestions?”“BecauseIhavetakenafancytoknowtowhatextentImightcountontheeincaseofsurprise.”“To what extent!” said Glumm, flushing, and looking his friend full in theface.“Hastknownmesolongtosuchsmallpurpose,thatyeshoulddoubtmywillingnesstostandbytheetothedeath,ifneedbe,againstanyodds?”“Nay,benotsohasty,Glumm.Idoubtnotthycouragenorthyregardforme,butIhadafancytoknowwhatamountofoddsthouwouldstdeemserious,forImay tell thee that our powers are likely to be put to the proof to-day.Mykinsman,JarlRongvold, toldmeatparting that twentymenandamong themHaketheberserkaretobesentafterus,andaredoubtlessevennowuponourtrack.”“Thenwhythiseasypace?”saidGlumm,inatoneofgreatsurprise.“Surelythere is no reason why we should abide the issue of such a combat whennothingistobegainedbyitandmuchtobelost;forifwearekilled,whowillprepare the men of Horlingdal for the King’s approach, and tell of hisintentions?”“That is wisely spoken, Glumm; nevertheless I feel disposed to meet King

Harald’smen.”“This spirit accords ill with the assertion that thou art not fond of war,”returnedGlumm,withasmile.“I am not so sure of that,” rejoinedErling,with a look of perplexity. “It ismoretheconsequencesofwaritsevileffectsoncommunities,onwomenandchildrenthat I dislike, than the mere matter of fighting, which, although Icannot say I long for it, as someof our friends do, I can truly assert I takesomepleasure in,whenengaged in it.Besides, in this case Idonotwish tomeet these fellows foramerepieceofbrag,but I think itmight teachKingHarald that he has to do with men who have heart and skill to use theirweapons,andshowhimwhathemayexpectifhetriestosubduethisdistrict.However,bethatasitmay,thequestionis,shallwehangbackandacceptthischallengeforsuchIregarditorshallwepushon?”“Yonder is an answer to that question,which settles it for us,” saidGlummquietly, pointing to a ridge on the right of the bridle path, which rose highabovethetreetops.Atroopofhorsemenwereseentocrossitandgallopdowntheslope,wheretheyquicklydisappearedintheforest.“Howmanydidstthoucount?”askedErling,withalookofsurprise.“Onlyten,”answeredGlumm.“Come,”criedErlingcheerfully, ashedrewhis sword, “theoddsarenot sogreat aswehadexpected. I suppose thatKingHaraldmusthave thoughtuspoor-looking warriors, or perchance he has sent ten berserkers against us.AnyhowIamcontent.OnlyonethingdoIregret,andthatis,that,amongtheotherfoolishactsIhavebeenguiltyofatthistime,Ileftmygoodbattle-axebehindme.Thisisalevelpieceofsward.Shallweawaitthemhere?”“Aye,” was Glumm’s laconic answer, as he felt the edge of his long two-handedsword,settledhimselfmorefirmlyonhisseat,andcarefullylookedtothefasteningsofhisarmour.Erlingdidthesame,andbothdrewuptheirsteedswiththeirbackstowardsanimpenetrablethicket.Infront laya levelstretchofground,encumberedonlyhereandtherewithoneor twosmallbushes,beyondwhichtheyhadaviewfarintothedarkforest,wherethearmouroftheapproachinghorsemencouldbeseenglancingamongthetreestems.“Itislikely,”mutteredErling,“thattheywilltrytospeakusfairatfirst.Mostassassinsdo,tothrowmenofftheirguard.Icounselthatourwordsbefewandouractionquick.”

Glumm gave vent to a deep, short laugh, which sounded, however,marvellouslylikeagrowl,andagainsaid“Aye.”Nextmoment the tenhorsemengalloped towards them,and reinedupat thedistanceofafewyards,whiletwoofthemadvanced.Oneofthese,whowasnootherthanKraketheberserk,saidinaloud,commandingvoice“Yieldthee,Erling,inthenameoftheKing!”“ThatfortheKing!”criedErling,splittingtheheadofKrake’shorsewiththeedgeof his sword, and receivingKrakehimself on thepoint of it as he fellforward,sothatitwentinathisbreastandcameoutathisback.Atthesametime Glumm’s horse sprang forward, his long sword whistled sharply as itflashed through the air, and, nextmoment, the head of the secondmanwasrollingontheground.Sosuddenwastheonset that theothershadbarely timetoguardthemselveswhenGlumm’sheavyswordcleftthetopoftheshieldandthehelmetofone,tumbling him out of the saddle, while the point of Erling’s lighter weaponpiercedthethroatofanother.Theremainingsixturnedaside,rightandleft,soas todivide their opponents, and then attacked themwithgreat furyfor theywereallbraveandpickedmen.AtfirstErlingandGlummhadenoughtodotodefendthemselves,withoutattemptingtoattack,butatacriticalmomentthehorseofoneofGlumm’sopponentsstumbled,andhisriderbeingexposedwasinstantly cut down.Glummnowuttered a shout, for he felt sure of victory,havingonlytwotodealwith.Erling’sswordprovedtobetooshortforsuchacombat,forhisenemieswerearmedwithlongandheavyweapons,andoneofthem had a spear.He eluded their assaults, however,with amazing activity,andwoundedoneofthemsobadlythathewasobligedtoretirefromthefray.Seeingthisourheromadeasuddenrushatoneofthemenwhofoughtwithabattle-axe, seized the axe by the handle, and with one sweep of his swordloppedofftheman’sarm.ThendidErlingalsofeelthatvictorywassecure,forhenowwieldedanaxethatwasalmostasgoodandheavyashisown,andonlyonemanstoodbeforehim.Undertheimpulseofthisfeelingheutteredashoutwhichrangthroughtheforestliketheroarofalion.Now, well would it have been for both Erling and Glumm if they hadrestrained themselveson that occasion, for the shouts theyuttered served toguidetwobandsofenemieswhowereinsearchofthem.

ItwillberememberedthatHaketheberserkhadgoneafterourheroesbytheforestroad,but,notfindingthemsosoonashehadanticipated,andfeelingasortofirresistiblebeliefthattheyhadafterallgonebythefells,healteredhisownplansinsofarthatheturnedtowardstheroadleadingbythemountains,before he reached the pinewith the double stem.Thushe justmissed thosewhomhesought,and,aftersometime,cametotheconclusionthathewasafool,andhadmadeagreatmistakeinnotholdingtohisoriginalplan.Bywayof improvingmattershedividedhis littlebandinto two,andsendingfiveofhismeninonedirection,rodeoffwiththeremainingfourinanother.Krake,onthecontrary,hadfulfilledhisorderstotheletter;hadgonetothesplitrock,andthenhastenedtothedouble-stemmedpine,notfarfromwhich,aswehaveseen,hefoundthemenofwhomhewasinsearch,andalsomethisdeath.One of the bands of five men chanced to be within earshot when Erlingshouted,andtheyimmediatelyboredowninthedirection,andcheeredastheycame in sight of the combatants. The three men who yet stood up to ourfriendswheeledaboutatonceandgallopedtomeetthem,onlytoogladtobereinforcedatsuchacriticalmoment.Therewasa littlestreamwhich trickledover theedgeofa rockclose to thespotwhere the combat had taken place. Erling andGlumm leaped off theirhorsesasifbyoneimpulse,and,runningtothis,drankdeeplyandhastily.Astheyranbackandvaultedintotheirsaddles,theyheardafaintcheerinthefardistance.“Ha!”exclaimedErling,“Haralddoubtlessdidsendtwentymenafterall,forherecometherestofthem.Itisgoodfortunethataberserkisseldomagoodleaderheshouldnothavedividedhisforce.Theseeightmustgodown,friendGlumm,beforetheotherscomeup,elseareourdaysnumbered.”The expression of Glumm’s blood-stained visage spoke volumes, but histongueutteredneveraword.Indeed,therewasnotimeforfurtherspeech,fortheeightmen,whohadconversedhurriedlytogetherforafewseconds,werenowapproaching.Thetwofriendsdidnotawaittheattack,but,settingspurstotheirhorses,dashedstraightatthem.Twowereoverturnedintheshock,andtheirhorsesrolledonthem,sothattheyneverroseagain.OntherightErlingheweddownoneman,andonthelefthisfriendcutdownanother.Theyreinedup,turnedround,andchargedagain,butthefourwhowereleftweretoowisetowithstandtheshock;theyswervedaside.Indoingsothefootofoneoftheirhorsescaughtinabramble.Hestumbled,andtheriderwasthrownviolentlyagainsta treeandstunned,sothathecouldnotremount.Thiswasfortunate,forErlingandGlummwerebecomingexhausted,andthethreemenwhostillopposed them were comparatively fresh. One of these suddenly chargedGlumm, and killed his horse. Glumm leaped up, and, drawing his knife,

stabbedthehorseoftheothertotheheart.Asitfellhecaughthisriderbytherightwrist, andwith a suddenwrenchdislocatedhis arm.Erlingmeanwhiledisabled one of the others, and gave the third such a severewound that hethoughtitbesttoseeksafetyinflight.ErlingnowturnedtoGlumm,andaskedifhethoughtitwouldbebesttorideaway from themenwhowere still to comeup,or to remainand fight themalso.“Iftherebefivemore,”saidGlumm,leaningagainstatree,andremovinghishelmetinordertowipehisbrow,“thenisourlastbattlefought,for,althoughIhavethatinmewhichcouldmanagetoslayone,Ihavenotstrengthfortwo,muchlessthree.Besides,mygoodsteedisdead,andwehavenotimetocatchoneoftheothers.”“Nowwill I become a berserk,” criedErling, casting his gilt helmet on thegroundandundoingthefasteningsofhiscoatofmail.“Armourisgoodwhenamanisstrong,butwhenheiswornoutitisonlyanencumbrance.Icounseltheetofollowmyexample.”“It is not a bad one,” said Glumm, also throwing down his helmet andstrippingoffhisarmour.“Ha!therearemoreofthemthanwecountedonsix.”Ashespokesixhorsemenwereseenapproachingthroughthedistantgladesoftheforest.Thetwofriendsrantothefountainbeforementioned,slakedtheirthirst,andhastilybathedtheirheadsandfaces;then,seizingtheirswordsandshields,andleavingtherestoftheirarmouronthesward,theyrantoaruggedpartoftheground,wherehorsescouldnotact.Mountingtothehighestpointofarockymound,theyawaitedtheapproachoftheirfoes.Quickly theycameforward, their facesblazingwithwrathas theyrodeoverthefieldofbattle,andsawtheirslaughteredcomrades.Haketheberserkrodein front, and, advancing as near as possible to the placewhere his enemiesstood,saidtauntingly:“What,areyesofearfulofonlysixmen,afterhavingslainsomany?”“Smallmeatwouldwemakeoftheeandthymen,sothatthecrowsmightpickiteasily,ifwewereonlyhalfasfreshasyeare,”saidErling;“butwechosetoresthereawhile,soifyewouldfightyemustcomehithertousonfoot.”“Nay, butmethinks itwould bewell for both parties,” returned the berserk,“thattheyshouldfightonlevelground.”

ErlingandGlummhadthrownthemselvesontherockstogetasmuchrestaspossible before the inevitable combat that was still before them. Theyconsultedforafewseconds,andthentheformerreplied:“Wewillgladlycomedown,ifyewillmeetusonfoot.”“Agreed,” cried the berserk, leaping off his horse, and leading it to aneighbouring tree, towhichhefastened it.Theothers followedhisexample.Thenourtwoheroesaroseandstretchedthemselves.“Ithasbeenagoodfight,”saidErling.“Menwill talkofit indaystocome,afterwearefarawayintheworldofspirits.”There was deep pathos in the tone of the youngwarrior as he spoke thesewords,andcasthiseyesupwardstothebluevaultasifhesoughttopenetratethatspiritworld,onthethresholdofwhichhebelievedhimselftostand.“Ifwehadbutonehour’srest,oroneothermanonourside;but”Hestoppedsuddenly, for the sixmen now stood in themiddle of the little plainwhereErlingandGlummhadfoughtsolongandsovaliantlythatday,andawaitedtheircoming.Hastily descending the mound, the two friends strode boldly towards theiropponents, scorning to let themseeby lookorgesture that theywere eitherfatiguedordepressed.Astheydrewnear,ErlingsingledoutHake,andGlummwenttowardsatall,powerfulman,whostoodreadywithahugeswordrestingonhisshoulder,as ifeager tobeginthecombat.Glummhadarrangedinhisownmindthatthatmanandheshoulddietogether.Besidehimstoodawarriorwithabattle-axe,andasteelhelmetonhishead.BeforeGlummcouldreachhisintendedvictimthetallman’sswordflashedintheairlikeagleamoflight,andtheheadwiththesteelhelmetwentspinningontheground!“That’sthewaythatKettleFlatnosepaysoffoldscores,”criedtheIrishthrall,turning suddenly upon his late friends, and assailing one of themwith suchfurythathecuthimdowninafewseconds,andthenrantodrawoffoneofthe twowho had attacked Erling.Glumm’s amazement at thiswas, asmaywellbebelieved,excessive;butitwasnothingtotheintensityofhisjoywhenhefoundsuddenlythatthefightwasnowequalised,andthattherestoodonlyone man to oppose him. His heart leaped up. New life gave spring to hismuscles; and to these new feelings he gave vent in one loud shout, as hesprang upon his adversary and cleft him to the chinwith one sweep of hissword!MeanwhileKettleFlatnosehadkilledhisman;andhewasabouttocomeupbehind Hake and sweep off his head, when he was seized by Glumm and

draggedviolentlyback.“Would ye robErling of the honour of slaying this noted berserk?” he saidsternly.“Truly,”repliedKettle,somewhatabashed,“Ididnotknowthathewasnoted;andas for thehonourof it, Ido think thatErling seems tohavegothonourenoughto-day(ifallthisbehiswork)tocontenthimforsometimetocome;butasyewill,”headded,putting thepointofhis swordon theground,andrestinghisarmsonthehilt.Glummalso leanedon his sword; and standing thus, these twowatched thefight.Now, itmay perhaps seem to some readers that as the othermen had beendisposed of so summarily, it was strange that Erling the Bold should be solong in dispatching this one; but for our hero’s credit, we must point outseveral facts which may have perhaps been overlooked. In the first place,Kettle Flatnose was a thoroughly fresh man when he began the fight, andalthoughhekilledtwomen,itmustberememberedthatoneofthesewasslainwhileoffhisguard.Then,Glummdid indeedslayhismanpromptly,buthewasoneofKingHarald’sordinarymen-at-arms;whereasErlingwasopposedby one of the most celebrated of the King’s warriorsHake, the berserk ofHadelandamanwhosenameandprowesswereknownfarandwide,notonlyinNorway,butinDenmark,andallalongthesouthernshoresoftheBaltic.Itwould have been strange indeed had such a man fallen easily before anyhuman arm,muchmore strange had he succumbed at once to one that hadbeenalreadymuchexhaustedwithfighting.Truetothebrotherhoodtowhichhebelonged,theberserkattackedErlingwithincredible fury.He roaredmore like amadbull than aman as hemade theonset; his eyes glared, his mouth foamed, and he bit his shield as he wasdrivenback.Beingfresh,hedancedroundErlingperpetually,springingintocut and thrust, and leaping back to avoid the terrific blowswhich the latterfetched at himwith hisweighty axe. Once hemade a cut at Erling’s head,which the latter did not attempt to parry, intending to trust to his helmet todefendhim,andforgettingforthemomentthathehadcastthatusefulpieceofarmour on the plain. Luckily the blowwas not truly aimed. It shore a lockfrom Erling’s head as he swung his axe against his opponent’s shield, andbattered himdown on his knees; but the berserk leaped upwith a yell, andagainrushedathim.Hakehappenedjustthentocasthiseyesonthetwomenwhowerequietlylookingon,andhesomanagedthefightforafewmomentsafterwardsthathegotneartothem.Thenturningtowardsthemwithahowlofdemoniacal fury, hemade a desperate cut at the unsuspectingGlumm,who

wastakenso thoroughlybysurprise thathemadenomovementwhatever todefendhimself.Fortunately.KettleFlatnosewasonthealert,buthehadonlytime to thrust his sword awkwardly between Glumm’s head and thedescendingweapon.Theactpreventedafatalgash,butitcouldnotaltogetherarrest the force of the blow,which fell on the flat of his sword, and beat itdownonGlumm’sskullsoviolentlythathewasinstantlystretcheduponthegreensward.Erling’saxe fellon thehelmof theberserkalmostat thesametime.Eveninthatmomentofvictoryafeelingofrespectforthecourageandboldnessof thisman touched theheartofErling,who,with theswiftnessofthought,put inforcehisfavouritepracticehe turned theedgeof theaxe,andthebroadsideofitfellonthesteelheadpiecewithtremendousforce,causingtheberserkofHadelandtostretchhimselfonthegreenswardbesideGlummtheGruff;thusendingthefamousbattleofthe“BerserkersandtheBold”,inregardtowhichThikskulthescaldwrites:“TheBoldoneandhisdoughtyfriend,GlummtheGruffofHorlingsend,Faced,fought,andfelled,andbravelyslew,FulltwentymenaberserkcrewSentbyKingHaraldthemtoslayButmuchherueditlack-a-day!Theheroescutandhackedthemsore,Hit,split,andslashedthembackandforeAndleftthemlyingintheirgore.”

ChapterThirteenShowsthatEloquencedoesnotalwaysflowwhenitisexpected,andthat

GlummbeginsaNewCourseofAction

On examination it was found that Glumm’s hurt was not severe. He hadmerelybeenstunnedbytheforceoftheblow,andtherewasatriflingwoundinthescalpfromwhichalittlebloodflowed.WhileKettleheldahelmetfullofwater,andErlingbathedthewound,thelattersaid:“How comes it, Kettle, that ye discovered our straits, and appeared sofortunately?”Kettle laughed and said: “The truth is, that accident brought me here. You

know that I had all but wrought out my freedom by this time, but inconsideration ofmy services in the battle at the Springs,Ulf setme free atonce,andthismorningIlefthimtoseekservicewithKingHaraldHaarfager.”“Thatwasthanklessofthee,”saidErling.“SosaidUlf,”rejoinedKettle;“nevertheless,Icameoff,andwasonmywayoverthefellstogototheKingwhenIfellinwithHaketheberserkthoughIknewnotthatitwasheandjoinedhim.”Erlingfrowned,andlookedenquiringlyatKettleashesaid:“Butwhatpossessedthee,thatthoushouldstquitsogoodamasterforonesobad,andhowcomesitthouhastsoreadilyturnedagainsttheKing’smen?”“Littlewonderthatyouareperplexed,”saidKettle,“seeingthatyeknownotmymotive. The truth is, that I had a plan inmy head, whichwas to enterHarald’sservice, that Imightact thespyonhim,andsodomybest foronewho,allthetimeIhavebeeninthraldom,hasbeenaskindtomeasifhehadbeenmyownfather.”“ThoumeanestUlf?”saidErling.“Ido,”repliedKettlewithenthusiasm,“andI’dwillinglydieforhimifneedbe.Asyeknowfullwell,itneedsnowizardtotellthatsuchmenasUlfandyourfatherwillnoteasilybemadetobendtheirneckstotheKing’syoke;andforthisIhonourthem,becausetheyrespectthelawofthelandmorethantheyrespecttheKing.Happyisthenationwheresuchmenabound;andinsayingthisIdonodishonourtotheKing,butthereverse.”ErlinglookedinsurpriseatKettle,whilehecontinuedtobathethefaceofhisstillunconsciousfriend,forhislanguageandbearingweremuchalteredfromwhat theyhadbeenwhenhewas in thraldom,and therewasanairofquietdignity about him, which seemed to favour the common report that he hadbeenamanofnoteinhisownland.“Well,”continuedKettle,“it isequallycertain thatHarald isnotamanwhowilltamelysubmittobethwartedinhisplans,soIhadmadeupmymindtotakeservicewithhim,inorderthatImightbeabletofindouthisintentionsand observe his temper towards the men of Horlingdal, and thus be in aposition to give them timelywarning of any danger that threatened.Onmywayhither ImetHake,as Ihavesaid.Onhearing thathebelonged toKingHarald,ItoldhimthatIhadjustgotmyfreedomfromUlf,andwishedtojointheKing. He seemed very glad, and said he thought I wouldmake a goodberserk;toldmethathewasoutinsearchofsomeoftheKing’senemies,and

proposed that I should assist him.Of course this suitedmewell; but itwasonlywhenwefoundyouthatIbecameawarewhotheKing’senemieswere,and resolved to act as ye have seenme do. I did not choose to tellUlfmyintention, lestmy plan shouldmiscarry; but, now that I findwho theKingcountshisfoes,andknowhowsharplyheintendstotreatthem,itseemstomethatIneedgonofarther.”“Truly thou needst not,” said Erling, “for Harald is in the worst possiblehumourwithusall,anddidhisbest tostopmefromgoinghome to tell thefact.”“Then ismymissionended. Iwill return toUlfstede,” saidKettle, throwingthe water out of his helmet, and replacing it on his head, as he rose andgraspedhis sword.“Meanwhile, Iwill cutoffHake’shead,and take itbackwithme.”“Thouwiltdosoatthyperil,”saidErling;“Hakefelltomyhand,andIwillfinish theworkwhich I have begun.Do thou go catch three or four of thehorses,forIseethatGlummisrecovering.”“I will not interfere with your business,” said Kettle, with a laugh, “only Ithought you meant to leave his carcass lying there unheeded, and wasunwillingtogooffwithouthisheadasatrophy.”Kettlewenttocatchthehorsesthreeofwhichhetiedtotreestobereadyforthem, while he loaded the fourth with the most valuable of the arms andgarmentsoftheslain.MeanwhileGlummgroaned,and,sittingup,rubbedhisheadruefully.“IthoughtsomeonehadsentmetoValhalla,”hesaid,fetchingadeepsigh.“Notyet, friendGlumm,notyet.There is stillwork for thee todoonearth,and the sooner ye set about doing it the better, for methinks the King willwonderwhathasbecomeofhisberserkers,andwillsendoutmeninsearchofthemerelong.Canstmountthyhorse?”“Mount him? aye,” said Glumm, leaping up, but staggering when he hadgainedhislegs,sothatErlinghadtosupporthimforafewminutes.Heputhishandtohisforehead,and,observingbloodonit,asked:“Isthewounddeep?”“Onlyascratch,”saidErling,“buttheblowwasheavy.IftheswordofKettleFlatnosehadnotcaughtitintime,itwouldhavebeenthydeath.”“Trulyithasnotbeenfarfromthatasit is,formyheadringsasifthebrainwerebeingbatteredwithThor’shammer!Come,letusmount.”

As he spoke, Kettle brought forward the horses. Glumm mounted withdifficulty,andtheyallrodeaway.ButErlinghadobservedaslightmotionoflifeinthebodyofHake,andaftertheyhadgoneafewyardshesaid:“Rideonslowly,Glumm, Iwill go back to get a ring from the finger of the berserk,whichIforgot.”He turned,and rodequicklyback to theplacewhere theberserk’sbody lay,dismounted,andkneeledbesideit.Therewasalargesilverringonthemiddlefinger of Hake’s right hand, which he took off and put on his own finger,replacingitwithagoldoneofhisown.Thenherantothespring,and,fillinghishelmetwithwater, camebackand laved theman’s temples therewith, atthesametimepouringalittleofitintohismouth.Inafewminuteshebeganto show symptoms of revival, but before he had recovered sufficiently torecognise who his benefactor was, Erling had vaulted into the saddle andgallopedaway.TheyarrivedatGlummstedethateveningaboutsupper-time,butGlummwaseagertohearthediscussionthatwassuretotakeplacewhenthenewsofthefightandofHarald’s stateofmindwas told, sohe rodepasthisownhome,andaccompaniedhisfriendtoUlfstede.Wecannotsayforcertainthathewasuninfluenced by othermotives, forGlumm, as the reader knows,was not acommunicative man; he never spoke to anyone on the subject; we incline,however, to the belief that thereweremingled ideas in his brain andmixedfeelingsinhisheartasherodetoUlfstede!Greatwas thesensation in thehallwhenErling,Glumm,andKettleenteredwiththemarksoftherecentfightstillvisibleuponthemespeciallyonGlumm,whose scalpwound, being undressed, permitted a crimson stream to trickledownhisfaceastreamwhich,inhisowncarelessway,hewipedoffnowandthen with the sleeve of his coat, thereby making his aspect conspicuouslybloody.Tremendouswas theflutter inAda’sheartwhenshesawhimin thisplight,forwelldidsheknowthatdeedsofdaringhadbeendonebeforesuchmarkscouldhavebeenleftuponhergrufflover.Thehallwascrowdedwitharmedmen, formanybondershadassembled toawait the issue of the decision at the Thing, and much anxiety as well asexcitementprevailed.Ulfrecognisedhislatethrallwithalookofsurprise,buteach of them was made to quaff a brimming tankard of ale before beingallowedtospeak.Tosaytruth, theywereverywillingtoaccept thedraught,which,afterthefatiguestheyhadundergone,tastedlikenectar.Erling thenstoodup,and in themidstofbreathlesssilencebegantorecountthe incidents which had befallen him and his companion while in theexecutionoftheirmission.

“In the first place,” he said, “it is right to let ye all know that the King’scountenancetowardsusisasblackasathundercloud,andthatwemayexpecttosee the lightningflashoutbefore long.But it issomecomfort toadd thatGlumm and Kettle and I have slain, or rendered unfit to fight, twenty ofHarald’smen.”In themidstof themurmurofcongratulationwithwhich thisannouncementwas received, Erling observed that Hilda, who had been standing near thedoor,wentout.Theresultofthiswas,thatthepooryouth’sspiritsank,anditwaswiththeutmostdifficultyhepluckeduphearttorelatetheincidentsofthefight,inwhichhesaidsolittleabouthimselfthatonemighthaveimaginedhehadbeenamerespectator.Passingfromthatsubjectasquicklyaspossible,hedeliveredhisopinionastothehopesandprospectsbeforethem,and,cuttinghisspeechshort,abruptlyquittedthehall.AnylittlefeelingofdisappointmentthatmighthavebeenfeltatthelamewayinwhichErlinghadrecountedhisexploitswas,however,amplycompensatedbyGlumm,who,althoughusuallyamanoffewwords,hadnolackofideasorofpowertoexpressthemwhenoccasionrequired,inaterse,sternstyleofhisown,whichwasverytelling.Hegaveafaithfulaccountofthefight,makingmention of many incidents which his friend had omitted to touch on, anddwellingparticularlyon thedeedsofKettle.As to that flat-nosed individualhimself,whencalledupontospeak,headdressedtheassemblywithadignityofmannerandaracyutteranceoflanguagewhichamazedthosewhohadonlyknownhimasathrall,andwhonowforthefirsttimemethimasafreedman.He moreover introduced into his speech a few touches of humour whichconvulsed his audience with laughter, and commented on the condition ofaffairsinawaythatfilledthemwithrespect,sothatfromthathourhebecameoneofthenotedmenofthedale.Erlingmeanwhilehurriedtowardsoneofthecliffsoverlookingthefiord.HewaswellacquaintedwithHilda’sfavouritehaunts,andsoonfoundher,seatedon a bank, with a very disconsolate look, which, however, vanished on hisappearing.“WhereforedidstthouhastenawayjustasIbegantospeak,Hilda?”hesaid,somewhatreproachfully,ashesatdownbesideher.“BecauseIdidnotwishtoheardetailsofthebloodyworkofwhichthouartsofond.Whywiltthoualwaysbeseekingtoslaythyfellows?”Thegirlspokeintonessosadanddesponding,thatherloverlookeduponher

forsometimeinsilentsurprise.“Truly,Hilda,”hesaid,“thefightwasnoneofmyseeking.”“DidInothear theesay,”shereplied,“thatKettleandGlummandthouhadslain twenty of the King’s men, and that ye regarded this as a comfortingthought?”“Aye, surely; but these twenty men did first attack Glumm and me whilealone,andweslew theminself-defence.Neverhad I returned to tell it,hadnotstoutKettleFlatnosecometoouraid.”“ThankHeavenforthat!”saidHilda,withalookofinfiniterelief.“Howdidithappen?”“Come.Iwilltelltheeallfromfirsttolast.AndhereisonewhoshalljudgewhetherGlummandIaretoblameforslayingthesemen.”Ashespoke,thehermitapproached.Theoldmanlookedsomewhatpalerthanusual,owingtothelossofbloodcausedbythewoundhehadreceivedinhisrecentdefenceofUlfstede.Erlingroseandsalutedhimheartily,for,sincethememorable prowess in the defence of Ulfstede, Christian had been high infavouramongthepeopleoftheneighbourhood.“Hilda and Iwere consideringamatterofwhichwewillmake thee judge,”saidErling,astheysatdownonthebanktogether.“Iwilldomybest,”saidthehermit,withasmile,“ifHildaconsentstotrustmyjudgment.”“Thatshegladlydoes,”saidthemaid.“Well, then,Iwilldetail thefactsof thecase,”saidErling;“butfirst tellmewhatstrangemarksarethoseontheskinthouholdestinthyhand?”“These are words,” said the hermit, carefully spreading out a roll ofparchment,onwhichafewlineswerewritten.ErlingandHilda regarded the strangecharacterswithmuch interest. Indeed,theyoungman’slookalmostamountedtooneofawe,forhehadneverseenthe scroll before, althoughHilda, towhom it had several times been shownandexplained,hadtoldhimaboutit.“Thesemarks convey thoughts,” saidChristian, laying his forefinger on thecharacters.“Can they convey intricate thoughts,” askedErling, “such as are difficult to

express?”“Aye;thereisnothoughtwhichcanquitthetongueofonemanandentertheunderstanding of another which may not be expressed by these letters indifferentcombinations.”“Dimideasofthishavebeeninmymind,”saidErling,“sinceIwentonvikingcruise to the south,when first I heard of such a power beingknown to andusedbymany,butIbelieveditnot.Ifthisbeasthousayest,andtheselettersconvey thy thoughts, then, though absent, thy thoughts might be known tomeifIdidbutunderstandthetracingofthem.”“Most true,” returned the hermit; “andmore than that, there be somewho,thoughdead,yetspeaktotheirfellows,andwillcontinuetodosoaslongastherecordsarepreservedandthepowertocomprehendthembemaintained.”“Mysteriouspower,”saidErling;“Ishouldlikemuchtopossessit.”“If thouwilt come tomypoorabodeon thecliff Iwill teach it thee.A fewmonths, or less, will suffice. Even Hilda knows the names of the separatesigns,andshehasappliedherselftoitforlittlemorethanafewdays.”Hilda’s face became scarlet when Erling looked at her in surprise, but theunobservant hermit went on to descant upon the immense value of writtenlanguage,untilHildaremindedhimthathehadconsented tosit in judgmentonaknottypoint.“True,Ihadforgotten.Comenow,Erling,letmehearit.”Theyouthatoncebegan,and ina fewminuteshadso interestedhishearersthattheygazedinhisfaceandhunguponhiswordswithraptattention,whilehedetailedtheincidentsofthecombatswithadegreeoffluencyandfervourthatwouldhavethrowntheoratoryofGlummandKettlequiteintotheshadehaditbeentoldinthehall.WhileErlingwasthusengaged,hisfriendGlumm,havingfinishedtherecitalof his adventures for the twentieth time, and at the same time eaten a goodsupper,wasadvisedbyhiscompanionstohavethewoundinhisheadlookedto.“What!hastthounothaditdressedyet?”askedUlf;“why,thatisveryfoolish.Knowest thou not that a neglected wound may compass thy death? Comehither,Ada; thy fingers are skilled in suchoffices.TakeGlumm to an innerchamber,andseeifthoucanstputhisheadtorights.”“Methinks,”criedGuttormStoutheart,withalaugh,“thatsheismorelikelyto

puthisheartwrongthanhisheadrightwiththesewickedblackeyesofhers.Haveacare,Glumm:theypiercedeeperthantheswordoftheberserk.”Adapretendednot tohear this,butsheappearedbynomeansdispleased,asshe led Glumm to an inner chamber, whither they were followed by Alric,whose pugnacious soul had been quite fascinated by the story of the recentfight,andwhowasnevertiredofputtingquestionsastominutepoints.AsGlummsatdownonalowstooltoenableAdatogetathishead,shesaid(forshewasveryproudofherlover’sprowess,andherheartchancedtobeinameltingmoodthatnight),“Thouhastdonewellto-day,itwouldseem?”“It is well thou thinkest so,” replied Glumm curtly, remembering Erling’sadvice.“No,boy,”headded,inreplytoAlric,“Ididnotkilltheonewiththeblackhelmet;itwasErlingwhogavehimhisdeathblow.”“DidHaketheberserklookdreadfullyfierce?”askedAlric.“Hemadeafewstrangefaces,”repliedGlumm.“The wound is but slight,” observed Ada, in a tone that indicated a littledispleasureattheapparentindifferenceofherlover.“Itmighthavebeenworse,”repliedGlumm.“Dotellmeallaboutitagain,”entreatedAlric.“Notnow,”saidGlumm;“I’llrepeatitwhenHildaisby;shehasnotheardityetmethinksshewouldliketohearit.”“Hilda like to hear it!” cried the lad, with a shout of laughter; “why, shedetestsfightingalmostasmuchas thehermitdoes, though,Imustsay,foraman who hates it, he can do it wonderfully well himself! But do tell me,Glumm,whatwasthecutthatErlinggavewhenhebroughtdownthatsecondman,youknowthebigone”“Which?themanwhoseheadhechoppedoff,withhalfoftheleftshoulder?”“No;thatwasthefourth.Imeantheotherone,with”“Oh,theonehesplitthenoseofbyaccidentbeforebatteringdownwith”“No,no,”criedAlric,“Imeantheonewiththeblackbeard.”“Ha!” exclaimed Glumm, “that wasn’t the second man; his fall was muchfurther on in the fight, just after Erling had got hold of the battle-axe. Hewhirled the axe round his head, brought it from over the left down on

Blackbeard’srightshoulder,andsplithimtothewaist.”“Now,thatisfinished,”saidAdasharply,assheputawaythethingsthatshehadusedinthedressingofthewound.“Ihopethateveryfoethouhasttodealwithinfuturemaylettheeoffaswell.”“I thank thee, Ada, both for the dressing and the goodwish,” said Glummgravely,asheroseandwalkedintothehall,followedbyhisperseveringandinsatiablelittlefriend.Ada retired hastily to her own chamber, where she stood for a momentmotionless, thentwicestampedher littlefoot,afterwhichshesatdownonastool,and,coveringherfacewithbothhands,burstintoapassionatefloodoftears.

ChapterFourteenInwhichAlricboastsalittle,discoversSecrets,confessesalittle,and

distinguisheshimselfgreatly

NextdaytherewasgreatbustleatUlfstede,andalongtheshoresofthefiord,for the men of Horlingdal were busy launching their ships and makingpreparations togoto theSpringstomeetandholdcouncilwithKingHaraldHaarfager.Ithadbeenfinallyresolved,withoutadissentientvoice,thatthewholedistrictshould go forth to meet him in arms, and thus ensure fair play at thedeliberations of the Thing. Even Haldor no longer objected; but, on thecontrary,whenheheardhisson’saccountofhismeetingwiththeKing,andofthe dastardly attempt that had beenmade to assassinate him and his friend,thereshotacrosshisfaceagleamofthatwildferocitywhichhadprocuredhimhis title. It passed quickly away, however, and gave place to a look of sadresignation,whichassuredthosewhoknewhimthatheregardedtheirchanceofopposingtheKingsuccessfullytobeverysmallindeed.Thefleet that left thefiordconsistedof the longshipsofUlf,Haldor,Erling,Glumm, and Guttorm, besides an innumerable flotilla of smaller crafts andboats.Manyofthemenwerewellarmed,notonlywithfirst-rateweapons,butwithcompletesuitsofexcellentmailofthekindspeculiartotheperiodsuchasshirtsofleather,withsteelringssewedthicklyoverthem,andotherscoveredwithsteelscaleswhileofthepoorerbondersandthethrallssomeworeportionsofdefensive armour, and some trusted to the thickhidesof thewolf,whichweremoreserviceableagainstasword-cut thanmanypeoplemightsuppose.All had shields, however, and carried either swords, bills, spears, javelins,axes, or bows and arrows, so that, numbering as theydid, about a thousand

men,theycomposedaformidablehost.WhiletheserowedawayoverthefiordtotheSpringstomakewarorpeaceasthe casemight bewithKingHarald, a disappointed spiritwas left behind inHorlingdal.“I’msureIcannotseewhyIshouldnotbeallowedtogotoo,”saidlittleAlric,onreturningtoHaldorstede,afterseeingthefleetsetforth.“OfcourseIcannotfightsowellasErlingyet,butIcandosomethinginthatway;andcanevenface up to a full-grownmanwhen occasion serves, as that red-hairedDaneknowsfullwell,methinks,ifhehasgotanypoweroffeelinginhisneck!”Thiswassaid toHerfrida,whowas in thegreathallspreading theboardforthe midday meal, and surrounded by her maidens, some of whom wereengagedinspinningorcardingwool,whileotherswoveandsewed,orbusiedthemselvesabouthouseholdmatters.“Havepatience,myson,”saidHerfrida.“Thouartnotyetstrongenoughtogoforthtobattle.Doubtless,inthreeorfouryears”“Three or four years!” exclaimed Alric, to whom such a space of timeappearedanage.“Why, therewillbenomorefightingleft tobedoneat theendofthreeorfouryears.DoesnotfathersaythatiftheKingsucceedsinhisillegal plans all the independence of the small kings will be gone for ever,andandofcourseIamoldenoughtoseethatifthesmallkingsarenotallowedtodoastheyplease,therewillbenomoreoccasionforwarnothingbutadulltimeofconstantpeace!”Herfrida laughed lightly, while her warlike son strutted up and down theancestral hall like a bantam cock, frowning and grunting indignantly, as hebroodedoverthedarkprospectsofpeacethatthreatenedhisnativeland,andthought of his own incapacity, on account of youth, to make glorious haywhileyetthesunofwarwasshining.“Mother,”hesaid,stoppingsuddenly,andcrossinghisarms,ashestoodwithhisfeetplantedprettywideapart,afterthefashionofthosewhodesiretobethoughtveryresolute“mother,Ihadadreamlastnight.”“Tellitme,myson,”saidHerfrida,sittingdownonalowstoolbesidethelad.Now, itmustbeknown that in thosedays theNorthmenbelieved indreamsand omens and warningsindeed, they were altogether a very superstitiouspeople, havingperfect faith in giants, good andbad; elves, dark andbright;wraiths,andfetches,andguardianspiritsinsomuchthattherewasscarcelyoneamong the grown-up people who had not seen some of these fabulous

creatures,orwhohadnotseensomeotherpeoplewhohadeitherseen themthemselvesorhadseenindividualswhosaidtheyhadseenthem!Therewerealsomany“clear-sighted”or“fore-sighted”oldmenandwomen,whonotonlysaw goblins and supernatural appearances occasionally, and, as it were,accidentally,likeordinaryfolk,butwhoalsohadthegiftsoitissaidofseeingsuchthingswhentheypleasedenjoyed,as itwere,anunenviableprivilegeinthatway.ItwasthereforewithunusualinterestthatHerfridaaskedaboutherson’sdream.“Itmusthavebeenmara(nightmare),Ithink,”hesaid,“forthoughIneverhaditbefore, itseemedtomevery likewhatGuttormStoutheartsayshealwayshasaftereatingtooheartyameal.”“Relateit,myson.”“Well,youmustknow,”saidAlric,withmuchgravityandimportance,forheobserved that the girls about the roomwereworking softly that theymighthearhim, “I dreamed that Iwasout on the fells, and there Imet adreadfulwolf,asbigasahorse,withtwoheadsandthreetails,orthreeheadsandtwotails,Imindnotwhich,butitgavemelittletimetonoticeit,for,beforeIwasaware,itdashedatme,andIturnedtorun,butmyfeetseemedtocleavetotheearth,andmylegsfeltheavyaslead,sothatIcouldscarcedragmyselfalong,yet,strangetosay, thewolfdidnotovertakeme,althoughIhearditcomingnearerandnearereverymoment,andItriedtoshout,butmyvoicewouldnotcomeout.”“Whathadstthoutosupperlastnight?”askedHerfrida.“Letmethink,”repliedtheboymeditatively;“Ihadfourcutsofsalmon,threerolls of bread and butter, half awild-duck, two small bits of salt-fish, someeggs,alittlemilk,andahornofale.”“Itmusthavebeenmara,”saidshe,thoughtfully;“butgoonwiththydream.”“Well,justasIcametothebrinkoftheriver,Ilookedbackandsawthewolfcloseatmyheels,soIdroppedsuddenly,andthewolftumbledrightovermeinto thewater,butnextmoment it cameup in the shapeof anothermonsterwithafish’stail,whichmadestraightatme.Thenitallatoncecameintomyhead thatmyguardianspiritwasbehindme,and I turnedquickly roundbutdidnotseeit.”“Artthouquitesureofthat,myson?”Herfridaasked this ina toneofgreatanxiety, for to seeone’sownguardianspiritwasthoughtunlucky,andasignthatthepersonseeingitwas“fey”,or

death-doomed.“I’m quite sure that I did not,” replied Alric, to the manifest relief of hismother;“butIsawalongpoleontheground,whichIseized,andattackedthebeasttherewith,andamostnotablefightwehad.Ionlywishthatithadbeentrue,andthatthouhadstbeentheretoseeit.Marafledawayatonce,forIfeltnomorefear,butlaidaboutmeinawaythatmindedmeofErling.Indeed,Idon’t think he could have done it better himself. Oh! how I do wish,sometimes,thatmydreamswouldcometrue!However,Ikilledthemonsteratlast,andhurledhimintotheriver,afterwhichIfelttossedaboutinastrangeway,andthenmysensesleftme,andthenIawoke.”“Whatthinkestthouofthedream?”saidHerfridatoawrinkledoldcronewhosatonalowstoolbesidethefire.Thewitch-likeoldcreaturerousedherselfalittleandsaid:“Goodluckisinstorefortheboy.”“Thanksforthat,granny,”saidAlric;“canstsaywhatsorto’goodluckitis?”“No;myknowledgegoesno further. Itmaybegood luck ingreat things, itmay be only in small matters; perhaps soon, perhaps a long time hence: Iknownot.”Havingventuredthisverysafeandindefiniteprophecy,theoldwomanletherchindroponherbosom,andrecommencedtherockingtoandfrowhichhadbeeninterruptedbythequestion;whileAlriclaughed,and,takingupathree-prongedspear,saidthatashehadbeendisappointedingoingtoseethefunattheSprings,hewouldconsolehimselfbygoingandstickingsalmonatthefoss(waterfall).“Wiltthounotwaitformiddaymeal?”saidHerfrida.“No,mother;thisrollwillsufficetillnight.”“Andthenthouwiltcomehomeravening,andhavemaraagain.”“Beitso.I’druntheriskofthatforthesakeofthechanceofanothergloriousbattlesuchasIhadlastnight!”Saying this the reckless youth sallied forth with the spear or leister on hisshoulder,andtookthenarrowbridlepathleadinguptheglen.Itwasoneof thosecalmbrightdaysofearlyautumninwhichmenfeel thattheydrawinfreshlifeandvigourateachinhalation.Withthefragrantodours

that arose from innumerablewild flowers, including that sweetest of plants,the lily of the valley, was mingled the pleasant smell of the pines, whichclothed the knolls, or hung here and there like eyebrows on the cliffs. Theriver was swollen considerably by recent heat, which had caused the greatglaciersonthemountaintopstomeltmorerapidlythanusual,anditsrushingsoundwasmingledwiththedeeperroarofthefoss,orwaterfall,whichleapedoveracliffthirtyfeethighabouttwomilesupthevalley.Hundredsofrillsofallsizesfellandzigzaggeddownthemountainsoneitherside,someofthemappearinglikethreadsofsilverontheprecipices,andall,riverandrills,beingas cold as the perpetual ice-fields above which gave them birth. Birdstwitteredinthebushes,addingsweetnesstothewildmusic,andbrightgreensandpurples,litupbygleamsofsunshine,threwacharmofsoftnessoverthesomewhatruggedscene.TheNorseboy’snaturewas sensitive, andpeculiarly susceptibleofoutwardinfluences.Ashewalkedbrisklyalong,castinghiseagergazenowattheriverwhichfoamedbelowhim,andanonatthedistantmountainridgescappedwithperennialsnows,heforgothislatedisappointment,or,whichisthesamething,drowneditinpresentenjoyment.Givingventtohisdelight,muchasboysdidathousandyearslater,byviolentwhistlingorinuproariousburstsofsong,hedescendedto theriver’sedge,with theintentionofdartinghissalmonspear,when his eye caught sight of awoman’s skirt fluttering on one of the cliffsabove.HeknewthatHildaandAdahadgoneupthevalleytogetheronavisittoakinswoman, forHerfridahadspokenofexpecting themback tomiddaymeal;guessing,therefore,thatitmustbethem,hedrewbackoutofsight,andclambered hastily up the bank, intending to give them a surprise. He hidhimselfinthebushesatajuttingpointwhichtheyhadtopass,andfromwhichtherewasamagnificentviewofthevalley,thefiord,andthedistantsea.Heheard the voices of the two girls in animated conversation as they drewnear,anddistinguishedthenameofGlummmorethanonce,but,notbeingagossipbynature,hethoughtnothingofthis,andwasintentonlyonpouncingout on them when they should reach a certain stone in the path. Truthconstrains us to admit that our young friend, like many young folk of thepresentday,wasapracticaljokeryetitmustalsobesaidthathewasnotaverybad one, and, to his honour be it recorded, he never practised jokes on oldpeople!Itchanced,however,thatthetwofriendsstoppedshortjustbeforereachingthestone,so thatAlrichad toexercisepatiencewhile thegirlscontemplated theviewatleastwhileHildadidso,foronAda’sfacetherewasafrown,andhereyeswerecastontheground.“HowlovelyHorlingdallooksonsuchaday!”observedHilda.

“Ihavenoeyesforbeautifulthingsto-night,”saidAdapettishly;“Icannotgetover itsuch cool, thankless indifference when I took the trouble to dresshishisstupidhead,andthen,notsatisfiedwithtellingthewholestoryover tothee,whocaresnomoreforitthanifitweretheslayingofhalfadozensheep,hemustneedsgoandpayfrequentvisits toIngeborgandtoHalgerdaof theFossandandButIknowitisalloutofspite,andthathedoesnotcareabodkinforeitherof them,yet I cannotbear it, and Iwon’tbear it, sohehadbetterlook tohimself.Andyet Iwouldnot for thebestmantle in thedale thatheknewIhadtwothoughtsaboutthematter.”“But why play fast and loose with him?” said Hilda, with a laugh at hercompanion’svehemence.“BecauseIlikeitandIchoosetodoso.”“Butperchancehedoesnotlikeit,anddoesnotchoosetobetreatedso.”“Icarenotforthat.”“Truly thy looks and tone belie thee,” said Hilda, smiling. “But in allseriousness, Ada, let me advise thee again to be more considerate withGlumm,forIsometimesthinkthatthemenwhoaremostworthhavingarethemosteasilyturnedaside.”“HastthoufounditsowithErling?”demandedAdahalf-angrily.Hildablushedscarletatthisandsaid:“IneverthoughtofErlinginthislight;atleastIneverheneverthatis”Fortunatelyat thispointAlric, inhis retreatamong thebushes,alsoblushedscarlet,foritonlythenflasheduponhimthathehadbeenactingthemeanpartof aneavesdropper, andhadbeen listening to conversewhichhe shouldnothave heard. Instead, therefore, of carrying out his original intention, hescrambled into thepathwith asmuchnoise aspossible, andcoughed, ashecameawkwardlyforward.“Why, thewickedboyhasbeen listening,” criedAda, layingherhanduponthelad’sshoulder,andlookingsternlyintohisface.“Ihave,”saidAlricbluntly.“Andartthounotashamed?”“Iam,”hereplied,withadegreeofcandour inhisself-condemnationwhichcausedAdaandHildatoburstintoaheartyfitoflaughter.

“But,” said Ada, becoming grave again, “thou hast heard toomuch for thygood.”“Iknowit,”hereplied,“andI’msorry,Ada,butcannothelpitnow.ThiswillIsay,however:IhadnowishorintentiontohearwhenIhidmyself.MydesirewasonlytostartletheeandHilda,andbeforeIthoughtwhatthouwerttalkingofthethingwasout,andnowIhavegotitIcannotungetit.”“True,butthoucanstkeepit,”saidAda.“Ican,andyemayrestassurednowordorlookofmineshallbetraythee.I’lleventrytoconcealitfrommyself,andthinkitwasadream,unless,indeed,Iseeagoodchanceofhelpingtheeinthisaffair!”Alric laughed as he said this, and the girls joined him, afterwhich they allwentontowardsHaldorstedetogether.OnreachingtheplacewhereAlrichadintendedtofish,Adasuggestedthatheshould go and try his fortune, so he ran down to the river, and the girlsfollowedhimtothebank.Thespotselectedwasarapidwhichterminatedinasmallandcomparativelyquietbutdeeppool.Wesaycomparatively,becauseinthestateoftheriveratthat timeeven in thequietestplaces therewasconsiderablecommotion.Justbelowthepooltheriveropenedoutintoabroadshallow,overwhichitpassedinnoisyfoam,butwithlittledepth,exceptinthecentre.Belowthis,again,itnarrowed,andformedanotherdeeppool.Alric ran into the water till he was about knee-deep, and then plunged hisspear.Nothingresultedfromthefirstplunge,buttheeffectofthesecondwasmoretremendousthanhadeverbeforehappenedtotheyoungsportsman,forthepoleofthetridentreceivedatwistsoviolentthatitwouldinfalliblyhavebeentornfromtheboy’sgrasphadhenotheldonwiththetenacityofavice,andallowedhimselftobedraggedbodilyintothepool.Aswehavesaid,thepoolwasdeep,butthatwasnothingtoAlric,whocouldswimlikeaduck.TheNorsemaidenswhowatched him knew this, and although slightly alarmed,feltonthewholemoreinclinedtolaughthantotrembleashisheademergedandsankagainseveraltimes,whilethefishwhichhehadstruckdraggedhimabout the pool. After a few seconds of violent and wild exertion it rusheddownthepoolintotherapid,andthenitwasthatthegirlsperceivedthatAlrichad struck and was clinging to one of the largest-sized salmon that everappearedinHorlingdalriver.Fortunate it was for the boy that the fish took the rapid, for it had almost

chokedhiminthedeeppool;butnowhescrambledonhisfeet,andbegantodobattlegallantlyendeavouringtothrustthefishdownwardsandpinittothestoneswheneveritpassedoverashallowpart,onwhichoccasionsitsbackandsilver sides became visible, and its great tailwide spreading, like a modernlady’sfanflashedintheairasitbeatthewaterinterrororfury.Alric’sspiritwasablazewithexcitement,forthefishwastoostrongforhim,sothateverytimeitwriggleditselfhewasmadetoshakeandstaggerinamostridiculouslyhelplessmanner,andwhenittriedtobolthewaspulledflatdownonhisfaceandhadtofollowitsometimesonhisknees,sometimesatfulllength,for,overandoveragain,whenhewasabouttorise,orhadhalf-risen,therewasanotherpull,anddownhewentagain,quiteflat,whiletheroaringtorrentwentrightoverhim.But no limpet ever stuck to rockwith greater tenacity than didAlric to thehandleofthattrident;anditisbutjusttoadd,fortheinformationofthosewhoknowitnot,thatthedifficultyofretainingone’sfootholdonthepebblybedofariverwhenknee-deepinafoamingrapidisverygreatindeed,evenwhenonehasnothingmoretodothanattendtothebalancingofone’sownbodymuchgreater,ofcourse,incircumstancessuchaswedescribe.At last the salmonmade a rush, and was swept over a shallow part of therapid,closeunderthebankonwhichthegirlsstood.HereAlricsucceededinthrusting it against a large stone. For the first time hemanaged to stand uperect, and, although holding the fish with all his might, looked up, andbreathed,orrathergasped,freely:“Hoch!hah!whatafish!sk–ho!”“Oh,Iwishwecouldhelpthee!”exclaimedthegirls,withflashingeyesandoutstretched hands, as if they could hardly restrain themselves from leapingintothewater,whichwasindeedthecase!“N–no!yecan’t!’snotposs’blehah!my!ohthere’egoesagains–t–swash!”Downhewent, flat, ashe spoke, andwater stoppedhisutterance,while thefishwriggledintothecentreofthechannel,andcarriedhimintothedeeppoolbelow!Herethescenewasnotquitesoexciting,becausethebattlewasnotsofierce.Thesalmonhaditallhisownwayinthedeepwater,anddraggedhisattachedfriend hither and thither as he pleased. On the other hand, Alric ceased tocontend,andmerelyheldonwithhisrighthand,whilewithhislefthekepthisheadabovewater.Thepoolcircledabout in largeoilywaveletsfleckedwithfoam,sothattherewasagreatcontrastinallthistothetremendousturmoilofthe raging rapid.But the comparative calmdid not last long.The huge fish

madeafrantic,andapparentlyalast,efforttogetfree.Itrusheddowntothefootofthepool,andpassedovertheedgeintothenextrapid.Thegirlsshriekedwhentheysawthis, for,unlike theformer, thisonewasadeep rush of the river, between narrower banks, where its course wasobstructedbylargerocks.Againstthesethestreambeatfuriously.Alricknewthe spot well, and was aware of the extreme danger of his position. Hethereforemade a violent effort to drag the fish towards a pointwhere therewasaslightbreakoreddyamonganumberofboulders,intendingtolethimgo, if necessary, rather than losehis life.He succeeded, however, in gettingupononeoftherocksquiteclosetothebank,andthenendeavouredtoliftthefishoutof thewater. In thisalsohewassuccessful;madeasplendidheave,andflungitwithallhisforce towardsthebank,onwhichitalighted, tridentandall,atthefeetofHilda.ButinlettinggohisholdofthehandleAlriclosthis balance, flung his arms above his head in a vain endeavour to recoverhimself, and, with a loud shout, fell back into the roaring torrent and wassweptaway.Afewmomentssufficedtocarryhimintothepoolbelow,totheedgeofwhichthegirlsrushed,andfoundthathewasfloatingroundandroundinastateofinsensibility,everymomentpassingneartothevortexoftherapidthatflowedoutofit.Hildaatoncerushedinwaist-deepandcaughthimbythecollar.Shewouldhavebeensweptawayalongwithhim,butAdaalsosprangforwardandgraspedHildaby themantle.Shecouldnot,however,dragherback;neithercould Hilda in any way help herself. Thus they stood for a few momentsswayingtoandfrointhecurrent,and,doubtless,oneormoreofthemwouldhavesoonbeencarrieddownhadnotefficientaidbeenathand.Highuponthecliffoverthescenewherethisincidentoccurred,Christianthehermitwasseatedonalogbeforehisdoor.HesatgazingdreamilyoutuponthelandscapewhenAlricbegantofish,but,seeingthedangertowhichtheladexposedhimself,afterhehadspearedthefish,andfearingthattheremightbeneedofhisaid,hequicklydescendedtothesceneofaction.Hedidnotarriveamomenttoosoon,forthewholeeventoccurredveryrapidly.RunningtotherescuehecaughtAda round thewaistwithbothhands, anddrewhergentlyback;shewassoonoutofdanger,afterwhichtherewasnogreatdifficultyindraggingtheotherssafelytoland.Atoncethehermitstrippedofftheboy’scoat,loosenedthekerchiefthatwasroundhis throat,andsought,byeverymeans inhispower, to restorehimtoconsciousness. His efforts were successful. The boy soon began to breathe,andinashorttimestoodup,swayinghimselftoandfro,andblinking.Thefirstthinghesaidwas:

“Whereisthesalmon?”“Thesalmon?Oh,Iforgotallaboutit,”saidAda.“Nevermindit,dearAlric,”saidHilda.“Nevermindit?”hecried,startingintosuddenanimation;“what!haveyeleftitbehind?”Saying thisheburstaway fromhis friends,and ranup thebankof the riveruntilhecametowherethefishwaslying,stillimpaledonthebarbedprongsof the trident.The run so far restored him that he had sufficient strength toshoulder the fish, although it afterwards turnedout tobea salmonof thirty-five poundsweight, and he quickly rejoined his friends, who returnedwithhimtoHaldorstede,where,youmaybequitesure,hegaveagraphicaccountoftheadventuretowillingandadmiringears.“So,granny,”hesaid,attheconclusionofthenarrative,totheoldcronewhowas still seated by the fire, “thy prophecy has come true sooner than yeexpected,and ithascomedoubly true, for though thegood luck instore formewasamatterofsmallgeneralimportance,noonecandenythatitisagreatfish!”

ChapterFifteenTreatsofAncientDiplomacyamongtheNorsemen,andshowshowour

HeroturnstheTablesonawould-beAssassinWhenKingHaraldheardthenewsofthedefeatofHakeandtheslaughterofhismenbyErlingandGlumm,greatwashiswrathatfirst,andJarlRongvoldhad much ado to appease him and prevent him from going at once toHorlingdal toravageitwithfireandsword.Butwhenhehadcooledalittle,and heard the details of the fight fromHake himself, his anger against theyoungwarriorschangedintoadmirationoftheirdauntlesscourage.HaraldFairhairwasakinglymaninspiritaswellasinappearance,andwasabove encouraging a mean or vengeful mood. He was indeed fierce andviolentinhisrage,andoftendidthingswhich,whenreadofinthecalmofacomparativelypeaceful time,makeoneshudder;but itmustnotbeforgottenthat theage inwhichhe livedwasa cruel andbloodyone, and, inNorway,withoutone touchof thegentle religionofChrist tosoften itsasperities.Hecouldneverhaveretainedhispowerandruleoverthesternwarriorsofhisdayhadhenotpossessedmuchoftheirowncallousindifferencetothehorrorsandcrueltiesofwar.

“Thouhadsttougherworkthanthoucountedston,itwouldseem,”hesaidtoHake; then, turning to JarlRongvold,with a laugh, “Methinks Iwould fainhavethisErlingtheBoldandhisfriendGlummtheGruffamongmymen-at-arms.”“Ifear,sire,thattheywillnotbeeasilyinducedtoenterthyservice,fortheyarebothSea-kings,andindependentspirits.”“Suchmenhavesubmitted tousbeforenow,”said theKing,withapeculiarglance.“Mosttrue,”returnedthejarl,flushing;“butallmenhavenotthesamebeliefinyourwisdom.”“Thatmaybe,yetmethinksIcouldtamethisSea-kingthisErling.Perchancecostly gifts might win him, or it may be that rough blows would suit himbetter.Whatthinkestthou,Hake?thouhasthadsomeexperienceinthatway.”“Ifyoumean,sire,thatyouhaveamindtoreceiveroughblowsathishand,Iwillguaranteehimbothableandwillingtogratifyyou.IknownottheweightofThor’shammer,but Iambound tosay that itoccurred tomymindwhenErling’saxecamedownonmysteelheadpiece,andsetahostofstarsdancinginmybrain.”“I believe thee,” said the King, smiling grimly, “and thy visage speaks foritself.”Thiswas indeed thecase.Theberserk’scountenancewasverypale.Hestillsufferedfromthecrashingblowwithwhichhehadbeenfelled,andhisheartrankledunderhisdefeat,forhewasnotawarethattheblow,heavythoughitwas,hadbeendeliveredinmercy,orthatifhisenemyhadnotturnedasidetheedgeofhisaxeitwouldhaveclefthimtothechin.Perchance,ifhehadknownthisitwouldnothaveimprovedthestateofhisfeelings;forHakepossessednonobilityofspirit.“Itmay be,” continuedHarald, “that thou shalt have another opportunity ofmeasuringswordswiththisSea-king.Meanwhile,JarlRongvold,gothouwithRolf, andbring round theDragonand theother longships to the fiord, for Imistrustthemenofthisdistrict,andwillfaretotheSpringsbysea.”In accordancewith these instructions the jarl brought theKing’s fleet roundwithoutdelay.On thefollowingmorning theyembarked,andsetsail for theappointedplaceofmeeting.Here the fleet underHaldor andUlf had already cast anchor. The ships lay

closetotherocks,nearthemouthoftheriverintowhichErlinghadthrusthiscutter justbeforethebattlewiththeDanes;andafinesight itwastobeholdthese,withtheirpaintedshieldsandgildedmastsandfigure-heads,lyinginthestillwater,crowdedwitharmedwarriors,whileHarald’slongship,theDragon,and all his other vessels, came by twos and threes into the fiord, the oarstossing foam on the blue waters, and the gaily coloured sails swelling outbeforeagentlebreeze.TheKinglaidhisshipalongsideofapointofrocksonthesouthsideof thebay. Then, when all the fleet had assembled, both parties landed, and theThingwassummonedbysoundofhorn.Itwasheldonthelevelgroundwherethe recent battle had been fought. There were still strewn about manyevidencesoftheferocityofthatfight;andwhentheKinglookeduponthehostof stoutandwell-armedmenwhohadassembled,notonly fromHorlingdal,butfromthewholeofthesurroundingdistrict,hefeltthat,howevermuchhemightwish to forceobedienceonhis subjects, “discretion”was at that time“thebetterpartofvalour.”When the Thingwas assembled theKing stood up to speak, and therewasprobablynotamanuponthegroundwhodidnotinhisheartacknowledgethatthe tall, stout warrior, with the thick mass of golden locks, and the largemasculine features, was, as far as physique went, a worthy wearer of thecrownofNorway.Itmaybeaddedthatphysiquewentaverylongwayindeedin those days; yet it is due to the Northmen to say that, at the same time,intellectwasheldinhigherreputeamongthemthanamonganyofthefeudallygovernednationsofEurope.Oneevidenceofthiswas,thatattheThingsthebest speaker, no matter what his rank, had a better chance of swaying thepeoplethantheKinghimself;while,inothercountries,mighttoalargeextentwasright,andnoonedaredtoopenhismouthagainsthimwhochancedtobeinpower.ButKingHaraldHaarfager’spowerlaynotmerelyinhispersonalappearanceandindomitablewill.Hewasalsoagoodspeaker,and,likeallgoodspeakersinawrongcause,wasanablesophist.Buthehadmentodealwithwhowereaccustomedtothinkandreasonclosely,asmusteverbemoreorlessthecasewith a self-governedpeople.Therewere acutemen there,menwhohad thelawsoftheland“byheart”,inthemostliteralsenseofthosewords,fortherewere no books to consult and no precedents to cite in those days; and hishearersweighedwithjealouscareeachwordhesaid.TheKingbeganbycomplimentingthemenofthedistrictfortheirspirit,andtheir resolution to defend the laws of the realm; and he enlarged a little onthese lawsandon thewisdomofhisownfather,Halfdan theBlack,and themenofhistime,whohadmadeandmodifiedmanyofthem.Thenhewenton

tosaythatwithtimethecircumstancesofnationsaltered,andthat,withthesealterations, there arose a necessity for the alteration andmodificationof oldlawsaswell as for themakingofnewones.Hedeprecated the idea that hewished,ashadbeensaidofhim,totramplethelawsunderhisfeet,andrulethecountryaccordingtohisownwillandpleasure.Nothingwasfurtherfromhisintentionorhisdesire.Hiswishwastoamendthelaws,especiallythoseofthemthattouchedontherelativepositionofKingandpeople.Uptothispointthepeopleheardhimwithrespectfulattention,andhundredsof those who were more addicted to fighting than to reasoning, especiallyamong the younger men, began to think that after all, Harald entertainedexceedinglyjustopinions,andappearedtopossessaspiritofcandourandfairplaywhichdidnotseemtojustifytheoutcrythathadbeenraisedagainsthim.Eventhese,however,rememberedthatitwasnotverylongsinceasmallkingofoneof thenorthernglenshadbeensummonedbyHarold tosubmit tohisviewsofgovernment,and,onhisdecliningtodoso,hadbeenburnt,withallhis family and followers, in his ownhouse, contrary to law!They thereforeknittedtheirbrowsandwaitedtohearmore.TheKing then began to explain his ideaswith regard to the royal authorityover thechiefmenof thedistricts, someofwhicharealreadyknown to thereader.Atthispointtheassemblylistenedwithdeep,earnestattention.Someof themen sat with hands clasped on their knees, andwith stern downcastbrows.Somegazedupatthecloudswiththepeculiarexpressionofmenwholisten and weigh arguments. Others leaned on their swords or shields, and,with compressed lips and suspicious gaze, looked theKing full in the face,whileafewregardedhimwithasneer;buttheexpressiononthefacesofthegreaterpartdenotedmanlinessoffeelingandhonestyofpurpose.AfterHaraldhadstatedhisviews,andassuredthemthathisgreataimwastoconsolidatethekingdomandtopreventtheevilsthatflowedfromthealmostunlimitedindependenceofthepettykings,heaskedtheassemblytoaidhimincarryingouthiswishes,andtosetanexampleoffidelityandobedience,whichwould restrain others from showing that unseemly opposition to himwhichhadonlyresultedinsevereandmeritedpunishment.Hethensatdownamidamurmurofmingledapplauseanddisapprobation.Aftera fewminutesofanimatedconverseamong themselves, therearoseanoldmanwith a bald head, a flowing beard, and sightless eyes.Hewas the“lagman” or district judge, and law-expounder of Horlingdal. Deep silenceensued,andhesaid,inadecidedthoughsomewhattremuloustone“KingHarald, I am a very oldman now, and can remember the timewhen

yournoblesire,HalfdantheBlack,ruledinNorway.Ihavefoughtbyhisside,andlostmyeyesinhisserviceinafight inwhichouropponentsgaveusthetooth-ache. (Norseexpressionsignifying ‘theworstof it.’) Ihavealsoheardhimspeakthosewordsofwisdomtowhichyouhavereferred,andhaveseenhim bow to the laws which were made not by himself, but by him inconjunctionwiththeThinglegallyassembledforthepurpose.”Therewasaloudmurmurofapplauseatthispoint.“Andnow thatwehaveheard theKing’s opinions,” continued theoldman,turning to the people, “and know that his intentions are good, although themanner in which he has set about carrying them into effect is undoubtedlywrong,mycounselisthatweneverthelesssubmittohiminthismatter,forweknow that a great number of the small kings have already submitted, and itwere better to have a beneficial changeeven when not carried out exactlyaccording to lawthan to plunge this country into prolonged and uselesswarfare,inwhichmuchbloodwillassuredlybespilt,andnothingofanyvaluegained.”Thelagmansatdown,butonlyafewofthosepresentindicatedtheirapprovalofhissentiments.ImmediatelyHaldortheFiercestoodup,andmencouldseethathisspiritwasstirredwithin him, for a dark frown lowered on a browwhichwas atmosttimes fair andunruffled like the summer sky.Therewasdeep silence in theassemblybeforehebegantospeak,andtheKing,despitethesuppressedangerwhichrankledinhisbreast,couldnotchoosebutlookuponhiscommandingfigure with respect, also with surprise, for he recognised the strongresemblancebetweenhimandErling,thoughheknewnottheirrelationship.“I agree not,” said Haldor, “with what has just been said by our respectedlagman.Achange,evenforthebetter,oughtnevertobeacceptedifnotmadeaccording to law, No one can say that any changewill certainly be for thebetteruntil it istried;andshouldthisone,perchance,turnoutfortheworse,thenshallwehaveneitheradvantagenorlawonourside.FormypartIhadratherseemycountryplunged intowarfarewhichnoone,unlesshe isgiftedwith the foreknowledge of the gods, can say will be either prolonged oruselessthanseeher laws trampledunder foot; forwelldoIknowthat, if theKing be permitted to make himself an outlaw, blood will be kept boilingperpetuallyfromoneendofthelandtotheother,anditwerebetter,methinks,thatthatbloodshouldspillthanboil.Mycounselis,thattheKingbeadvisedtocallaThingintheregularway,sothatthechangeshewouldmakeshallbefully considered, and either be made law or rejected; for, if he attempts toenforcehisplansonusashehasdoneonothersmallkings,wewillassuredly

resisthimaslongasthereisamanleftinthedistricttowieldabattle-axe.”Therewasagreatshoutandclashofarmswhenthiswassaid,andtheKing’sface became crimson with rage, for he saw clearly that the feeling of themajoritywasagainsthim.At thispoint JarlRongvoldstoodupandspoke in thebland tonesofamanwhowishestothrowoilontroubledwaters.Hesaidthatitwashisearnestentreatytothebondersandhouse-holdingmen,both great and small, then and there assembled, that they should calmlyconsider the proposals of the King, and not allow themselves to be carriedawaybyunsoundreasoning,althoughitmightseemveryplausible,forhewascertain that the King’s desire was the good of the country; and althoughcircumstanceshadrendereditnecessarythatsomeoftherebelliousshouldbepunished,noonecouldsaythattheKingwasnotwillingandreadytodoallthathedidinafair,open,andstraightforwardmanner.At this Erling was unable to restrain himself. He sprang up, and, with apassionateflowofwordsthatburstforthlikeamountaintorrent,exclaimed“Thinkest thou, JarlRongvold, that our brains are so addled thatwe cannotdistinguishbetweenblackandwhite?Isthymemorysoshort,isthyslaverytotheKingsocomplete,thatthoumustsayevilisgoodandgoodevil?HastthouandhastheKingsosoonforgottenthattwostrangerscametothecourtwithamessage from one of the legal assemblies of this land,that, trusting to thehonouroftheKing,theycamewithoutfollowing,andwithonlysucharmsaswereneedful forpersonaldefence,and that thehonour towhich they trustedwasnotproofagainstthetemptationtosendanotedberserkandnineteenmentowaylayandslay them?Isall thiscleangone fromyourmemory, JarlandKing?orisyourwitsosmallthatyeshouldthinkwewillbelieveinsoftwordsaboutfairplaywhensuchfouldeedsaresorecentthatthegravesareyetwetwith thebloodof thosewhomGlummand Iwerecompelled toslay inself-defence?”AtthistheKingstartedup,andhisfacebecamewhiteandredbyturns,ashesaid“Yeshall,bothofyou,ruethisday,ErlingandGlumm!”Erlingmadenoreply,butGlummstartedupandwasinsogreatapassionthathecouldhardlyspeak;neverthelesshemadeshifttosplutterout“Threats,KingHarald,arelikewaterspiltonashieldwhichcanonlyrustifleftthere;Iwipethemoffandflingthemaway!”

Hecouldaddnomore,butwithacontemptuousmotionofthehandhestruckhisfistviolentlyagainsthisshirtofmail,andthebonderslaughedwhiletheyapplaudedhim.Then stood up aman in the troop of the Springdalmen,whowas of greatstature and grim countenance, clad in a leather cloak, with an axe on hisshoulderandagreatsteelhatuponhishead.Helookedsternly,andsaid“When rightsarenot respected then thecrows flap theirwingsandcaw, fortheyknowthaterelongtheyshallglutthemselveswithhumanblood.”Hesatdown,andimmediatelyafterUlfofRomsdalstoodup.Ulfhadfullyasmuch fire as Erling or Glumm, but he possessed greater power of self-restraint, and, as he spoke with deliberation, his words had all the moreweight.Hesaid“KingHarald,whenintheexerciseofourudalrightswebonderselectedtheeto be our King at the Thing held in Drontheim, we stated and traced thydescentfromOdinthroughtheVinglingdynasty,provedthyudalrighttothecrown,andtrulythoughtthatwehadplaceditontheheadofonewhowouldwalk in the footsteps of his father, and respect that authority and power invirtueofwhichheheldhisownhighposition.Butwenowfindthatthouhastconstitutedthyselfalawhigherthanthelawwhichmadetheewhatthouart,and thounowwouldsthaveus,ofourownfreewill,bendournecksso lowthatthoumayestwiththemoreeasesetthyfootonthemandkeepusdown.Wehaveservedtheeinallgoodfaithuptothepresenttime;wehavereadilymet thy demands formen, ships, arms, andmoney, by calling together ourassembliesandvotingthesesupplies;andnowthouwouldstrobusofthisourold right, and taxuswithoutour consent, so that thoumayest raisemen forthyself,andhaveitallthineownway.Thismustnot,shallnot,be.Evennow,we bonders will unanimously hold by the law if it be passed in the properassemblyandreceivesouryea,andwewillfollowtheeandservetheeasourKingas longas there is a livingmanamongstus.But thou,King,mustusemoderation towardsus, andonly require of us such things as it is lawful orpossibleforustoobeytheein.If,however,thouwilttakeupthismatterwithahighhand,andwilt try thypowerandstrengthagainstus,wehave resolvedamongourselves topartwith thee,andto taketoourselvessomeotherchiefwhowillrespectthoselawsbywhichalonesocietycanbeheldtogether.Now,KingHarald, thoumust choose one or other of these conditions before theThingisended.”The loud applause which followed this speech showed that the bondersheartilysympathisedwithit,andindeedseveralof themroseandsaidthat it

expressed theirwill exactly, and theywould stand or fall bywhat had beenspoken.When silence had been restored, Jarl Rongvold, who had whispered in theKing’searsomeearnestwords,stoodforthandsaid:“ItisKingHarald’swilltogivewaytoyouinthismatterforhedoesnotwishtoseparatehimselffromyourfriendship.”ThisbroughttheThingtoaclose.Thereafterthetwopartiesreturnedtotheirships,intendingtofeastandpassthenightinthem.TheKingwasveryaffable,andinvitedHaldorandsomeoftheotherswhoselanguage had been comparatively moderate to feast with him, but theydeclinedthehonour,andretiredtotheirownships.In the evening, while the sounds of revelry were heard everywhere, a boatapproachedErling’sship.Itwasrowedbyasingleman,who,whenittouchedher side, leaped on board and went aft to where Erling was seated withGuttormStoutheart.“KingHaraldwouldspeakwith thee,” said theman,whowasnoother thanHaketheberserk.“Methinks his intentions can scarce be friendly,” said Erling, with a grimsmile,“whenhesendssotrustyamessenger.”“Itmaybeso,”repliedHakecoolly,“butthatisnothingtome.Mybusinessistodeliverthemessageandoffertoconducttheetohim.”“Andpray,whatsuretyhaveIthatthouwiltnotupsetmeinthefiord?”askedErling,laughing.“The surety that if I upset thee we shall be on equal terms in the water,”repliedHakegruffly.“Nay, that depends on which of us can swim best,” returned Erling; “and,truly,ifthoucanstfightaswellinthewaterasontheland,weshouldhaveararestruggle,Hake.”“AmItosaytotheKingthatthouartafraidofhim?”askedtheberserk,withalookofscorn.“Yea, truly, if it is thydesire to tellhimalie,”retortedErling.“Butget theeintotheboat,fellow;Iwillfollowanon.”Haketurnedonhisheelandreturnedto theboat,whileErlingtookGuttorm

aside.“Now,art thoufey?”(death-doomed)saidGuttorm.“Whathasmadetheesotiredoflifethatthoushouldestputthyneckunderhisheelthusreadily?”“Fearnot,myfriend,”saidErling;“nowthatIhaveseenKingHaraldasecondtime,IthinkhimabettermanthanatfirstIdid.Ambitionwillnodoubtleadhimtodomanythingsthatarecontrarytohisnature;butIdonotthinkhewillviolate the laws of hospitality after what has passed. However, I may bewrong; so Iwould ask thee,Guttorm, to go aboardof your ship,which liesnearesttothatoftheKing,and,shouldyeseeanythinglikeastruggle,orhearashoutdothouhastetotherescue.Iwillhavemymenalsoinreadiness.”Whilethestout-heartedoldSea-king,incompliancewiththisrequest,gotintoasmallboatandrowedtohisownvessel,Erlinggaveparticulardirectionstohischiefhouse-carletokeepasharplookoutandbereadytoactatamoment’snotice.ThenhewentintoHake’sboat,andwasrowedalongsidetheDragon,where theKing receivedhimwithmuchcondescension,and tookhimaft tothe cabin under the high poop. Here he offered him a horn of ale, which,however, Erling declined, and then began to use his utmost powers ofpersuasiontoinducehimtoenterhisservice.Atfirsthetriedtoinfluencehimby flattery, andcommendedhim forhisboldand straightforwardconductatthe Thing, which, he said, showed to all men that he merited well hisdistinctivetitle;but,onfindingthatourherowasnottobewonbyflattery,hequicklyandadroitlychangedhisground,begantotalkofthefutureprospectsof Norway, and the necessity for improved legislation. In this he was sosuccessfulthathesecuredtheinterest,andtosomeextentthesympathy,oftheyoungwarrior,whoenteredeagerlyandsomewhatmorerespectfullyintothediscussion.“But, sire,” he said, at the close of one of theKing’s remarks, “if these areyoursentiments,whydidyounotstate themmorefully to-dayat theThing,andwhyshouldyounotevennowcallameetingoftheStorThing,andhavethematterproperlydiscussedbyallinthelandwhohavearighttospeak?”“Hadstthouhadanyexperienceofkingcraft,Erling,thouhadstnotaskedthequestion.IfIwerenowtodoasthoudostsuggest,thenumeroussmallkingswhohavealreadybeenputdownbyforcewouldbandagainstme,andbringsuchafollowingofopponentstotheThingthatfairdiscussionwouldbeoutofthequestion.”Erlingthoughtinhisownmind,“Onefalsestepalwaysnecessitatesanother;youshouldhavecalledameetingoftheThingbeforeputtingdownanyone;”however,hedidnotgiveutterancetothethought,butsaid

“Ithinkyouaremistaken,sire;theremaybemanywho,outofrevenge,mightopposeyou,butcertainamIthatthosewhowouldvoteforthatwhichisforthewellbeingof the landwould formavastmajority.Besides, it is theonlycourseleftopentoyou.”At this the King flushed with a feeling of anger, and, drawing himself up,touchedthehiltofhisswordwithoututteringaword.“When I said the only course,” remarked Erling, “I meant the only lawfulcourse.Sorry should Ibe to seeyou,KingHarald,draw the sword inabadcause;but ifyoudo,beassured that thousandsofgoodbladeswillgleaminopposition.”AtthistheKing’seyesflashed,and,turningsuddenlyuponErling,heshookbackthemassesofhisyellowhairwithlion-likeferocity,exclaiming“Dostthoudaretospeakthustomeinmineownship,Erling?”“It is because I am inyour ship that I dare.Were I inmyown, the lawsofhospitalityhadshutmymouth.”“Knowest thou not,” said the King, waxing still more angry at the rebukeconveyedinthisspeech,andlayinghishandonhissword,“thatIhavepowertoshutthymouthnowandforever?”“Itmaybeso,anditmaybenotso,”repliedErling,steppingback,andlayinghishandonthehiltofhisownweapon.AtthistheKinglaughedsarcastically.“Andif,”saidhe,“thouhadstthepowerandskilltoovercomemyfeeblearm,hastthouthefollytothinkthatyecouldcleartheDragonofallhermen?”Erlingreplied:“Theremembrance,KingHarald,ofthewayinwhichItreatedsomeofthymeninthewoodsnotlongago,inclinesmetobelievethatIcouldgivethemsometroubletoslayme,andthethoughtofthattransactioninducedme,beforeIcamehither,tomakesucharrangementsthatatalleventsmyfallshouldnotgounavenged.”For a moment or two the King’s countenance lowered ferociously on theyouth,andhegroundhisteethtogetherasifunabletorestrainhispassion;butsuddenlyheutteredashortlaugh,andsaid“Trulythoushouldsthavebeenstyledprudentaswellasbold.Butgo,Iwilltakecounselwithothers,andperhapsthoushalthearagainofthismatter.”Our hero retired immediately, but he observed in passing that Hake was

summonedtoattend theKing,and thatanothermansteppedinto theboat torowhimtohisownship.“Isallwell?”growledtherichvoiceofoldGuttormashepassedthevesselofthatworthy.Erling told the rower to stop, and, glancing up, beheld the stern yet good-humoured visage of his bluff friend looking over the rows of bright shieldsthathungonthebulwarks.“Alliswell,”repliedErling.“It is well for the King that it is so,” rejoinedGuttorm, “formy handwasitchingtogivehimatasteofournorthernmetal.Assuredly,ifamousehadbutsqueakedonboardtheDragon,Ihaddeemeditsufficientgroundonwhichtohavefoundedanimmediateonslaught.Butgettheetobed,Erling,andletmeadvisetheetosleepwiththywindwardeyeopen.”“Trustme,”saidErling,withalaugh,ashepushedoff;“Iwillnotsleepwithbotheyesshutto-night!”Gettingonboardhisownship,Erlingsaidtohisfoot-boy“I will not sleep in my bed to-night, for I suspect there may be treacheryabroad.Thoushaltkeepwatch,therefore,incaseanythingmayhappeninthenight; and if thou shalt see me strive with anyone, do not alarm the men.Meanwhilegothouandfetchmeabilletofwood,andletitbealargeone.”Theboyquicklybrought fromtheholdoneof the largestbilletsofwoodhecould find,andgave it tohismaster,who laid it inhisownbed,whichwasunder a small tent spread over the aft part of the vessel, close to the poop.Havingcovereditupcarefully,hesenttheboyforward,andwenthimselftoliedownelsewhere.Atmidnightaboatwasrowedstealthilyalongside.Itwasguidedbyoneman,andmovedsosilently that the lightestsleeperonboardcouldnothavebeenawakenedbyit.Themansteppedonboard;lifteduptheclothofthetentoverthebulwarks;lookedcautiouslyallroundhim,andthenwentupandstruckinErling’sbedwithagreataxe,sothatitstuckfastinthebilletofwood.Nextinstantthemanfelthisneckinagriplikethatofanironvice,andhisfacewasthrust upon the ground and held there,while a heavy knee pressed into thesmallofhisback,sothathewasutterlyunabletorise.Erling’s foot-boy saw the whole of this, and heard what followed, for thecurtainofthetentwasraised;buthemovedneitherhandnorfoot,thoughhe

heldaspearreadyforinstantactionifrequired.“Itillbecomesthee,Hake,”saidErling,“toseekmylifeasecondtime,aftermakingsuchpoorworkofitthefirst.What!wiltthounotliequiet?”Whilehewasspeakingtheberserkstruggledwiththefuryofamadmantofreehimself,butErling’sgrip(perhapshisownwisdomalso!)preventedhimfromshouting,andErling’skneepreventedthestrugglesfrommakingmuchnoise.Finding,however,thathewouldnotbequiet,ourherotightenedthepressureofhislefthanduntilthetongueandeyesoftheberserkbegantoprotrude,andhisfacetogetblack,whilewithhisrighthandhedrewhisknife,andranthepointofitaboutaquarterofaninchintothefleshypartofHake’sback.Theeffectwasinstantaneous!Hakecouldfacedangeranddeathbravely,andcouldhurldefianceathisfoewiththebest,whenonhislegs;butwhenhefelt thepointof thecoldsteel,andknewthat thesmallest impulsewouldcause it tofindawarmbedinhisheart,hisfuryvanished.Braveandboldthoughhewas,andaberserktoboot,hesankquietlydown,andlayperfectlystill!Erlingatoncerelaxedthepressureofhisfingers,andallowedHaketobreathe,butheletthepointofthekniferemain,thatitmightrefreshhismemory,whilehereadhimalesson:“Now, Hake, let me tell thee that thou richly deservest to lose thy life, fortwicehastthousoughttotakemineinanunfairway,andoncehaveIsparedthine.However,thouartbutatoolafterall,soIwillspareitagainandIdoitthemore readily that I wish thee to convey amessage to thymaster, KingHarald,who,Idoubtnot,hassenttheeonthisfoulerrand.”Erlingheresignalled tohis foot-boy,whomhedirected tobindHake’sarmssecurelybehindhisback.Thishavingbeendone,Erlingsufferedhimtoriseandstandbeforehim.“See now,” he said, taking a silver ring from his finger, “knowest thou thisring,Hake?Ah,Iseebythylookthatthoudost.Well,Iwillreturnittotheeandclaimmineown.”Heturnedtheberserkround,tookoffthegoldringwhichhehadplacedonhisfingeronthedayofthefightandputthesilveroneinitsplace.“Bythesetokens,”saidhe,“thoumayestknowwhoitwasthatcaredfortheeinthewoodafterthefight,andrestoredthyconsciousness,insteadofcuttingoffthyhead,ashemighteasilyhavedone.IknownotwhyIdidit,Hake,savethat the fancy seizedme, for thou art anundeservingdog.Butnowwewilltaketheebacktothymaster,andasourmessagecanbeconveyedwithouttheuseofspeech,wewillbindupthymouth.”

So saying, Erling gagged the berserk (who looked dreadfully sulky) with astripofsailcloth.Thenhemadehimsitdown,andtiedhislegstogetherwithapieceofrope,afterwhichheliftedhiminhisarmstothesideoftheshipandlaidhimdown.“Go fetchmea stout carle,”he said to the foot-boy,whowent forward andimmediatelyreturnedwithastrappingman-at-arms.Themanlookedsurprised,butaskednoquestions,asErlingdirectedhiminalow tone to assist in lifting theprisoner into theboat as quietly as possible.Thentheyplacedthelumpofwoodwiththeaxestickinginitbesidehim.Thisaccomplished,theyrowedsilentlytothesideoftheDragon,whereasentineldemandedwhattheywanted.“Webringaprisoner toKingHarald,”answeredErling. “Wehavehimheretiedhandandfoot.”“Whoishe?”askedthesentinel;fortherewasnotsomuchlightasisusualatmidnightofthattimeoftheyear,owingtoamistonthesea.“Thoushaltseewhenheisaboard.”“Hoisthimup,then,”saidtheman,ErlingandhiscarleraisedHakeoverthebulwarks,andlethimdropheavilyonthedeck.ThenErlingseizedthelumpofwood and hurled it on boardwith considerable force, so that, hitting thesentinel on the head, it bounded onwards to the after part of the ship, andstruckagainstthetentunderwhichHaraldlay.TheKingsprangout,swordinhand,butErlinghadpushedoff, andwas alreadyenveloped in themist.AstheyrowedawaytheyheardagreatclamouronboardtheDragon,butitwasquicklyhushedbyasternvoice,whichErlingknewtobethatoftheKing.No pursuit was attempted. Erling got back to his own ship, and, setting awatch,laydowntorest.Inthemorningnonoticewastakenofwhathadoccurredduringthenight.TheKingevidentlypretendedthatheknewnothingaboutthematter.Heagainmetwith thechiefmenof thedistrict, andmade themmanypromisesandmanycomplimentaryspeeches,butinhisheartheresolvedthatthedayshouldcomewheneveryoneofthemshouldeitherbowbeforehiswillorlosehislife.Thebonders,ontheotherhand,listenedwithduerespecttoalltheKingsaid,butitneed scarcely be added that their lips did not express all their thoughts; forwhile the sanguine andmore trustful among them felt some degree of hopeand confidence, therewere otherswho could not think of the future exceptwiththemostgloomyforebodings.

Inthismoodthetwopartiesseparated.TheKingsailedwithhiswarshipsoutamongtheskerries,intendingtoproceednorthtoDrontheim,whileHaldortheFierce,withhisfriendsandmen,wentbacktoHorlingdal.

ChapterSixteenRelatestosuchElementaryMattersastheABC,andtouchesonLove-

makingintheOldenTime

After theoccurrenceof theevents justnarrated,KingHarald’sattentionwasdiverted from thepeopleofHorlingdaland theneighbouringdistrictsby thedoings of certain small kings, against whom it became necessary that heshouldlaunchhiswholeforce.ThesewereKingHunthiof,whoruledoverthedistrictofMöre,andhis sonSolveKlofe;alsoKingNokve,who ruledoverRomsdal, and was the brother of Solve’s mother. These men were greatwarriors.Hearing thatKingHaraldwas sailing north, they resolved to givehimbattle.Forthispurposetheyraisedalargeforce,andwentoutamongtheskerriestointercepthim.Wedonot intendhere togo into thedetailsof thefight that followed,or itsconsequences.Itissufficientfortheproperdevelopmentofourtaletosaythattheymet at an island inNorthMörenamedSolskiel,where a pitchedbattlewasfought,andgainedbyHarald.Thetwokingswereslain,butSolveKlofeescaped, andafterwardsprovedagreat thorn inHarald’s side,plundering inNorthMöre,killingmanyof theKing’smen,pillagingsomeplaces,burningothers, and generally making great ravage wherever he went; so that, whatwithkeepinghimandsimilar turbulentcharacters incheck,andestablishinglawandorderinthedistrictsofthetwokingswhomhehadslain,KingHaraldhadhis hands fully occupiedduring the remainder of that summer, andwasgladtogonorthtospendthewinterpeacefullyinDrontheim.The families and neighbours, therefore, of those with whom our tale haschiefly to do had rest during that winter. How some of them availedthemselves of this period of repose may be gathered from a few incidentswhichweshallnowrelate.In the first place, Erling the Bold spent a large proportion of his time inlearning thealphabet!Nowthismaysoundverystrange in theearsofmanypeopleinmoderntimes,buttheirsurprisewillbesomewhatabatedwhenwetell them that the art of writing was utterly unknown (though probably notunheardof)inNorwayattheendoftheninthcentury,andlongafterthat;sothatErling, althoughagentlemanof theperiod,andaSea-king toboot,had

notuptothetimewewriteof,learnedhisABC!It is just possible that antiquaries, recalling tomind the fact that the art ofwriting was not introduced among the Norse colonists of Iceland until theeleventhcentury,maybesomewhatsurprised to learn thatourheroacquiredtheartatall!Butthefactis,thattherealwayshavebeen,inallcountries,menwhowerewhatispopularlytermed“bornbeforetheirtime”menwhowereinadvance, intellectually, of their agemen who, overleaping the barriers ofprejudice,managedtoseedeeperintothingsingeneralthantheirfellows,andtobecomemoreorlessfamous.Nowourhero,Erling theBold,wasoneof thosewhocould seebeyondhistime,andwhobecamealmostpropheticallywise;thatistosay,hewasfondoftracing causes onwards to their probable effects, to the amusement of thehumorous,theamazementofthestupid,andthehorrificationofthefewwho,even in thosedaysof turmoil, trembledat the ideaof“change”!Everything,therefore, that came under his observation claimed and obtained his earnestattention, andwas treatedwitha speciesof inductivephilosophy thatwouldhavecharmedtheheartofLordBacon,hadhelivedinthosetimes.Ofcoursethisnewwonderofcommittingthoughtstoparchment,whichthehermithadrevealed to him, was deeply interesting to Erling, who began to study itforthwith.Andwebegleavetotellantiquariesthatwehavenothingtodowiththefactthatnorecordisleftofhisstudiesnoscrapofhiswritingtobefound.Wearenotresponsibleforthestupidityorwantofsympathyinhisgeneration!Doubtless, in all ages there have been many such instances of gloriousopportunitiesneglectedby theworldneglected, too,with suchcontempt, thatnot even a record of their having occurred has beenmade. Perchance somesuchopportunities arebeforeourselves justnow, in regard toourneglectofwhichthenextgenerationmaypossiblyhavetoholdupitshandsandturnupitseyesinamazement!Butbethisasitmay,thefactremainsthatalthoughnorecordishandeddownofanyknowledgeoflettersat thisperiodinNorway,ErlingtheBolddidneverthelessbecomeacquaintedwiththemtosomeextent.Erlingbeganhisalphabetafterhehadpassedthematureageoftwentyyears,andhisteacherwasthefairHilda.Itwillberememberedthatinoneoftheirmeetings the hermit had informed Erling of his having already taught themeaningofthestrangecharacterswhichcoveredhisparchmentstotheNorsemaiden,andthatshehadprovedherselfanaptscholar.Erlingsaidnothingatthetime,exceptthathehadastrongdesiretobecomebetteracquaintedwiththewritinginquestion,buthesettleditthenandthereinhisheartthatHilda,andnotthehermit,shouldbehisteacher.Accordingly,whenthefishingsandfightingsofthesummerwereover,theyoungwarriorlaidbyhissword,lines,andtrident,and,seatinghimselfatHilda’sfeet,wentdiligentlytowork.

Theschoolroomwasthehermit’shutonthecliffwhichoverlookedthefiord.Itwasselectedofnecessity,becausetheoldmanguardedhisparchmentswithtender solicitude, and would by no means allow them to go out of hisdwelling,exceptwhencarriedforthbyhisownhand.Onthefirstoccasionofthemeeting of the young couple for study,Christian sat downbeside them,andwasabouttoexpoundmatters,whenErlinginterposedwithalaugh.“No,no,Christian,thoumustpermitHildatoteachme,becausesheisanoldfriend ofmine,who all her life has ever beenmorewilling to learn than toteach.ThereforeamIcurioustoknowhowshewillchangehercharacter.”“Be it so,my son,” said the hermit, with a smile, folding his hands on hisknee,andpreparingtolisten,andifneedbetocorrect.“Beassured,Erling,”saidHilda,“thatIknowverylittle.”“Enoughforme,nodoubt,”returnedtheyouth.“Foradayortwo,perhaps,”saidthetoo-literalHilda;“butafterthatChristianwillhave”“After that,” interrupted Erling, “it will be time enough to consider thatsubject.”Hilda laughed,andasked ifhewerereadytobegin.TowhichErlingrepliedthathewas,and,sittingdownoppositetohisteacher,bentovertheparchment,whichforgreaterconvenienceshehadspreadoutuponherknee.“Well,”beganHilda,withaslightfeelingof thatpardonableself-importancewhichisnaturaltothosewhoinstructothersolderthanthemselves,“thatisthefirstletter.”“Which?”askedErling,gazingupinherface.“Thatonethere,withthelongtailtoit.Dostthouseeit?”“Yes,”repliedtheyouth.“Howcanstthousayso,Erling,”remonstratedHilda,“whenthouartlookingallthetimestraightinmyface!”“ButIdoseeit,”returnedhe,alittleconfused;“Iamlookingatitnow.”“Well,”saidshe,“thatis”“Thouartlookingatitupsidedown,myson,”saidthehermit,whohadbeenobservingthemwithanamusedexpressionofcountenance.

“Oh,sohe is; Inever thoughtof that,”criedHilda, laughing;“thoumustsitbesideme,Erling,sothatwemayseeitinthesameway.”“Thisone,now,withthecurvethatway,”shewenton,“dostthouseeit?”“Seeit!”thoughtErling,“ofcourseIseeit: theprettiestlittlehandinallthedale!”Butheonlysaid“HowcanIseeit,Hilda,whenthepointofthyfingercoversit?”“Oh!well,”drawingthefingerdownalittle,“thouseestitnow?”“Yes.”“Well,thatiswhy!whereisChristian?”sheexclaimed,lookingupsuddenlyingreatsurprise,andpointingtothestoolonwhichthehermitcertainlyhadbeensittingafewminutesbefore,butwhichwasnowvacant.“Hemust have gone out while wewere busy with thethe parchment,” saidErling,alsomuchsurprised.“Hewentlikeamouse,then,”saidHilda,“forIheardhimnot.”“NorI,”addedhercompanion.“Verystrange,”saidshe.Nowtherewasnothingparticularlystrangeinthematter.Thefactwasthattheold man had just exercised a little of Erling’s philosophy in the way ofprojectingacausetoitsresult.Aswehaveelsewherehinted,thehermitwasnotoneofthoseasceticswho,inignoranceofthetruth,banishedthemselvesout of the world. His banishment had not been self-imposed. He had fledbefore the fierce persecutors. They managed to slay the old man’s wife,however,beforetheymadehimtaketoflightandseekthatrefugeandfreedomofconscienceamongthePaganNorthmenwhichweredeniedhiminChristianEurope.InthefirsttenminutesaftertheABCclassbeganheperceivedhowthingsstoodwiththeyoungpeople,and,wiselyjudgingthatthecauseswhichwereoperatingintheirheartswouldproceedtotheirissuemorepleasantlyinhisabsence,hequietlygotupandwentouttocutfirewood.AfterthisthehermitinvariablyfounditnecessarytogooutandcutfirewoodwhenErling andHilda arrived at the school,which they did regularly threetimesaweek.This,ofcourse,wasconsideredaverynaturalandproperstateofthingsbythetwoyoungpeople,fortheywerebothconsideratebynature,andwouldhave

beensorryindeedtohaveinterruptedtheoldmaninhisregularwork.ButErlingsoonbegantofeelthatitwasabsolutelyessentialforoneofthemtobeinadvanceoftheotherinregardtoknowledge,iftheworkofteachingwastogoon;for,whilebothremainedequallyignorant,thefictioncouldnotbekeptupwitheventhesemblanceofpropriety.Toobviatethisdifficultyhepaidsolitarynocturnalvisitstothehut,onwhichoccasionsheappliedhimselfsozealouslytothestudyofthestrangecharactersthathenotonlybecameasexpert as his teacher, but left her far behind, and triumphantly rebutted thechargeofstupiditywhichshehadmadeagainsthim.Atthesametimeourheroenteredanewandcaptivatingregionofmentalandspiritual activity when the hermit laid before him the portions of HolyScripture which he had copied out before leaving southern lands, andexpoundedtohimthegrand,theglorioustruthsthatGodhadrevealedtomanthrough Jesus Christ our Lord. And profoundly deep, and startling even tohimself,weretheworkingsoftheyoungNorseman’sactivemindwhilehesatthere,nightafternight,inthelonehutonthecliff,poringoverthesacredrolls,orholdingearnestconversewith theoldmanabout thingspast,present,andfuture.

ChapterSeventeenInwhichGlummtakestohuntingontheMountainsforConsolation,and

findsitunexpectedly,whileAlricproveshimselfaHero

“I go to the fells to-day,” said Glumm to Alric one morning, as the latteropenedthedoorofGlummstedeandenteredthehall.“Igoalso,”saidAlric,leaningastoutspearwhichhecarriedagainstthewall,and sittingdownon a stoolbeside the fire towatchGlummashe equippedhimselfforthechase.“Artready,then?forthedayislate,”saidGlumm.“All busked,” replied the boy.“I say, Glumm, is that a new spear thou hastgot?”“Aye;ItookitfromaSwedishvikingthelastfightIhadoffthecoast.Wehada tough job of it, and left one or two stoutmen behind to glut the birds ofOdin, but we brought away much booty. This was part of it,” he added,buckling on a long hunting-knife, which was stuck in a richly ornamentedsheath, “and that silver tankard too, besides the redmantle thatmymotherwears,andafewotherthingsbutmycomradesgotthemostofit.”

“IwishIhadbeenthere,Glumm,”saidAlric.“IfHildawerehere,lad,shewouldsayitiswrongtowishtofight.”“Hildahasstrangethoughts,”observedtheboy.“SohasErling,”remarkedhiscompanion.“AndsohasAda,”saidAlric,withaslyglance.Glummlookedupquickly.“WhatknowestthouaboutAda?”saidhe.TheslylookvanishedbeforeGlummhadtimetoobserveit,andanexpressionofextremeinnocencetookitsplaceastheladreplied“Iknowasmuchabouther as isusualwithonewhohasknownagirl, andbeenoftenwithher,sincethedayhewasborn.”“True,”mutteredGlumm,stoopingtofastenthethongsthatlacedtheuntannedshoesonhisfeet.“Adahasstrangethoughtsalso,asthousayest.Comenow,takethyspear,andletusbegone.”“Whereshallwegoto-day?”askedAlric.“Tothewolf’sglen.”“Tothewolf’sglen?thatisfar.”“Isittoofarforthee,lad?”“Nay, twice thedistancewerenot toofar forme,”returned theboyproudly;“butthedayadvances,andthereisdangerwithouthonourinwalkingonthefellsafterdark.”“Themoreneedforhaste,”saidGlumm,openingthedoorandgoingout.Alricfollowed,andforsometimethesetwowalkedinsilence,asthepathwasverysteep,andsonarrowforaconsiderabledistance,thattheycouldnotwalkabreast.Snowlayprettythicklyonthemountains,particularlyinshelteredplaces,butinexposedpartsithadbeenblownoff,andthehunterscouldadvanceeasily.InabouttenminutesaftersettingouttheylostsightofGlummstede.Astheyadvancedhigheranddeeperintothemountains,thefiordandthesea,withitsinnumerable skerries, was lost to view, but it was not until they had toiledupwards and onwards for nearly two hours that they reached those darkrecessesofthefellstowhichthebearsandwolveswerewonttoretreatafter

committingdepredationsonthefarmsinthevalleysfarbelow.There was something in the rugged grandeur of the scenery here, in thewhitenessof thesnow, theblacknessof therockswhichpeepedoutfromitsvoluminous wreaths, the lightness of the atmosphere, and, above all, theimpressivesilence,whichpossessedan indescribablecharmfor theromanticmind of Alric, and which induced even the stern matter-of-fact Glumm totreadwithslowersteps,andtolookaroundhimwithafeelingalmostakintoawe.Nolivingthingwastobeseen,eitheramongthestupendouscragswhichstilltoweredabove,orinthedepthswhichtheyhadleftbelow;buttherewereseveral footprints of wolves, all of which Glumm declared, after carefulexamination,tobeold.“Seehere,lad,”hesaid,turninguponeofthesefootprintswiththebuttofhisspear;“observethehardishballofsnowjustunder theprint; thatshowsthatthetrackissomewhatold.Ifithadbeenquitefreshtherewouldhavebeennosuchball.”“Thoumust thinkmymemoryof the shortest,Glumm, for I havebeen toldthateverytimeIhavebeenoutwiththee.”“True,butthouartsostupid,”saidGlumm,layinghisspearlightlyacrosstheboy’s shoulders, “that I have thought fit to impress it on thee by repetition,havinganinterestinthineeducation,althoughthoudostnotdeserveit.”“Ideserveit,mayhap,morethanyethink.”“Howso,boy?”“Why,becauseIhaveforalongtimepasttakenanuncommoninterestinthywelfare.”Glumm laughed, and said he did not know that there was any occasion toconcernhimselfabouthiswelfare.“Oh yes, there is!” cried Alric, “for, when a man goes moping about thecountryasifhewerefey,orasifhehaddreamedofseeinghisownguardianspirit,hisfriendscannothelpbeingconcernedabouthim.”“Why, what is running in the lad’s head?” said Glumm, looking with aperplexedexpressionathisyoungcompanion.“Nothing runs inmy head, save ordinary thoughts. If there be any unusualrunningatall,itmustbeinthineown.”“Speak,thoulittlefox,”saidGlumm,suddenlygraspingAlricbythenapeof

theneckandgivinghimashake.“Naythen,if thatisthyplan,”saidtheboy,“giveitafairtrial.Shakeaway,andseewhatcomesofit.Thoumayestshakeoutblood,bones,flesh,andlifetoo, and carry homemy skin as a trophy, but be assured that thou shalt notshakeawordoffmytongue!”“Boldly spoken,” saidGlumm, laughing,ashe released the lad; “but I thinkthytonewouldchangeifIweretotaketheeatthyword.”“That itwouldnot.Thouartnot thefirstmanwhomIhavedefied,aye,anddrawnbloodfrom,asthatred-hairedDane”Alricstoppedsuddenly.Hehadreachedthatagewhenthe tendencytoboastbegins, at least inmanly boys, to be checked by increasing good sense andgoodtaste.YetitisnodisparagementofAlric’scharactertosaythathefoundit uncommonly difficult to refrain, when occasion served, from makingreference to his first warlike exploit, even although frequent rebukes andincreasingwisdomtoldhimthatboastingwasonlyfitforthelipsofcowards.“Whydoye stop?” askedGlumm,whoquite understood the boy’s feelings,andadmiredhisexerciseofself-control.“BebecauseIhavesaidenough.”“Good is it,” observed theother, “whenmanor boyknows that hehas saidenough,andhas thepower tostopwhenheknows it.Butcome,Alric, thouhastnotsaidenoughtomeyetonthematterthatthat”“Whatmatter?”askedAlric,withaslylook.“Why,thematterofmywelfare,tobesure.”“Ah,true.Well,methinks,Glumm,thatIcouldgivetheealittlemedicineforthymind,butIwon’t,unlessyepromisetokeepthyspearoffmyback.”“Ipromise,”saidGlumm,whosecuriositywasaroused.“Itisasadthingwhenamanlookssweetandamaidlookssour,butthereisaworsething;thatiswhenthemaidfeelssour.ThoulovestAda”“Hold!”criedGlumm,turningfiercelyonhiscompanion,“andletnotthyperttonguedaretospeakofsuchthings,elsewillIshowtheethatthereareotherthingsbesidesspearstolayacrossthyshoulders.”“NowartthoutrulyGlummtheGruff,”criedAlric,laughing,asheleapedtotheothersideofamassoffallenrock;“butifthyhumourchangesnot,Iwill

showtheethatIamnotnamedLightfootfornothing.Come,don’tfumeandfrettherelikeabearwithaheadache,butletmespeak,andIwarrantmethouwiltbereasonablyglad.”“Goon,then,thouincorrigible.”“Verywell;butnoneofthyhardnames,friendGlumm,elsewillIsetmybigbrotherErlingatthee.Therenow,don’tgivewayagain.Whatastorm-cloudthouart!Will theknowledge thatAda loves theeas truly as thou lovesthercalmtheedown?”“Iseethouhastdiscoveredmysecret,”saidGlumm,lookingathislittlefriendwith a somewhat confused expression, “thoughhow theknowledge came totheeispastmyunderstanding.YetasthouartsocleverawarlockIwouldfainknowwhatyemeanabout‘Ada’sloveforme.’Hadstthousaidherhatred,Icouldhavebelievedtheewithoutexplanation.”“Letusgoon, then,” saidAlric, “for there isnothing tobegainedandonlytimetobelostbythustalkingacrossastone.”Thepathwhichtheyfollowedwasbroadatthatpart,andnotquitesorugged,sothatAlriccouldwalkalongsideofhisstoutfriendasherelatedtohimtheincidentthatwasthemeansofenlighteninghimastoAda’sfeelingstowardsher lover. Itwas plain from the expression on theNorseman’s face that hissoulwasrejoicedat thediscovery,andhestrodeforwardatsuchapacethattheboywasfaintocallahalt.“Thinkest thou that my legs are as long as thine?” he said, stopping andpanting.Glummlaughed;andthelaughwasloudandstrong.Hewouldhavelaughedatanything just then, for the humourwas upon him, and he felt it difficult torepressashoutattheendofit!“Come on, Alric, I will go slower. But art thou sure of all this? Hast notmistakenthewords?”“Mistakenthewords!”criedtheboy;“why,Itelltheetheywereasplaintomyearsandmysensesaswhatthouhastsaidthismoment.”“Good,”saidGlumm;“andnowthequestioncomesup,howmustIbehavetoher?But thoucanstnot aidmeherein, for in suchmatters thouhast hadnoexperience.”“Outupon thee for a stupidmonster!” said theboy; “have Inot justprovedthatmyexperienceisverydeep?Ihavenot,indeed,gotthelengththouhastof

wandering about like a poor ghost or a half-witted fellow, but I have seenenoughofsuchmatterstoknowwhatcommonsensesays.”“And,pray,whatdoescommonsensesay?”“Why, it says,Act towards themaid like a saneman, and, above all, a trueman.Don’tgoaboutthelandgnashingthyteethuntileveryonelaughsatthee.Don’t go staring at her in grim silence as if she were a wraith; and, moreparticularly, don’t pretend to be fond of other girls, for thou didst make apitiful mess of that attempt. In short, be Glumm without being Gruff, anddon’ttrytobeanybodyelse.Bekindandstraightforwardtoher,worshipher,or,asKettleFlatnosesaidtheotherday,‘kissthegroundshewalkson,’ifthouartsoinclined,butdon’tworryherlifeout.Showthatthouartfondofher,andwilling to bide her time. Go on viking cruise, for the proverb says that an‘absentbodymakesa longingspirit,’andbringherbackshiploadsofkirtlesandmantles and armlets, andgold and silver ornamentsthat’swhat commonsensesays,Glumm,andagreatdealmorebesides,butIfearmuchthatitisallwastedonthee.”“Heyday!”exclaimedGlumm,“whatwisdomdo Ihear?Assuredlywemustcall theeAlric hinn Frode hereafter. Onewould think thoumust have beenbornbeforethineowngrandfather.”“Trulythatisnotsodifficulttofancy,”retortedAlric.“EvennowIfeellikeagreat-grandfatherwhileIlistentothee.Therewantsbutasmoothroundfaceand a lisping tongue tomake thine appearance suitable to thywisdom!Butwhatisthisthatwehavehere?”Theboypointedtoatrackofsomeanimalinthesnowafewyardstoonesideofthepath.“Awolftrack,”saidGlumm,turningaside.“Anotablyhugeone,”remarkedtheboy.“Andquitefresh,”saidtheman.“Which isproved,” rejoinedAlric in a slow, solemnvoice, “by the fact thatthereisnoballofsnowbeneaththe”“Holdthypert tongue,”saidGlumminahoarsewhisper,“thebrutemustbeclosetous.Dothoukeepinthelowerendofthisgorgesee,yonder,whereitisnarrow.Iwillgoroundtotheupperend;perchancethewolfisthere.Ifso,westand a good chance of killing him, for the sides of the chasm are like twowallsall thewayup.But,”addedGlumm,hesitatingamoment,andlooking

fixedly at the small but sturdy frame of his companion, whose heightenedcolourandflashingeyesbetokenedarousedspirit,“IdoubtthythatisIhavenofearofthespirit,ifthebodywerealittlebigger.”“Takethineownbigbodyoff,Glumm,”saidAlric,“andleavemetoguardthepass.”Glummgrinnedasheturnedandstrodeaway.Thespotwhichthehuntershadreachedmeritsparticularnotice.Itwasoneofthosewilddeeprentsorfissureswhichareusuallyfoundnearthesummitsofalmost inaccessiblemountains. Itwasnot,however,at the topof thehighestrangeinthatneighbourhood,beingmerelyonthesummitofaridgewhichwasindeedveryhighperhapsfiveorsixthousandfeetbutstillfarbelowtheserriedandshatteredpeakswhichtoweredinalldirectionsroundHorlingdal,shuttingit out fromall communicationwith the restof theworld except through thefiordandthepassleadingovertotheSprings.OntheplacewhereAlricpartedfromhisfriendtherocksofthegorgeordefilerosealmostperpendicularlyonbothsides,andasheadvancedhefound thatthespacebetweenbecamenarrower,until,atthespotwherehewastotakehisstand, there was an opening of scarcely six feet in width. Beyond this thechasm widened a little, until, at its higher end, it was nearly twenty yardsbroad;but,owingtothewideningnatureofthedefile,theoneopeningcouldnotbeseenfromtheother,althoughtheywerelittlemorethanfourhundredyardsapart.Thetrackofthewolfleddirectlythroughthepassintothegorge.Astheladtook his stand he observed with much satisfaction that it was that of anunusually large animal. This feeling was tempered, however, with someanxiety lest it should have escaped at the other opening. It was alsomixedwithatouchofagitation;foralthoughAlrichadseenhisfriendandErlingkillwolvesandbearstoo,hehadneverbeforebeenlefttofacethefoebyhimself,and to sustain the brunt of the charge in his ownproper person.Beyond anoccasionalflutteroftheheart,however,therewasnothingtoindicate,eventohimself,thathewasnotasfirmastherockonwhichhestood.Now,letitnotbesupposedthatwearehereportrayingaheroofromanceinwhomisunitedtheenthusiasmoftheboywiththecalmcourageoftheman.We crave attention, more particularly that of boys, to the followingobservations:Inthehighlysafeandcivilisedtimesinwhichwelive,manythousandsofusneverhaveachance,frompersonalexperience,offormingajustestimateofthe powers of an averageman or boy, andwe are too apt to ascribe that to

heroismwhich is simply due to knowledge.Aman knows that he can do acertainthingthatseemsextremelydangerous,thereforehedoesitboldly,notbecauseheissuperlativelyboldbyanymeans,butbecauseheknowsthereisno riskat least none to him.The proverb that “Familiarity breeds contempt”appliesastrulytodangerastoanythingelse;andwellisitfortheworldthatthemajorityofhumanbeingsarepronetofamiliarisethemselveswithdangerin spite of those well-meaning but weak ones who have been born with atendency to say perpetually, “Take care,” “Don’t run such risk”, etcetera.“Whateverthyhandfindethtodo,doitwiththymight;”andmanhasechoedthesentimentintheproverb,“Whateverisworthdoingisworthdoingwell”.Doyouclimb?thendoitwelldoit insuchcircumstancesthatyourspiritwillgetusedtoseeingprofounddepthsbelowyouwithoutyourheartmeltingintohotwaterandyournervesquaking.Doyou leap?thendo itwelldo it so thatyoumaybeable to turn it tosomegoodaccount in thedayof trial;do itsothatyoumayknowhowtoleapoffarunawaycarriage,forinstance,withoutbeingkilled.Learntojumpoffhighcliffsintodeepwater,sothat,shouldtheopportunityeveroffer,youmaybeabletoplungeoffthehighbulwarksofavesseltosaveasister,ormother,orchild,withaslittlethoughtaboutyourselfasifyouwerejumpingoffasofa.Observe,wedonotadvocaterecklessness.To leap off a cliff so high that youwill be sure to be killed is not leaping“well”;butneither is itwell tocontentyourselfwitha jumpofthreeorfourfeetasyourutmostattainment,becausethatisfarshortofmanyaleapwhichmayhavetobetakeninthisworldtosaveevenyourownlife,nottomentionthe lives of others. But enough of this disquisition, which, the reader willobserve,hasbeenentereduponchieflyinordertoprovethatwedonotascribeheroic courage toAlricwhenwe say that,havingbeen familiarwithdangerfromhisbirth,hepreparedtofaceawolfofunknownsizeandferocitywithconsiderablecoolness,ifnotindifferencetodanger.Glumm meanwhile reached the other end of the ravine, and there, to hisintensedisappointment,foundthetrackofthewolfleadingawaytowardstheopenmountainsbeyond.Justwhereitlefttheravine,however,theanimalhadrun about so much that the track was crossed and recrossed in confusion.Glummthereforehaddifficultyatfirstinfollowingitup,butwhenhedidso,great was his joy to find that it doubled back and re-entered the defile.Pressing quickly forward, he came to a broken part, near the centre,where,among a heap of grey, weather-worn rocks he perceived two sharp-pointedobjects, likeapairoferectears!Tomakecertain,hehurledastone towardstheplace.Theobjectsinstantlydisappeared!Immediatelyafterwards,alonggreybackandabushytailwerevisibleasthewolf glided among the rocks,making for the side of the precipice,with theintention,doubtless,ofrushingpastthisboldintruder.

Glummobservedthemovement,andpromptlywentinthesamedirection.Thewolfnoticed this,andpausedabruptlyremainingstill,as ifuncertainwhat todo.Thehunteratonceputtoflighthisuncertaintybyglidingswiftlytowardshim.Seeingthis,thewolfabandonedtheattemptatconcealmentandboundedinto the centreof the ravine,where,withhisbristles erect, hisback slightlyarched,andallhisglitteringteethandblood-redgumsexposed,hestoodforamomentortwotheverypictureofintensifiedfury.Thehunteradvancedwithhisspearlevelled,steadily,butnothastily,becausetherewassufficientspaceon either hand to render the meeting of the animal in its rush a matter ofextremedifficulty,while at every step he took, the precipices on either sidedrewclosertogether.Thebrutehadevidentlyastrongobjectiontoturnback,andpreferredtoruntheriskofpassingitsfoe,for itsuddenlysprangtooneside and ranup the cliff as far as possible, like a cat,while itmade for theupperendoftheravine.TheNorseman,whosepowerfulframewasbythistimestrungtointensityofaction,leapedtothesamesidewiththeagilityofapanther,andgotinbeforeit. Thewolf did not stop, but with a ferocious growl it swerved aside, andbounded to theother sideof the ravine.Again thehunter leapedacross,andstood in itsway.Hebent forward to resist theanimal’sweightand impetus,but thebaffledwolfwascowedbyhisresolutefront. It turnedtail,andfled,followedbyGlummwithawildhalloo!When the firstgrowlwasheardbyAlric, it strunghimup to the rightpitchinstantly,andthenextonecausedthebloodtorushtohisface,forheheardthehalloowhichGlummutteredashefollowedinpursuit.Thedistancewasshort.Anothermomentandtheboysawtheinfuriatedanimalspringingtowardshim,withGlummrushingmadlyafterit.Alricwasalreadyinthecentreofthepasswith the spear levelled, and his body bent in anticipation of the shock. Thewolf sawhim, but didnot check its pacewith a furiousNorsemanboundingbehind there was no room for hesitation. It lowered its head, increased itsspeed,andranat theopeninglikea thunderbolt.Whenwithinthreeyardsoftheboyitswerved,and,leapingup,pawedthecliffontheleftwhileintheair.Alric had foreseen thishis only doubt had been as to which side the brutewouldinclineto.Hesprangatthesamemoment,andmetitfullinthefaceasitcamedown.Thepointofhisspearenteredthewolf’schest,andpenetrateddeep into its body. A terrific yell followed. The spear handle broke in themiddle, and the boy fell on his face, while the wolf went right over him,yellingandbitingthespear,as,carriedonbyitsimpetus,itrolledheadoverheelsforseveralyardsamongtherocks.Alric jumpedupunhurt, and, forwantof abetterweapon, seized amassofstone,whichheraisedabovehishead,andhurledatthewolf,hittingitfairly

on the skull. At the samemomentGlumm ran up, intending to transfix thebrutewithhisspear.“Holdthyhand,Glumm,”gaspedtheboy.Glummcheckedhimself.“In truth it needs nomore,” he said, bringing the butt of hisweapon to theground,andleaningonit,whilehelookedonatthelaststrugglesofthedyingwolf.“Fairlydone,lad,”headded,withanodofapproval,“thiswillmakeamanofthee.”The boy did not speak, but stood with his chest still heaving, his breathcomingfast,and theexpressionof triumphonhiscountenanceshowing thatforhimanewerahadopenedupthatthedaysofboastinghadended,andthoseofmanlyactionhadfairlyandauspiciouslybegun.

ChapterEighteenShowswhatsomeoftheMenofOldcoulddoinColdBlood,andtreatsofHeathenFestivitiesatHarald’sCourt,mingledwithPlotandCounter

PlotWinterwith its frostandsnow, its longnightsand itsshortdays, its feasts inthe great halls, and its tales round the roaringwood firesat length began topass away, and genial spring advanced to gladden the land ofNorway. Thewhitedraperymeltedinthevalleys,leavingbrilliantgreensandallthevariedhues of rugged rocks to fill the eyes with harmonious colour. High on themighty fells the great glaciersunchanging, almost, as the “everlastinghills”gleamed in the sunlight against theazure sky, and sent floodsofwaterdownintothebrimmingrivers.Thescaldsceased,tosomeextent,thosewildlegendarysongsandtaleswithwhichtheyhadbeguiledthewinternights,andjoinedtheNorsemenintheiroperationsonthefarmsandonthefiords.Menbegantogrowwearyofsmokedraftersandfrequentfestivities,andtolongforthefree,freshairofheaven.Somewentofftodrivethecattletothe“saeters”ormountainpastures,otherssetoutforthefisheries,andnotafewsailedforthonvikingcruisesoverthethenalmostunknownsea.OurfriendsofHorlingdalbestirredthemselves,likeothers,inthesevariedavocations,andKingHaraldFairhair, uprising from his winter lair in Drontheim like a giant refreshed,assembledhismen,andpreparedtocarryouthispoliticalplanswithastronghand.Butresolutemencannotalwaysdriveeventsbeforethemasfastastheywouldwish.Summerwaswell advancedbefore theKingwas ready to takeaction.Therewasamanof theDrontheimdistrictnamedHauskuld,whowasnoted

forferocityandwickedness.Hewasalsoverystrongandcourageous,sothatKingHaraldmadehimoneofhisberserks.OnemorningtheKingsentforthisman,andsaidtohim“Hauskuld,Ihaveabusinessfortheetodo,whichrequirestheheartofabravefellow.ThereisamannearHorlingdalwhohasnotonlyrefusedtosubmittomy will, but has gathered a band of seventy men or more about him, andthreatens to raise the country againstme. It does not suitme to go forth topunish this dog just now, for my preparations are not yet complete.Neverthelessitisimportantthatheshouldbecrushed,ashedwellsintheheartofadisaffecteddistrict. It is thereforemypurpose tosend theewithasmallbodyofpickedmentodothyworstbyhim.”“Thatsuitsmewell,”saidHauskuld;“whatishisname?”“Atli,”answeredtheKing.“He is my foster-brother!” said Hauskuld, with a peculiar and unpleasantsmile.TheKinglookedalittleperplexed.“Thouwiltnothavemuchhearttothebusinessifthatbeso,”hesaid.“Whenyoucommand,sire,itismydutytoobey,”repliedHauskuld.“Nay,butIcanfindotherstoutmenforthisthing.ThereisHakeofHadeland.Go,sendhimhither.Iwillnotputthisonthyshoulders.”“Sire,youareconsiderate,”saidHauskuld,“but thisfoster-brotherofmineIcount an enemy, for reasons that I need not tell.Besides, he is said to be awarlock,andformypartIfirmlybelievethatheis in leaguewithNikke,sothatitwouldbeaservicetothegodstoridtheworldofhim.Ifyouwillpermitme,Iwillgladlygoonthiserrand,andasthisAtliisastoutman,itwouldbewelltotakeHakeandafewoftheberserkersalongwithme.”“Do as thouwilt,” replied theKing,with awave of his hand, as he turnedaway;“only,whatthoudoest,seethoudoitwellandquickly.”Theberserkshoulderedhisbattle-axeandleftthehall.AshewalkedawaytheKing stood in the doorway looking after himwith amingled expression ofadmirationanddislike.“Astalwartknave,”hemutteredtohimself,whileagrimsmileplayedonhislarge handsome features; “a good fighting brute, no doubt, but,with such a

spirit,abadservant,Ifear.”“Therearemanysuchinyourarmy,”saidadeep,sternvoicebehindhim.TheKing turnedquickly round,with a lookof anger, and fixed a searchingglanceonthehugeformofRolfGanger,whostoodleaningonthehiltofhisswordwithaquiet,almostcontemptuoussmileonhisface.“Itiswellknownthatbirdsofafeatherarefondofflyingincompany,”saidtheKing,withaflushedcountenance;“nodoubtthouspeakestfrompersonalknowledgeandexperience.”It was now Rolf’s turn to flush, but the King did him injustice, having nogroundforsuchaspeech,furtherthanaknowledgethatthereexistedbetweenthemmutualantipathywhichneitherwasparticularlycarefultoconceal.“HaveIdoneaughttomeritsuchwords?”demandedRolfsternly.Haraldwasonthepointofmakinganangryrejoinder,but,placingapowerfulrestraintuponhimself,hesaid“Itmaybe that thineactionsare loyal,but,Rolf, thywordsareneitherwisenortrue.Itisnotwisetoattempttoshakemyconfidenceinmyfollowers,anditisnottruethatmanyofthemareuntrustworthy.But,ifthouwouldstprovethyself a real friend, go, get thy longships readywith all speed, forwe faresouthafewdayshence,andtherewillbeworkfortheweaponsofstoutmenerelong.”“Igotopreparemyselfforthefight,KingHarald,”returnedRolf,“butIhavenooccasiontogivetheefurtherproofoffriendship.Theworldiswideenoughforusboth.Myoceansteedsareonthefiord.HenceforthIwillfightformyownhand.”ForonemomenttheKingfeltanalmostirresistibleimpulsetodrawhisswordandhewdowntheboldRolf,butwithcharacteristicself-restrainthecrusheddownhiswrathatthetimeandmadenoreply,goodorbad,astheotherturnedonhisheelandlefthim.WhenhehadgonesomedistancetheKingmutteredbetweenhissetteeth“Anothergoodfightingbruteandbadservant!Lethimgo!Betteranopenfoethananunwillingfriend.”ThatnightHauskuldandHakesetsailsouthwardwithasmallbodyofpickedmen;andRolfGanger,witha largebodyofdevoted followers, leftHarald’scampandtravelledeastward.InthecourseofseveraldaysHauskuldandhismenarrivedat the small fiordnear theheadofwhich stood thedwellingof

Atli.ThisAtli was an unusually intelligentman, aman of great influence in hisdistrict, and one who, like Erling the Bold, was determined to resist thetyrannyofHaraldFairhair.A large forcehadbeengatheredbyhim towardstheendofwinter,andatthetimeofHauskuld’svisithewaslivinginhisownhousewith about seventy chosenmen.Unfortunately for these, thepeacefulwinterhadinducedthemtorelaxalittleinvigilance.Knowingfromthereportof spies that the King was still feasting in the Drontheim district, they feltquitesafe,andforsometimepasthadneglectedtosettheusualnightwatch,which,intimeofwar,wasdeemedindispensable.ThusithappenedthatwhenHauskuldandhismencameupontheminthedeadofadarknight,theyfoundeverythingquiet,andwentuptothedoorofthehouseunchallenged.Ontryingthelatchtheyfounditfast,butfromthesoundswithintheyknewthatagreatmanymenweresleepingthere.HauskuldandHakehadapproachedthehousealone. They now returned to their companions, who were concealed in thedeepshadesoftheneighbouringwoods.“Whatdostthouadvise?”askedHakeofhisbrotherberserk.“Thatweburnthemallintheirnest,”repliedHauskuld.“What!foster-brothertoo?”saidtheother.“Aye, wherefore not? He is a warlock. So are most of the men with him.Burningistheirdue.”“Thereiswoodenoughhereforthatpurpose,”saidHake,withagrimsmile.Hauskuld immediately directed the greater part of his force to gather drywood,andsilentlypile itallroundthehouse,whileheandHakewithafewmen stood in frontof thedoors andwindows toguard them.Theworkwasaccomplishedinamuchshortertimethanmighthavebeenexpected,forthosewhoperformeditwerestrongandactive,andwellaccustomedtosuchdeeds.InlessthananhourthewholeofAtli’shousewassurroundedbyathickpileof dry inflammable brushwood. When it was all laid the men completelysurroundedthehouse,andstoodwitharrowsfittedtothestrings,andswordsloosenedinthesheaths.ThenHauskuldandseveralothersappliedlightstothebrushwood at various points. For a few seconds there was an ominouscrackling,accompaniedbylittleflashesofflame,thenadensesmokeroseupallround.Presentlytherushingfireburstthroughtheblackpallwithamightyroar, and lit up the steadingwith the strength of the sun at noonday, whileflameandsmokecurledincuriousconflicttogetheroverthedevoteddwelling,andmyriadsofsparkswerevomitedupintothedarksky.Atthesameinstantdoorsandwindowswereburstopenwithacrash,anda terriblecryaroseas

men,halfcladandpartlyarmed, leapedoutandrushedthroughthecircleoffire,withtheflamekindlingontheirhairandgarments.Notlessrelentlessthanthefirewasthecirclingfoeoutside.Whizzingarrowspierced the scorched breasts of some, and many fell dead. Others rushedmadlyonswordorspearpoint,andwerethrustviolentlybackintothefire,orfell fighting desperately for their lives. Some of the attacking party werekilled,andafewwounded,butnotoneoftheassailedsucceededinburstingthroughtheline.Atliandallhisfollowersperishedthere!Itisdreadfultothinkthatsuchdiabolicaldeedswereeverdone;butstillmoredreadfulisittoknowthatthespiritwhichdictatedsuchatrocitiesstillhauntsthebreastoffallenmen,fortheannalsofmodernwarfaretellusalltooplainlythatunregeneratemanisascapableofsuchdeedsnowasweretheNorsemenindaysofold.Having fulfilled hismission,Hauskuld left the place as quickly as possible,andhastenedback toDrontheim;not,however,without learningon thewaythat preparationswere being secretlymade all over that district to resist theKing,andthat,inparticular,SolveKlofewasinthefiordatHorlingdal,withseveralshipsofwar,doinghisbesttofantheflameofdiscontent,whichwasalreadyburningtherebrisklyenoughofitsownaccord!Onreturningagain toKingHarald’squarters,Hauskuld found thatenergeticmonarch engaged in celebrating one of the heathen feasts, and deemed itprudent for somehours to avoidhismaster, knowing thatwhenheatedwithdeep potations he was not in the best condition to receive or act uponexasperatingnews.Hethereforewentintothegreathall,wheretheKingandhisguestswereassembled,andquietlytookhisplaceatthelowerendofoneofthelongtablesnearthedoor.As is usual with men of inferior and debased minds, the berserkmisunderstoodandmisjudgedhismaster.Hehadcountedonescapingnotice,but theKing’seye fellonhim the instantheentered thehall, andhewasatonce summoned before him, and bidden tell his tale. While he related thedetails of the dreadfulmassacreHauskuld felt quite at ease, little dreamingthattheKing’sfingerstwitchedwithadesiretocuthimdownwherehestood;butwhenhecametospeakofthewidespreaddisaffectionofthepeopleinthesouth,hestammeredalittle,andglanceduneasilyattheflushedcountenanceof theKing, fearing that thenewswould exasperatehimbeyond endurance.Great, therefore, was his surprise when Harald affected to treat the matterlightly, made some jesting allusion to the potent efficacy of the sword inbringing obstinate people to reason, and ordered one of thewaiting-girls tofetchtheberserkafoamingtankardofale.

“There,drink,Hauskuld,myboldberserk!drinkdowntoadeeperpeg,man.Aftersuchwarmworkasthouhasthad,thatwillservetocoolthyfieryspirit.Drink to thegods, andpray that thoumayestnevercome todie, likeanoldwoman,inthybeddrink,Isay,drinkdeep!”TheKinglaughedjovially,almostfiercely,inhiswildhumour,ashemadethisallusion to the well-known objection that the Norse warriors of old had todying peacefully in bed; but for the life of him he could not resist thetemptation,ashe turnedonhis seat, to touchwithhiselbow thehugesilvertankardwhichtheberserkraisedtohislips!Theinstantaneousresultwasthata cataractofbeer floweddownHauskuld’s faceandbeard,while the raftersrangwithashoutoflaughterfromtheSea-kingsandcourt-menwhosatintheimmediateneighbourhoodof theKing’shigh seat.Of courseHaraldblamedhimself forhisclumsiness,buthe too laughedsoheartily that themassesofhisfairhairshookalloverhisshoulders,whileheorderedanothertankardtobe filled for his “brave berserk”. That brave individual, however, protestedthathehadhadquiteenough,andimmediatelyretiredwithaverybadgracetodrinkhisbeerincomfortoutofahorncupamongkindredspirits.Immediately after he was gone the King sent for Hake, for whom he alsoorderedasilvertankardofale;buttohimtheKingspokeearnestly,andinalow whispering voice, while his courtiers, perceiving that he wished hisconversewiththeberserktobeprivate,quaffedtheirliquorandtalkednoisily.The youngwomanwho filledHake’s tankard at theKing’s biddingwas nootherthanGunhild,theunfortunatewidowofSwartoftheSprings.Forsometime after the death of her husband she had dwelt at Haldorstede, and hadexperienced much kindness at the hands of the family; but having taken alongingtovisitherrelatives,whobelongedtotheDrontheimdistrict,shewassent thither, and had become amember of Harald’s household, through theinfluenceofKingHakonofDrontheim,thefatherofAdaofHorlingdal.Hakonhad fromnecessity, andmuch against his inclination, becomeoneofHarald Fairhair’s jarls. During the feast of which we write, he sat on theKing’slefthand.AfterfillingHake’stankardGunhildretired,butremainedwithinearshot.“Hake,”saidtheKing,leaningoverthearmofhishighseat,“it isnowtimethatweweremoving south; and the news thou hast brought decidesme tocompletemy arrangementswithout delay. It seems thatUlf ofRomsdal andthat fellow Erling the Bold, with his fierce father, are making greatpreparationsforwar?”

“Trulytheyare,”saidHake.“Isawasmuchwithmyowneyes.”“Butmaythisnotbeforthepurposeofgoingonvikingcruise?”“Had thatbeen so,mineearswouldhaveguidedme, andwehadbrought adifferent report,butwhenmen talk loudlyand illof theKing,andknit theirbrows, andwish for a southwind, it needs not thewisdomof awarlock tofathomtheirmeaning.Moreover,”hecontinuedearnestly,“Ihaveheard thatnewshascomefromthesouthlandthatthepeopleofHordalandandRogaland,Agder and Thelemark, are gathering, and bringing together ships,men, andarmswhatcanallthismeanifitbenotresistancetotheKing?”“Right,”saidHaraldthoughtfully.“Now,Hake,Iwilltelltheewhattodo,andsee thouwastenot timeabout it.Mostofmyshipsare readyforsea.Afewdaysmorewillsufficetocompletethemforacruise,andthenwillIsailforthto teach these proudmen humility.Meanwhile do thou get ready the shipsunder thycharge,andsendHauskuld inaswiftboatwithafewchosenmensouth to Horlingdal fiord. There let him watch the proceedings of thepeopleparticularly of that fellow Erling and his kinand when he has seenenoughlethimsailnorthtogivemewarningoftheirmovements.Theyshallbesavedthetroubleofcomingheretomeetme,forIwillfaresouthandslaythemall,rootandbranch.Letthytonguebequietandthymotionsswift,andcautionHauskuldalsotobediscreet.Anotherdraughtofale,Hake,andthentothyduty.”TheselastwordstheKingspokealoud,andwhiletheberserkwasdrinkingheturned toconversewithHakonofDrontheim,but finding that thatchiefhadlefttheboard,heturnedtooneofthecourtiers,andbegantoconverseonthenewsrecentlybroughtfromthesouth.Gunhildmeanwhileslippedoutofthehall,andfoundKingHakonhastingtohishouse.“YeheardwhattheKingthreatened?”shesaid,pluckinghimbythesleeve.“Idid,andwillbutwhydostthouspeaktomeonthissubject?”askedHakonwarily.“BecauseIknowyourdaughterAdaisamongthedoomedandyewouldnotseeherperish.MyheartisinthehouseofHaldortheFierce.GreatkindnesshaveIreceivedthere,thereforewouldIgoandwarnthemofwhatiscoming.Ihavefriendshere,andcangetaswiftcuttertobearmesouth.ShallItellthemtoexpectaidfromyou?”Hakonwasgladtohearthis,andtoldhertoinformHaldorthathewouldsoon

beinthefiordwithhislongship,thathewouldaidthepeopleofHorlingdalinresistingHarald,andthatitwasprobableRolfGangerwouldalsojointhem.BearingthesetidingsGunhildleftDrontheimsecretly,andinaswiftboatwithastoutcrewsetoffforthesouthaconsiderabletimebeforeHauskuldsailed,althoughthatworthydidhisbesttocarryouthismaster’scommandswithoutdelay.KingHakonalsopushed forwardhispreparations, and that sobrisklythathetoowasenabledtostartbeforetheberserk.Meanwhile King Harald gave himself up entirely to festivitylaughed andtalkedwithhiscourtiers,andseemedsolightofheartthatthegreaterpartofhisfollowersthoughthimtobeacareless,heartyman,onwhomtheweightymattersofthekingdomsatverylightly.ButJarlRongvoldknewthatthisfree-and-easyspiritwasaffected,andthattheKing’smindwasmuchtroubledbythestateofthingsinseveralpartsofthekingdom.Healsoknew,however,thatHaraldhadan ironwill,whichnothingcouldbend from itspurpose, andhefeltconvincedthatthecoursewhichhissovereignpursuedwouldendeitherinhistotaloverthroworintheabsolutesubjectionofNorway.It happened that at this time one of the festivals of sacrifice was beingcelebratedbythepeopleoftheDrontheimcountry.Itwasanoldcustomthat,when therewas sacrifice, all thebonders shouldcome to the spotwhere theheathen temple stood, and bring with them all that they required while thefestivalofthesacrificelasted.Themenwereexpectedtobringalewiththem,andallkindsofcattleaswellashorses,whichweretobeslaughtered,boiled,andeaten.In order to conciliate the people, the King on this occasion issued aproclamationthathemeanttopayalltheexpensesofthefestival.Thishadthedouble effect of attracting to the locality a vast concourseof people, andofputtingthemallingreatgoodhumour,sothattheywerequitereadytolistento,andfallinwith,theplansoftheKing,whateverthesemightbe.Ofcoursethereweremanyfreebornnoble-spiritedudallerswhocouldnotthusbetickledintothesellingoftheirbirthright;butHarald’stremendousenergyandpower,coupledwithhisrigoroustreatmentofallwhoresistedhim,hadtheeffectofreducing many of these to sullen silence, while some made a virtue ofnecessity,andacceptedthefatewhichtheythoughtitimpossibletoevade.On the evening of the day of which we write, the fire was kindled in themiddle of the floor of the temple, and over it hung the kettles. Full gobletswerehandedacrossthefire,andtheKingblessedthefullgobletsandallthemeatof the sacrifice.Then, first,Odin’sgobletwasemptied forvictoryandpowertotheKing;thereafterNiord’sandFreya’sgobletsforpeaceandagoodseason.Afterthattherewasmuchfeasting;andwhenthealebegantomount

to the brains of the revellers,many of them stood up, and raising aloft the“bragagoblet”thatoverwhichvowswerewonttobemadebegan,inmoreorlessbombasticstrains,toboastofwhattheymeanttodointhefuture.Havingexhausted all other sentiments, the guests then emptied the “remembrancegoblet”tothememoryofdepartedfriends.Soonthedesireforsongandstorybegantobefelt,andtherewasaloudcallfor the scald. Whereupon, clearing his throat and glancing round on theaudiencewith a deprecatory airjust as amateur scalds of thepresent day arewont to doThiodolph hinn Frode of Huina stood up to sing. His voicewasmellow, and hismusicwild. The subject chosen showed that he understoodhowtohumourbothKingandpeople,andifthesongwasshortitwasmuchtothepoint.SongoftheScald.Ofcupandplatterneedhasnone,TheguestwhoseeksthegenerousoneHaraldthebounteouswhocantraceHislineagefromthegiantrace;ForHarald’shandisliberal,free.Theguardianofthetemplehe.Helovesthegods,hisopenhandScattershissword’sgainso’ertheland.Thescaldsatdownwiththepromptenergyofamanwhobelieveshehassaida good thing, and expects that it will be well received. He was notdisappointed,fortheraftersrangwiththewildhuzzasoftherevellersastheyleapedtotheirfeetandshouted“VictorytotheKing!”ThiswasjustwhattheKingwanted,andhecarefullyfannedtheflamewhichthescaldhadsojudiciouslykindled.Theresultwasthatwhenheafterwardscalled formen togo forthwithhim todobattlewith the turbulent spiritsofHorlingdal,hundredsofthosewhowouldotherwisehavebeenmalcontent,orlukewarmfollowers,busked themselveseagerly for the fight, and flocked tohisstandard.Hislongshipswerecrowdedwithpickedmen,andwarvesselsofallsizesfromlittleboatstodragonswiththirtybanksofrowersaugmentedhisfleet.AtlengthhesailedfromDrontheimwithperhapsthestrongestarmament

thathadeversweptoverthenorthernsea.

ChapterNineteenTellssomethingoftheDoingsofSolveKlofeandOthers,andtreatsofa

fewoftheMarvellousAdventuresofGuttormStoutheartThesceneischanged.It isnight;yethowdifferentfromnight inmostotherinhabited parts of the earth! The midnight sun is just sinking beneath thehorizon, close to the spotwhence, in about twentyminutes, hewill rise, torepeat his prolonged course of nearly four-and-twenty hours through thenorthernsky.Butifthedarknessofnightisabsent,itsdeepquietudeisthere.Themighty cliffs that rise like giant walls to heaven, casting broad, heavyshadows over the sea, send forth no echoes, for the innumerable birds thatdwell among them are silently perched like snowflakes on every crag, ornestledineverycrevice,buriedinrepose.Thesearesemblesglass,andglideswithbutafaintsighupontheshore.Allisimpressivelystillonmountainandfiord. Everything in nature is asleep, excepting thewakeful eye of day, thehumofdistantrills,theboomofinlandcataracts,andtherippleontheshore.Thesesounds,however,dobutrendertheuniversalsilencemoreprofoundbysuggesting the presence of those stupendous forces which lie latenteverywhere.Awhitemistfloatsoverthesealikeacurtainofgauze,investinginsignificantobjectswithgrandeur,andclothingcaverns,cliffs,andmountaingorgeswithunusualsublimity.Onlyoneobjectsuggestiveofmanisvisiblethroughthehaze.Itisashipoftheold,old-fashionedbuildwithhigh stemand stern, andmonstrous figurehead.Itsforefootrestsuponthestripofgravelinyonderbayatthefootofthecliff,whose summit is lost in the clouds. The hull reposes on its own reflectedimage,andthetapermastisrepeatedinawavybutdistinctlinebelow.Itisthe“longship”;the“warvessel”;the“seahorse”ofSolveKlofe,thesonofKingHunthiofofMöre,whomHaraldFairhairslew.Solvehad,aswehavebeforesaid,spent thewinter in takinghisrevengebyherrying thecoast inhis longship,anddoingall inhispower todamage theKing’smen, aswell as thosewhowere friendly to his cause.Among otherthingshehad,earlyinspring,persuadedHaldortheFiercetolethimhavetheuseofoneofhiswarships,withafewofhisbestmen,toaccompanyhimonavikingcruise.Erlinghadresistedhispressinginvitationtobearhimcompany,because of important business, the nature of which he did not think itnecessarytodisclose.HisfriendGlummtheGruffalsodeclinedfromsimilarreasons.Atallevents,hewassimilarlypre-engagedand taciturn.Thorer the

Thick,however,andKettleFlatnose,andyoungAlricthelatterbyspecialandimportunaterequestwereallowedtoaccompanyhimonthisexpedition.Wedonot intend togive thedetailsof this foray, although itwasunusuallystirringandprolificofadventure.Sufficeittosay,thattheyhadseveralhardfights both with Swedish and Danish vikings, in all of which Alricdistinguished himself for reckless daring, and would certainly have beencarriedhomedeaduponhisownshieldhadnotKettleFlatnosewatchedoverhim with the solicitude of a father, and warded off many a blow that wasaimed at his pugnacious head.We fear itmust be added thatAlricwas notsufficiently impressedwithhisfriend’sservices in thisway.Thetruthis thatheentertainedthefirmbeliefthatnobodycouldkillhim,andthathecouldkillanybodywhichwasallverywellasfarasitwent,butwouldnothavecarriedhimscathlessthroughthecruise,hadnotthestoutIrishmanbeenathisback.Immense andvaluable bootywas gained at this time, for one of the vesselswhich they captured had been cruising in southern lands, andwas returningwithalargequantityofgoldandsilverornamentswhenSolveKlofeattackedit. A misfortune befell them, however. On their way home a storm droveThorer’svesselontherocksinafog,anditbecameatotalwreck.Thecrewwereall saved,however, andmuchof the lading,bySolve,whostowed thegoodsinhisownship,andbroughthomethemen.Theywerewithinaday’ssailofHorlingdal,whentheyputashoretotakeafewhours’repose.ThreehoursaftermidnightSolveKlofe,whosebreathinguptothattimehadresembledthatofaninfant,gaveventtoaprolongedbasssnore,andopenedhis eyes. This was followed by the shutting of hismouth, andwith one ofthosesatisfactorystretchingsofthebodywithwhichasoundsleeperiswontinthemorningtodismissreposeandrecallhisenergies.Havinglainstillafewmomentstoenjoytheresult,Solvesatup,andstretchingforthhishand,drewaside thecurtainof the tentunderwhichheslept,and lookedout.Thesightthatgladdenedhiseyeswasbeautifulbeyonddescription,forthesunwasupinallhisnorthernglory,andshoneonthesilverseawithdazzlinglight,whilehescatteredaway themistsofmorning.But thebest sightofall to theboldvikingwas the splendidwarshipwhich,with painted sides and shields, andgildedmastsandprow,glowedandglitteredlikeabeautifulgeminasettingofthebrightestazureblue.Turning his eyes inside his tent again, Solve gazed with the expressionlessaspectofastilldrowsymanuponthecountenanceofKettle,whoseflatnoseandopenmouthgaveventtotonesresemblingthoseofabassoon.Besidehim,andnestlingclosetohim,laytheyouthfulAlric,withhiscurlyheadrestingonKettle’s broad bosom; for the lad, albeit manly enough when awake, hadsufficientof thechildstillabouthimto inducea tendencyonhispart,when

asleep, tomakeuseof anywilling friend as apillow.Thorer theThickwasalso there, with his head on his arm, his body sprawling indescribably, hisshieldabovehimlikealiteralcoverlet,andhisrighthandonhissword-hilt.“Ho!” exclaimed Solve, in a tone that marvellously resembled the tones ofmodernmeninsimilarcircumstances.KettleandThorer,however,spranguptoasittingposturewithveryprimitivealacrity, for in those days a man’s life often depended on his being andkeepingverywide-awake.PoorAlricwastumbledsomewhatunceremoniouslytooneside,butthatfailedtoawakenhim,forhewasnotyetsufficientlytrainedtosleepinthemidstofalarms,andfeltverynaturallyinclinedtogrowlandbitewhenshakenortoldto“getup!”Inafewminutes,however,hislethargywasovercome;themenwerearoused;thetentswerestruck;thelongshipwaspushedoff,and,undertheinfluenceofthirtypairofoars,itcreptlikeamonstrousinsectawayoverthesea.Thosewhohadnot toworkat theoars sat at firstquietlyon the thwarts,orleanedover thegunwalegazing into thedeep,orupat thesky,enjoying thewarmairandtheirownfancies.Butafteratimetalkativespiritsbegantoloosetheirtongues,anderelongamurmurofquietconversationpervadedtheship.“Iwonderwhatnewsweshallhearatthestedewhenwearrive?”saidThorertoKettle,whowithseveralotherssatonthepoopbesideSolve.“I hope itwon’t be bad news,” answeredKettle. “Harald is not theman tosleep through the summerwhen there iswork tobedone. If itwasn’t that Iexpect to give him the tooth-ache before I go, surely I should have been inIrelandlongago.”“Whomdidst thou serveunder,Kettle,beforewebrought thee toNorway?”askedAlric.“UndertheKingofDublin,”repliedKettle.“Washeagreatking?”“Agreatking?Aye,neverwas thereagreater; andagreatkinghe isyet, ifhe’salive,thoughIhavemyownfearsonthatpoint,forhewastakingbadlytoalewhenIleft.”Therewassomethingpatheticyethumorous in the toneandexpressionwithwhichKettlesaidthiswhichcausedAlrictolaugh.TheIrishmanstarted,and

for an instant his huge countenance blazedwith a look ofwrathwhichwasquitemajestic,andoverawedtheboy,boldthoughhewas.Butitpassedawayinamoment,andwasreplacedbyasorrowfullookasKettleshookhisheadandsaid“Ah!boy,your laugh remindedmeof the laughof thevillainHaabrokwhotooktheoldking’sthroneatthetimeIwascarriedoff,boundhandandfoot.Luckywasitforhimthatmyhandswerenotfreethen.Well,well,thissoundslike bragging,” he added with a smile, “which is only fit for boys andcowards.”Alricwinced a little at this, for hewas quite aware of his own tendency toboast,andforamomenthefeltastronginclinationtostandupfor“boys”,andassert,thatalthoughboastingwascommonenoughwithcowardlyboys,itwasnotsowithallboys;butonconsiderationhethoughtitbesttoholdhistongue,onthatpoint,atleastuntilheshouldhavefreedhimselfoftheevilofboasting.Tochangethesubjecthesaid“Wastheoldkingfondofthee,Kettle?”“Aye,asfondofmeasofhisownson.”“Washelikemyfather?”pursuedtheboy.“No;therearenotmanymenlikethyfather,lad;buthewasastoutandbraveoldman, andagreatwarrior inhisday.NowI thinkof it, hewasvery likeGuttormStoutheart.”“Thenhewasahandsomeman,”saidSolveKlofewithemphasis.“Hewas,” continuedKettle, “butnotquite sodesperate.OldGuttorm is themostrecklessmanIeverdidsee.DidIevertellyeoftheadventureIhadwithhimwhenwewentonvikingcruisesouthtoValland?”“No,”saidSolve;“letushearaboutit;butstaytillIchangetheoarsmen.”Hewentforwardandgavetheordertorelievethemenwhohadrowedfromthe land,andwhenthefreshmenwereon thebencheshereturnedandbadeKettlegoon.“’Tis a finecountry,” said the Irishman,glancing roundhimwithaglowingeye,andspeakinginalowtone,asiftohimself“onetobeproudof.”Andin truth therewasgroundforhisremark, for themistshadby that timeentirely cleared away, leaving unveiled a sea so calm and bright that theinnumerableisletsoffthecoastappearedasiffloatinginair.

“That is true,” said Thorer. “I sometimes wonder, Kettle, at thy longing toreturntoIreland.IaminthesamecasewiththyselfwastakenfrommyhomeinJemteland,labouredasathrall,wroughtoutmyfreedom,andremainedinHaldor’sservice,buthaveneverwishedtoreturnhome.”“Didstthouleaveawifeandchildrenbehindthee?”askedKettle.“Nay;Iwascarriedawaywhileveryyoung.”“Isthyfatheralive,orthymother?”“No,theyarebothdead.”“Then I wonder not that ye have no desire to return home.My father andmother are both aliveat least I have good reason to believe somywife andchildren arewaiting forme.Canstwonder,man, that I long to behold oncemorethegreenhillsofIreland?”“Nay,ifthatbeso,Iwondernot,”repliedThorer.“Come,Kettle, thou forgettest thatwewait for the story about oldGuttormStoutheart,”saidSolveKlofe,arrangingthecornerofasailsoastoprotecthisbackfromthesun.“’TisanoldstorynowinHorlingdal,”saidKettle;“butasthouhastnotbeeninthisquarterforalongtime,nodoubtitisnewtothee.Thorerthereknowsitwell;butIfindthatitbearstellingmorethanonce.Well,itwas,asIhavesaid,twoyearspastthatGuttormwentsouthtoVallandonvikingcruise.HecalledatHorlingdalinpassing,andgotsomeofthedalesmen.Amongothers,Iwasallowed togo.HeandIgotonverywell together,andwewerefortunate ingettingmuchbooty.Onedaywecametoapartofthecoastwherewesawastrong castle of stone on the top of a hill a shortway inland.We also sawplentyofcattleonaplainnearthesea,soGuttormorderedhislongshiptobesteered for the shore, andwebegan todrive someof the cattledown to thebeach, intendingtoslaughter themthere,asourprovisionsweregetting low.Onseeingthis,apartyofmencameoutfromthecastleandbadeusbegone.Wetoldthemtobeeasyintheirminds,forweonlywantedalittlefood.Weeven went so far as to ask it of them civilly, but the men were such surlyfellowsthattheyrefusedtolistentoreason,andattackedusatonce.Ofcoursewedrovethembackintotheircastle,butindoingsowelostoneortwoofourbestmen. This angered old Guttorm, who is not a quarrelsomeman, as yeknow.Hewouldhavegoneawaypeaceablyenoughifhehadbeenletalonetohelp himself to a few beasts; but his blood was set up by that time, so heorderedallthemenonshore,andwepitchedourtentsandbesiegedthecastle.

Beingmadeofstone,therewasnochanceofsettingitonfire,andasthewallswereuncommonlyhigh,itwasnotpossibletotakeitbyassault.Well,wesatdownbeforeit,andfortwodaystriedeverythingwecouldthinkoftotakeit,but failed, for there were plenty of men in it, and they defended the wallsstoutly.Besides this, to say the truth,wehadalready lostanumberofgoodmenonthecruiseandcouldillaffordtolosemore.“On the thirddaysomeofourchiefmenadvisedGuttorm togive itup,butthatmadehimsofuriousthatnoonedaredspeaktohimaboutitforanothertwodays.Attheendofthat timehisnephewpluckedupheart,andgoingtohim,said“‘Uncle,doyousee the littlebirds that flybackandforwardover thecastlewallssofreely,andbuildtheirnestsinthethatchofthehousetops?’“‘Ido,nephew,’saysGuttorm.‘Whatthen?’“‘Myadviceis,’saysthenephew,‘thatyoushouldorderthementomakeeacha pair ofwings like those the birds have, and thenwe shall all fly over thewalls,foritseemstomethatthereisnootherwayofgettingintothecastle.’“‘Thouartadrollknave,’repliesGuttorm,forhewaseverfondofajoke;‘butthouartwisealso,thereforeIadvisetheetomakeapatternpairofwingsforthemen;andwhentheyareready’“HereGuttormstoppedshort,andfelltothinking;andhethoughtsolongthathisnephewaskedhimatlastifhehadanyfurthercommandsforhim.“‘Yes, boy, I have. There is more in this matter of the wings than thoudreamestof.Goquicklyandorderthementomakesnares,andcatchasmanyoftheselittlebirdsastheycanbeforesunset.Letthembecarefulnottohurtthebirds,andsendKettleFlatnoseandmyhouse-carlehitherwithoutdelay.’“WhenIcametotheoldmanIfoundhimwalkingtoandfrobriskly,withanexpressionofeagernessinhiseye.“‘Kettle,’he said smartly, ‘goandprepare twohundredpiecesofcord, eachaboutonefootlong,andtotheendofeachpiecetieasmallchipofwoodaslongasthefirstjointofthythumb,andaboutthesizeofagoosequill.Smearthesepiecesofwoodoverwithpitch,andhave thewhole inmy tentwithinthreehours.’“AsIwalkedawaytoobeythisorder,wonderingwhatitcouldallbeabout,Iheardhimtellhischiefhouse-carle tohaveall themenarmedandreadyforactionalittleaftersunset,asquietlyaspossible.

“Beforethethreehourswereout,Ireturnedtothetentwiththetwohundredpieces of cord prepared according to orders, and found old Guttorm sittingwithagreatsackbeforehim,andalookofperplexityonhisfacethatalmostmademelaugh.Hewashalf-inclinedtolaughtoo,forthesackmovedaboutinastrangeway,asifitwerealive!“‘Kettle,’saidhe,whenIcameforward,‘Ineedthyhelphere.Ihavegotsomethreehundredlittlebirdsinthatsack,andIdon’tknowhowtokeeptheminorder,fortheyareflutteringaboutandkillingthemselvesrightandleft,sothatIshallsoonhavenoneleftaliveformypurpose.Mythoughtistotieoneofthesecordstoalegofeachbird,setthebitofstickonfireandletitgo,sothatwhenitfliestoitsnestinthethatchitwillsetthehousesinthecastleonfire.Now,whatisthyadvice?’“‘Call asmanyof themen into the tent as itwill hold, and let eachcatchabird,andkeepittillthecordsaremadefast;saysI.’“Thiswasdoneatonce,butwehadmoretroublethanweexpected,forwhenthemouthof the sackwasopened, out flewadozenof thebirdsbeforewecouldcloseit!Thecurtainofthetentwasdown,however,so,afteragooddealofhunting,wecaughtthemagain.Whenthecordsweretiedtothesethemenweresentoutofthetent,eachwithalittlebirdinhishand,andwithorderstogo to his particular post and remain there till further orders. Then anotherbatchofmencame in, and theywere suppliedwithbirdsandcords like theothers; but ye have no notion what trouble we had. I have seen a hundredvikingprisoners caught andheld fastwithhalf thedifficulty and lessnoise!Moreover,whilesomeofthemensqueezedthebirdstodeathintheirfearlesttheyshouldescape,otherslet theirsgointheiranxietynottohurtthem,andthelittlethingsflewbacktotheirnestswiththecordsandbitsofchiptrailingafter them.At last,however,allwasready.Themenwerekept inhiding tillafterdark; then the littlechipswereseton fireallat thesame time,and thebirdswere letgo. Itwas likeashowerofstarsdescendingon thecastle, foreach bird made straight for its own nest; but just as we were expecting tobeholdthesuccessofourplan,upjumpeda lineofmenonthecastlewalls,andbyshoutingandswingingtheirarmsscaredthebirdsaway.Weguessedatonce that the littlebirdswhichhadescaped toosoonwith thestrings tied totheirlegshadbeennoticed,andthetricksuspected,forthemeninthecastlewerewellprepared.Afewofthebirdsflewovertheirheads,andmanagedtoreach the roofs, which caught fire at once; but wherever this happened, adozen men ran at the place and beat the fire out. The thing was wiselycontrived,butitwascleverlymetandrepelled,sowehadonlyourtroubleandthedisappointmentforourpains.“Afterthis,”continuedKettle,“oldGuttormbecamelikeawolf.Hesnarledat

everyonewhocamenearhimforsometime,buthispassionneverlastedlong.Hesoonfelluponanotherplan.“Therewas a small riverwhich ran at the foot of themound onwhich thecastle stood, and thereweremudbanks on the side next to it,One nightwewere all ordered to go to themudbanks as quiet asmice,with shovels andpicksinourhands,anddigatunnelunderthecastle.Wedidso,andthefirstnightadvancedalongway,butwehadtostopagoodwhilebeforedaytoletthe dirt wash away and the water get clear again, so that they might notsuspectwhatwewereabout.Thenextnightwegotunderthecastlewall,andonthefifthnighthadgotwellunderthegreathall,forwecouldhearthemensingingandshoutingastheysatatmeataboveus.Wehadthentoworkverycarefully for fear ofmaking a noise, andwhenwe thought it ready for theassaultwetookourswordsandshieldswithus,andGuttormledtheway.Hischiefhouse-carlewasappointedtodrivethroughthefloor,whileGuttormandIstoodreadytoegghimonandbackhimup.“Weheardthemenabovesingingandfeastingasusual,whensuddenlytherewasagreatsilence,foroneofthebigstonesoverourheadswasloosened,andtheyhadevidentlyfeltorseenit.Nowwasthetimecome;so,whilethehouse-carleshovelledofftheearth,someofusgotourfingersinabouttheedgeofthe stone, and pulledwith all our force. Suddenly down it came and amanalongwithit.Weknockedhimontheheadatonce,andgavealoudhuzzaasthehouse-carlesprangupthroughthehole,caughtashowerofblowsonhisshield,andbegantolayabouthimfiercely.Guttormwasverymadatthecarleforgoingupbeforehim,butthecarlewaslightandtheoldmanwasheavy,sohecouldnothelpit.Iwasabouttofollow,whenamancutatmyheadwithagreataxeasIlookedupthroughthehole.Icaughttheblowonmyshield,andthrustmyswordup intohis leg,whichmadehimgiveback;but justat thatmoment the earth gaveway under our feet, and a greatmass of stones andrubbishfelldownonus,drivingusallbackintothepassagethroughwhichwehad come, except the house-carle, who had been caught by the enemy anddraggedupintothehall.Assoonaswecouldgetonourfeetwetriedtomakefortheholeagain,butitwassofilledwithearthandstonesthatwecouldnotgetforwardastep.Knowing,therefore,thatitwasuselesstostaylongerthere,weranback to theentranceof the tunnel,butherewefoundabodyofmenwhohadbeensentoutofthecastletocutoffourretreat.Wemadeshortworkofthese.Disappointmentandangerhadmadeeverymanofusequaltotwo,sowehewedourwayrightthroughthem,andgotbacktothecampwiththelossofonlytwomenbesidesthehouse-carle.“Nextmorningwhenitwasdaylight,theenemybroughtthepoorprisonertothetopofthecastlewall,wheretheyloppedoffhishead,and,havingcuthis

bodyintofourpieces,theycastthemdowntouswithshoutsofcontempt.“AfterthisGuttormStoutheartappearedtoloseallhisfireandspirit.Hesentforhischiefmen,andsaidthathewasgoingtodie,andthatitwashiswishtobe left to do so undisturbed. Then he went into his tent, and no one wasallowedafterthattogonearhimexcepthisnephew.“AweeklaterweweretoldthatGuttormwasdying,andthathewantedtobeburiedinsidethecastle;forwehaddiscoveredthatthepeoplewerewhattheycalledChristians,andthattheyhadconsecratedgroundthere.“When this was made known to the priests in the castle they were muchpleased,andagreed toburyourchief in theirground, ifwewouldbringhisbody toa spotnear the frontgateway,and there leave it and retire toa safedistance from thewalls.Therewas someobjection to this at first,hit itwasfinally agreed toonly a request was made that two of the next of kin toGuttormmight be allowed to accompany the body to the burial-place, as itwould be considered a lasting disgrace to the family if it were buried bystrange hands when friends were near. This request was granted on theunderstandingthatthetworelationsweretogointothecastleunarmed.“Onthedayof thefuneral IwassummonedtoGuttorm’s tent tohelp toputhim into his coffin, which had been made for him after the pattern of thecoffinsused in that part of the country.When I entered I found thenephewstandingbythesideofthecoffin,andtheoldSea-kinghimselfsittingonthefootofit.“‘Thouartnotquitedeadyet?’saysI,lookinghardinhisface.“‘Notyet,’sayshe,‘andIdon’texpecttobeforsometime.’“‘Arewetoputyouintothecoffin?’Iasked.“‘Yes,’ says he, ‘and see that my good axe lies ready to my hand. Put thyswordonmyleftside,nephew,thatthoumaystcatchitreadily.Theyburymeinconsecratedgroundto-day,Kettle;andthou,beingoneofmynearestofkin,mustattendmetothegrave!Thoumustgounarmedtoo,butthatmatterslittle,forthyswordcanbeplacedonthetopofmycoffin,alongwiththyshield,tododuty as theweaponsof thedead.When touse them I leave to thywell-knowndiscretion.Dostunderstand?’“‘Yourspeechisnotdifficultfortheunderstandingtotakein,’saysI.“‘Ha! especially the understanding of an Irishman,’ says he, with a smile.‘Well,helpmetogetintothisbox,andseethatthoudostnotrunitcarelessly

againstgate-posts;foritisnotmadetoberoughlyhandled!’“WiththatoldGuttormlaybackinthecoffin,andwepackedinthenephew’sswordandshieldwithhim,andhisownaxeandshieldathisrightside.Thenwefasteneddownthelid,andtwomenwerecalledtoassistusincarryingittotheappointedplace.“AswewalkedslowlyforwardIsawthatourmenweredrawnupinalineatsomedistancefromthecastlewall,withtheirheadshangingdown,asiftheywereindeepgrief,andsotheywere,foronlyafewwereawareofwhatwasgoing to be done; yet all were armed, and ready for instant action. Theappointedspotbeingreached,weputthecoffinontheground,andorderedthetwomen,whowerearmed,toretire.“‘Butdon’tgofaraway,lads,’saysI;‘forwehaveworkforyetodo.’“Theywentbackonlyfiftyellsorso,andthenturnedtolookon.“Atthesametimethegateofthecastleopened,andtwelvepriestscameoutdressed in longblack robes,andcarryingacrossbefore them.Oneof them,whounderstoodtheNorselanguage,said,astheycameforward“‘Whatmeaneththeswordandshield?’“Itoldhimthatitwasourcustomtoburyawarrior’sarmsalongwithhim.Heseemedinclinedtoobject to thisatfirst,but thinkingbetterof it,heorderedfour of his men to take up the coffin, which they did, shoulder high, andmarchedbacktothecastle,closelyfollowedbythetwochiefmourners.“No sooner hadwe entered the gateway,whichwas crowdedwithwarriors,than I stumbled against the coffin, and drove it heavily against one of theposts,and,pretendingtostretchoutmyhandstosupportit,Iseizedmyswordandshield.Atthesamemomentthelidofthecoffinflewintotheair,thesidesburst out, and old Guttorm dropped to the ground, embracing two of thepriestssoferventlyinhisdescentthattheyfellonthetopofhim.Ihadonlytime toobserve that thenephewcaughtuphis swordand shieldas they fellamong thewreck,whenashowerofblowsfromalldirectionscalledfor themostrapidactionofeyeandlimb.BeforeGuttormcouldregainhisfeetandutter hiswar-cry, I had lopped off two heads, and the nephew’s swordwaswhirlingroundhimlikelightningflashes,butofcourseIcouldnotseewhathe did. The defenders fought bravely, and in the first rush wewere almostborneback;but inanothermoment the twomenwhohadhelpedus tocarrythecoffinwerealongsideofus;andnow,havingafrontoffivestoutmen,webegan to feel confident of success. Thiswas turned into certaintywhenweheard,aminutelater,agreatrushingsoundbehindus,andknewthatourmen

werecomingon.OldGuttormswunghisbattle-axeasifithadbeenatoy,and,utteringatremendousroar,cuthiswayrightintothemiddleofthecastle.Weallclosedinbehindhim;thefoewaveredtheygavewayatlasttheyturnedandfled; for remembering,nodoubt,how theyhad treated thepoorhouse-carle,theyknewtheyhadnorighttoexpectmercy.Inaquarterofanhourtheplacewascleared,andthecastlewasours.”“Andwhatdidstthoudowithit?”askedAlric,inmuchexcitement.“Dowithit?Ofcoursewefeastedinittillweweretired;thenweputasmuchofitsvaluablesintoourshipsastheycouldcarry,afterwhichwesettheplaceonfireandreturnedtoNorway.”“’Twaswelldone,andaluckyventure,”observedSolveKlofe.Alricappearedtomeditateforafewminutes,andthensaidwithasmile“IfChristianthehermitwereherehewouldsayitwasilldone,andanunluckyventureforthemenofthecastle.”“Thehermitisafool,”saidSolve.“That he is not,” cried the boy, reddening. “A braver and betterman neverdrewbow.Buthehasqueerthoughtsinhishead.”“Thatmaybe so. Itmatters naught tome,” retortedSolve, rising andgoingforwardtothehighprowoftheship,whencehelookedoutupontheisland-studdedsea.“Come,lads,changehandsagain,andpullwithawill.Methinksabreezewillfilloursailsafterwepassyonderpoint,andifso,weshallsleepto-nightinHorlingdal.”

ChapterTwentyInwhichtheSkyagainbecomesOvercastTheWar-tokenissentoutAlric

getsaSurprise,andaBerserkcatchesaTartar

Erling theBoldwasveryfondofsalmon-fishing,and itwashiswont,whentheweathersuited,andnothingofgreaterimportanceclaimedhisattention,tosally forthwith a three-pronged spear to fish in theHorlingdal river,whichswarmedwithsalmoninthesummerseasonoftheyear.One evening he leftHaldorstedewith his fishing-spear on his shoulder, andwentuptotheriver,accompaniedbyoneofthehouse-carles.Theybothworeshirtsofmail,andcarriedshieldandsword,forthesewerenottimesinwhichmencouldventuretogoaboutunarmed.Onreachingaplacewherethestreamranshallowamongrocks,ourherowadedin,andatthefirstdartofhisspear

struck a fish of about fifteen pounds weight, which he cast, like a bar ofburnishedsilver,onthegrassybank.“Thatwill beour supper to-night,”observed the carle, ashedisengaged thespear.Erlingmadenoreply,butinafewminuteshepulledoutanotherfish,andsaid,ashethrewitdown“Thatwilldoforafriend,shouldonechancetoturnintousto-night.”Afterthathetriedagain,butstrucknomore,althoughhechangedhisgroundfrequently;sohecasthiseyesupwardsasiftojudgeofthetimeofevening,andappearedtodoubtwhetherornotheshouldpersevereanylonger.“Trythefoss,”suggestedthehouse-carle;“youseldomfailtogetonethere.”“Well,Iwill tryit.Dothouleavethefishunderthatbush,andfollowme.Itneedsthreebigfishtomakeagoodfeastformyfather’shousehold.”“Besides,”saidthecarle,“thereisluckinanoddnumber,asKettleFlatnoseisfondoftellingus.”Theywere about to ascend thebank to the trackwhich led to thewaterfall,abouthalfamile fartherup the river,when theirattentionwasarrestedbyashout; lookingdown the stream in thedirectionwhence it came, they sawafigureapproachingthematfullspeed.“ThatmustbemybrotherAlric,”saidErling,onhearingtheshoutrepeated.“Itlookslikehim,”saidthecarle.Alldoubton thepointwasquickly set at restby the lad,who ranat apacewhichsoonbroughthimnear.Wavinghiscapabovehisheadheshouted“News!news!goodnews!”“Out with thy news, then,” said Erling, as Alric stood before him, pantingviolently,“thoughIdaresaythebestnewsthouhasttogiveisthatthouhastcomebacktoussafeandwell.”“Hah! letmegetwind!nay, I havebetter news than that,” exclaimedAlric;“HaraldiscomingKingHaraldHaarfagerwithamonstrousfleetoflongships,cutters, dragons, and little boats, and a mighty host of men, to lay wasteHorlingdalwithfireandsword,andburnusallalive,perhapseatustoo,whoknows!”

“Trulyif thisbegoodnews,”saidErling,witha laugh,“IhopeImayneverhearbadnews.Butwheregotyesuchnews,Alric?”“FromthewidowGunhild,tobesure,whoistruetousassteel,andcomesallthewayfromDrontheim,outoflovetothee,Erling,totellit.But,Isay,don’tyouthinkthisgoodnews?Ialwaysthoughtyouwouldgiveyourbestbattle-axetohaveachanceoffightingHarald!”“Aye, truly, for a chanceof fightingHarald,butnot for that chancecoupledwiththeotherchanceofseeingHorlingdallaidwastewithfireandsword,tosaynothingofbeingeatenalive,which,Isuppose,isthineownadditiontothenews, boy.But come, if this be so,wedonotwell towaste time chatteringhere.Fetch the two fish, carle.To-nightwemust be contentwithwhat luckliesinanevennumberinspiteoftheopinionofKettleFlatnose.Come,Alric,thoucansttellmemoreofthisaswehastenhome.”“But I havemore goodnews than that to tell,” said the lad, as theyhurriedtowards Haldorstede. “Solve Klofe with his men have come back withusindeed, Imayrathersay thatwehavecomebackwithSolve, forourownshiphasbeenwreckedandlost,butKettleandIandThorerandall themenweresavedbySolve,withnearlyeverythingbelongingtous,andallthebooty.Itisnotmorethananhoursincewesailedintothefiord,loadedtotheshield-circle with, oh! such splendid thingsgold, silver, cups, tankards, gems,shawlsandand I know not what all, besides captives. It was just after welandedthatasmallboatcameroundthenessfromthenorthwiththewidowGunhildinit,andshejumpedashore,andtoldwhatshehadseenandheardatDrontheim,andthatwemayexpectAda’sfather,KingHakon,inhislongship,toouraid;perhapshemaybecoming into the fiordevennowwhilewearetalking.Andand,shesaidalsothatRolfGangerhadlefttheKinginahuff,andperhapswemightlookforhelpfromhimtoo.SomethinksIbringgoodnews,don’tI?”“Good,aye,andstirringnews,myboy,”criedErlingstridingonwardatsuchapacethat thecarlewiththefishwasleftbehind,andAlricwascompelledtoadoptanundignifiedtrotinordertokeepupwithhishugebrother.“FromthisIsee,”continuedErlinginatoneofdeepseriousness,“that thelong-looked-for timeisat lastapproaching.Thisbattle thatmustsurelycomewilldecidethefateoffreemen.KingHaraldHaarfagermustnowbecrushed,orNorwayshallbeenslaved.Alric,myboy,thouhastbeenstyledLightfoot.Ifeverthoudidststrivetomeritthattitle,strivethisnightasyehaveneverstrivenbefore,forthereisurgentneedthateveryfriendlybladeinthelandshouldassembleinthedalewithoutdelay.IwillsendtheeforthwiththesplitarrowassoonasIhaveseenandspokenwithmyfather.Ha!Iseehimcoming.Gointothehouse,lad,andsupwellandquickly,fornosleepshallvisitthineeyelidsthisnight.”

Alric’sbreastswelledwithgratificationatbeingspokentothusearnestlyandmadeofsuchimportancebyhisbrother,whomheadmiredandlovedwithanintensity of feeling that no words can convey. Looking up in his face withsparklingeyes,hegavehimalittlenod.Erlingrepliedwithanotherlittlenodandasedatesmile,andtheboy,turningaway,dashedintothehouse,atwhichtheyhadnowarrived.“Hastheardthenews,Erling?”askedHaldor,ashissondrewnear.“Aye,Alrichastolditme.”“Whatthinkestthou?”“Thatthegameisabouttobeplayedout.”Haldor looked full in Erling’s face, and his own noble countenance glowedwith an expression ofmajesty which cannot be described, andwhich arosefromthedeepconvictionthatoneofthemostmomentouserasinhislifehadarrivedaperiodinwhichhisownfateandthatofallheheldmostdearwouldin all probability be sealed.Death or victory, he felt assured,were now thealternatives; andwhen he reflected on the great power of theKing, and thesternnecessitytherewasfor theexertionofnotonlytheutmostbravery,butthemostconsummateskill,hiswholebeingglowedwithsuppressedemotion,whilehisbearingbetokened thepresence,andbore thedignifiedstamp,ofasettledpurposetodohisbest,andmeethisfate,forwealorwoe,manfully.“Come,”saidhe,puttinghisarmwithinthatofhisstoutson,“letusturnintothewoodawhile.Iwouldconversewiththeeonthismatter.”“Alricisreadytostartwiththetoken,”saidErling.“Iknowit,myson.Lethimsupfirst; thewomenwillcarewellforhim,fortheywillguesstheworkthatliesbeforehim.ThepeopleofUlfstedearewithusto-night,andGlummishere;butGlummisnotofmuchuseasacounsellorjustnow,poorfellow.Itwerekindtolethimbe,untilitistimetorousehimuptofight!”AquietsmileplayedonHaldor’slipsashethusalludedtotheimpossibilityofgettingGlummtothinkofanythingbutloveorfightingatthattime.While the father and son strolled in thewood conversing earnestly, a noisyanimatedscenewaspresentedin thegreathallofHaldorstede;for in itwereassembled, besides the ordinary household, the family from Ulfstede, asprinklingof theneighbours,Gunhildandhermen,GuttormStoutheart, andSolveKlofe,withKettleFlatnose,Thorer theThick,and thechiefmenwho

hadarrivedfromtherecentvikingcruise;allofwhomweretalkingtogetherinthe utmost excitement,while the fairHerfrida and her daughters andmaidspreparedasumptuousmeal.Inthosedays,andatsuchanestablishmentasthatofHaldortheFierce,itwasnotpossibleforfriendstoappearinopportunely.Adozenmighthave“droppedin”tobreakfast,dinner,orsupper,withoutcostingDameHerfridaananxiousthought as towhether the cold joint of yesterday “would do”, or somethingmoremustbeprocured,forsheknewthatthelarderwasalwayswellstocked.When,therefore,aminiaturearmyofhungrywarriorsmadeasuddendescentupon her, she was quite prepared for themreceived themwith thematronlydignityandcaptivatingsmileforwhichshewascelebrated,andatoncegavedirections to her commissariat department to produce and preparemeat anddrinksuitabletotheoccasion.Theeveningwhichhadthusgrownsounexpectedlybigwithpresentfactsandfutureportentshadbeguninaverysmallwayinawaysomewhatequivalenttothemodern“smallteaparty”.UlfofRomsdal,feelingadisposition“tomakeanight of it”, had propounded to Dame Astrid the idea of “going up toHaldorstedefortheevening.”Hiswife,beingamiablydisposed,agreed.HildaandAdawereequallywilling,andGlumm,whobyamerechancehappenedtobethereatthetime,couldnotchoosebutaccompanythem!ThefamilyatHaldorstedeweredelightedtoseetheirfriends.DameHerfridacarriedoffDameAstridtoherapartmenttodivestherofherhatandmantle.Ingeborg bore off Ada, and the younger girls of the householdmade awaywith Hilda, leaving Ulf to talk the politics of the day with Haldor, whileGlummpretendedtolistentothem,butlistened,inreality,forAda’sreturningfootsteps.Inashorttimethefaironesre-enteredthehall,andtheretheyhadsupper,or,moreproperly,aninterludesupperasortofsupperlet,sotospeak,composed of cold salmon, scones, milk, and ale, which was intended, nodoubt,togivethemanappetiteforthetruesupperthatshouldfollowerelong.Overthissupperlettheywereallverytalkativeandmerry,withtheexception,poorfellow,ofGlumm,whosatsometimesglancingat,andalways thinkingof,Ada,andpendulating,asusual,betweentheconditionofbeingmiserablyhappyorhappilymiserable.Nomortal,saveGlummhimself,couldhavetoldorconceivedwhatalifeAdaledhim.She tookhimupby theneck, figurativelyspeaking,andshookhimagainandagainasaterriershakesarat,anddroppedhim!Butherethesimileceases,forwhereas theratusuallycrawlsaway, if itcan,andevidentlydoesnotwantmore,Glummalwayswantedmore,andnevercrawledaway.Onthecontrary,hecrawledhumblybacktothefeetofhistormentor,andbylooks,ifnotwords,cravedtobeshakenagain!

ItwaswhileGlummwasdrinkingthiscupofmingledblissandtorment,andthe otherswere enjoying their supperlet, that SolveKlofe and hismen, andKettleFlatnose,ThorertheThick,andthehouse-carles,burstclamorouslyintothe hall, with old Guttorm Stoutheart, who had met them on the beach.Scarcely had they got over the excitement of this first invasion when thewidow Gunhild and her niece arrived to set the household ablaze with heralarmingnews.ThemomentthatHaldorheardithedispatchedAlricinsearchofErling,who,aswehaveseen,immediatelyreturnedhome.ShortlyafterwardsheandHaldorenteredthehall.“Ho!mymen,”criedthelatter,“toarms,toarms!Buskyeforthefight,andbrisklytoo,forwhenHaraldHaarfagerliftshishandheisnotslowtostrike.WhereisAlric?”“HereIam,father.”“Hastfedwell,boy?”“Aye,famously,”answeredAlric,wipinghismouthandtighteninghisbelt.“Takethewar-token,myson,andseethatthouspeeditwell.Letitnotfailforwantofamessenger.Ifneedbe,goalltheroundthyself,andrestnotaslongaswindandlimbholdout.Thyfightingdayshavebegunearly,”headdedinasofter tone,ashepassedhis largehandgentlyover the fairheadof theboy,“perchance theywill end early.But,whatever betide,Alric, quit thee like amanasthouarttrulyinheartifnotinlimb.”Suchwordsfromonewhowasnotatanytimelavishofpraisemight,ashorttimebefore,havecausedtheboytoholduphisheadproudly,butthelastyearof his life had been fraughtwithmany lessons. He listenedwith a heavingbreastandbeatingheartindeed,butwithhisheadbentmodestlydown,whileon his flushed countenance therewas a bright expression, and on his lips agladsmilewhichspokevolumes.Hisfatherfeltassured,ashelookedathim,thathewouldneverbringdiscreditonhisname.“Yeknowthecourse,”saidHaldor;“away!”InanotherminuteAlricwas runningat full speedup theglenwith thewar-tokeninhishand.Hispathwasrugged,hisracewaswild,anditsresultswerestriking. He merely shouted as he passed the windows of the cottages lowdowninthedale,knowingthatthementherewouldberousedbyothersnearathand;butfartheron,wherethecottagesweremorescattered,heopenedthedoor of each and showed the token, uttering a word or two of explanation

during the brief moment he stayed to swallow a mouthful of water or totightenhisbelt.At first his course lay along thebanksof the river, every rockand shrubofwhichheknew.Fartheronheleftthestreamontheright,andstruckintothemountainsjustasthesunwentdown.Highuponthefellsalittlecottagestoodperchedonacliff.Itwasoneofthe“saeters”ormountaindairieswherethecattlewerepasturedinsummerlongagojustas theyareat thepresentday.Alricranup thesteepfaceof thehill,doubled swiftly round the cornerof the enclosure, burst open thedoor, and,springing in, held up the token, while he wiped the streaming perspirationfromhisface.Amanandhiswife,withthreestoutsonsandacomelydaughter,wereseatedonalowbencheatingtheirsupperofthickenedmilk.“Thewar-token!”exclaimedthemen,springingup,and,withoutamoment’sdelay,takingdownandgirdingonthearmourwhichhungroundthewalls.“KingHaraldisonhiswaytothedale,”saidAlric;“weassembleatUlfstede.”“ShallIbearonthetoken?”askedtheyoungestofthemen.“Aye;butgothouwithituptheWolf’sDenValley.ImyselfwillbearitroundbytheEagleCragandthecoast.”“Thatisalongway,”saidtheman,takinghisshielddownfromapeginthewall.Alric replied not, for he had already darted away, and was again speedingalongthemountainside.Nighthadbeguntoclosein,fortheseasonhadnotyetadvancedtotheperiodofendlessdaylight.Farawayinanoffshootvale,abrightruddylightgleamedthroughthesurroundingdarkness.Alric’seyewasfixedonit.Hisuntiringfootsped towards it.The roar of amighty cataract grew louder onhis ear everymoment.Hehadtoslackenhispacealittle,andpickhisstepsashewenton,forthepathwasruggedanddangerous.“Iwonder ifOldHansof theFoss isathome?”was the thought thatpassedthroughhismindasheapproachedthedoor.OldHanshimselfansweredthethoughtbyopeningthedooratthatmoment.Hewasashort,thick-set,andverypowerfulman,ofapparentlysixtyyearsofage,buthiseyewasasbrightandhisstepaslightasthatofmanyamanof

twenty.“Thewar-token,”hesaid,almostgaily,steppingbackintothecottageasAlricleapedin.“Whatisdoing,sonofHaldor?”“KingHaraldwillbeuponussooner thanwewish.Ulfstede is themeeting-place.Canthysonspeedonthetokeninthenextvalley?”Theoldwarriorshookhisheadsadly,andpointedtoalowbed,whereayoungmanlaywiththewastedfeaturesandbrighteyesthattoldofadeadlydiseaseinitsadvancedstage.AnexclamationofregretandsympathyescapedfromAlric.“Icannotgo,”hesaid;“mycourseliestotheleft,bytheStorfoss.Hastnoonetosend?”“Iwillgo,father,”saidasmartgirloffifteen,whohadbeenseatedbehindhermother,nearthecouchofthesickman.“Thou,bairn?”“Yes,whynot?ItisonlyaleaguetoHawksdal,whereyoungEricwillgladlyrelieveme.”“True,”saidtheoldwarrior,withasmile,ashebegantodonhisarmour.“Go;Ineednottelltheetomakehaste!”Alricwaitedtohearnomore,butdartedawayasthelittlemaidtrippedoffinanotherdirection.Thushourbyhour thenightpassedbyandAlric ransteadilyonhiscourse,rousing up all the fighting men in his passage through the district. As headvanced,messengerswithwar-tokensweremultiplied,and,erethemorning’ssun had glinted on themountain peaks or lighted up thewhite fields of theJustedalglacier,thewholecountrywasinarms,andmenwerecrowdingtotherendezvous.Daylighthadjustcommencedtoilluminetheeasternsky,whenAlric,havingcompletedhisround,foundhimselfoncemoreonthecliffsabovethesea.ButhewasstillsixoreightmilesfromUlfstede,andthepathtoitalongthetopofthecliffswasanextremelyruggedone.Earnestlythendidthepoorboywishthathehad remembered toput apieceofbread inhiswalletbefore leavinghome,but inhishastehehad forgotten todo so, andnowhe foundhimselfweary,foot-sore,andfaintfromexertion,excitement,andhunger,farfromanyhumanhabitation.As therewasno remedy for this,hemadeuphismind totakeashortrestonthegrass,andthensetoffforhomeasfastaspossible.

With thisend inviewheselectedasoft spot,onacliffoverlooking thesea,andlaydownwithasighofsatisfaction.Almostinstantlyhefellintoadeepslumber,inwhichhelay,perfectlymotionless,forsomehours.Howlongthatslumberwouldhavelasteditisimpossibletosay,foritwasprematurelyandunpleasantlyinterrupted.In his cat-like creepings about the coast, Hauskuld the berserk, havingobtained all the information that he thought would be of use to his royalmaster,landedforthelasttimetoreconnoitrethepositionofUlfstede,andseeasmuchashecouldofthedoingsofthepeoplebeforeturninghisprowagaintothenorth.Thespotwhereheranhisboatashorewasatthefootofasteepcliff,upwhichheandacomradeascendedwithsomedifficulty.At the top, to his surprise, he found a lad lying on the grass sound asleep.Aftercontemplatinghimforafewminutes,andwhisperingafewwordstohiscomrade,whoindulgedinabroadgrin,HauskulddrewhisswordandprickedAlric on the shoulder with it. An electric shock could not have beenmoreeffective.Thepoorboysprangupwithaloudcry,andforafewsecondsgazedattheberserksinbewilderment.Thenitflasheduponhisawakeningfacultiesthathewasstandingbeforeenemies,sohesuddenlyturnedroundandfled,butHauskuld sprang after him, and, before he had got three yards away, hadcaughthimbythenapeoftheneckwithagripthatmadehimgasp.“Ho,ho!myyoungfox,soyethoughttoleavethehoundsinthelurch?Come,ceasethykicking,elsewillIgivetheeaninchofsteeltoquietthee.Tellmethyname,andwhatthouartabouthere,andIwillconsiderwhethertomakeuseoftheeorhurltheeoverthecliffs.”BythistimeAlrichadfullyrecoveredhissensesandhisself-possession.Hestoodboldlyupbeforetheberserkandreplied“MynameisAlricsonofHaldortheFierce,outofwhosewayIadvisetheetokeepcarefully,ifthouartnottiredoflife.Ihavejustbeenroundwiththewar-tokenrousingthecountry.”“Amostproperoccupationforaneagletsuchasthou,”saidHauskuld;“thatistosay,ifthecausebeagoodone.”“Thecauseisoneofthebest,”saidAlric.“Prithee,whatmayitbe?”“Self-defenceagainstatyrant.”Hauskuldglancedathiscomrade,andsmiledsarcasticallyasheasked

“Andwhomaythistyrantbe?”“HaraldHaarfager,tyrantKingofNorway,”repliedtheladstoutly.“Ithoughtso,”saidHauskuld,withagrimtwistofhisfeatures.“Well,youngeaglet,thouartworthytobemademincemeatoftofeedthecrows,butitmaybethatthetyrantwouldliketodisposeoftheehimself.Saynow,whetherwillyewalkdownthatcliffquietlyinfrontofme,orbedraggeddown?”“Iwouldratherwalk,ifImustgo.”“Well, thoumustgo, thereforewalk,andsee thoudo itasbrisklyasmaybe,elsewillIapplythespur,whichthouhastfeltoncealreadythismorning.Leadtheway,comrade;Iwillbringupthereartopreventthecoltfrombolting.”Ashe knew that resistancewould be useless, the boy promptly and silentlydescended the cliff with his captors, and entered the boat, which wasimmediatelypushedoffandrowedalong-shore.“Now listen to me, Alric, son of Haldor,” said Hauskuld, seating himselfbeside his captive: “KingHarald is not the tyrant you take him for; he is agoodking,andanxioustodothebesthecanforNorway.Somemistakenmen,likeyourfather,compelhimtotakestrongmeasureswhenhewouldfaintakemild. If you will take me to a spot where I may safely view the valley ofHorlingdal,andtellmeallyouknowabouttheirpreparationsforresistance,IwilltakeyoubacktoDrontheim,andspeakwellofyoutotheKing,whowillnotonlyrewardyouwithhisfavour,butmakegoodterms,Idoubtnot,withyourfather.”Thewilyberserkhadchangedhistonetothatofonewhoaddressesasuperiorin rankwhilehe thus tempted theboy;buthe littleguessed the spirit ofhiscaptive.“What!” he exclaimed scornfully; “wouldst thou haveme turn traitor tomyownfather?”“Nay, Iwould have you turnwise for the sake of your father and yourself.ThinkwellofwhatIsay,andallIaskofyouistoguidemetoagoodpointofobservation.Thereisacave,theysay,nearUlfstede,withitsmouthtothesea,and a secret entrance from the land.Nodoubt I could find itmyselfwith alittletrouble,butitwouldsavetimeifyouweretopointitout.”“Never!”exclaimedAlricsternly.“Truly thou art a chip of the old tree,” said Hauskuld, taking Alric’s earbetweenhisfingerandthumb;“buttherearemeanstotakewhichhavebeen

knowntobendstouterheartsthanthine.Say,wiltthoushowmethecave?”He pinched the ear with gradually increasing force as he spoke, but Alricneitherspokenorwinced,althoughthebloodwhichrushedtohisfaceshowedthathefeltthepainkeenly.“Well,well,”said theberserk,relaxinghisgrip,“this isa tortureonlyfit forverysmallboysafterall.Handmethepincers,Arne.”Oneof themendrewinhisoar,andfromalockerpulledoutapairof largepincers,whichhehandedtohischief,whoatonceappliedthemtothefleshypartatthebackofAlric’sarm,betweentheelbowandtheshoulder.“When thou art willing to do as I bid thee, I will cease to pinch,” saidHauskuld.PoorAlrichadturnedpaleatthesightofthepincers,forheknewwelltheusetheywouldbeput to;buthesethis teeth tightly together,anddetermined toendureit.Asthepainincreasedthebloodrushedagaintohisface,butanextrasqueezeoftheinstrumentoftorturesentitrushingbackwithadeadlychilltohisheart.Inspiteofhimself,asharpcryburstfromhislips.Turningsuddenlyround, he clenched his right hand, and hit his tormentor on themouthwithsuch force that his headwasknockedviolently against the steeringoar, andtwoorthreeofhisfrontteethweredrivenout.“Thoudog’swhelp!”shoutedHauskuld,assoonashecouldspeak.“I’ll”Hecouldsaynomore;but,graspingtheboybythehairofthehead,heseizedhis sword, andwouldcertainlyhave slainhimon the spot, hadnot themannamedArneinterposed.“TheKingwill not thank thee for his slaying,” said he, laying his hand onHauskuld’sarm.Thelattermadenoreplyexcepttoutteracurse,then,droppinghissword,hestruck Alric a blow on the forehead with his fist, which knocked himinsensibleintothebottomoftheboat.“Yonderisthemouthofthecave,”exclaimedoneofthemen.“Itmaybetheonewelookfor,”mutteredHauskuld.“Pullintoit.”Sosaying,hesteeredtheboatintothecavern,anditskeelsoongratedonthegravelly beach inside. The sound arousedAlric, who at first could not see,owing to the gloom of the place, and the effects of the blow; but he wasbroughtsuddenlytoastateofmentalactivityandanxietywhenherecognised

the sidesof thewell-knowncave.Risingquicklybutcautiously,he listened,and knew by the sounds that the boatmen, ofwhom therewere eight,weresearchingforanoutlettowardstheland.Hethereforeslippedoverthesideofthe boat, and hastened towards the darkest side of the cave, but Hauskuldcaughtsightofhim.“Ha!isthelittledogtryingtogetaway?”heshouted,runningafterhim.The lad formedhisplan instantly.“Comeon,Hauskuld,”heshouted,withawildlaugh;“Iwillshowtheetheoutlet,andgetoutbeforetheetoo.”He then ran to the inner part of the cave that was farthest from the secretopening, shouting as he ran, and making as much noise as possible. Theberserk and his men followed. The instant he reached the extremity of theplaceAlricbecameassilentasamouse,kickedoffhisshoes,andrannimblyroundbytheintricateturningsoftheinnerwall,untilhecametothefootofthedarknaturalstaircase,whichhasbeenreferredtoat thebeginningofourtale.Upthishebounded,andreachedtheopenairabove,whilehispursuerswerestillknockingtheirshinsandheadsontherocksatthewrongendofthecavebelow.Withoutamoment’spausetheexultingboydashedawaytowardsUlfstede.Hehad not run two hundred yards, however, when he observed three menstandingonthetopof thelittlemoundtowhichthepeopleofUlfstedewerewonttomountwhentheywishedtoobtainanuninterruptedviewofthevalleyandthefiord.Theyhailedhimatthatmoment,soheturnedaside,andfound,on drawing near, that they were his brother Erling, Glumm the Gruff, andKettleFlat-nose.“Why,Alric!”exclaimedErling in surprise,onseeing theboy’s swelledandbloodyface,“whatailsthee?”“Quick,comewithme,allofye!Thereisworkforyourswordsathand.Lendmethysword,Erling.Itistheshortone,andtheaxewillbeenoughforthee.”Theexcitedladdidnotwaitforpermission,butsnatchedtheswordfromhisbrother’s side, and without further explanation, ran back towards the cliffs,followedcloselybytheastonishedmen.Hemadestraightfortheholethatledto the cave, and was about to leap into it when Hauskuld stepped out andalmostreceivedhiminhisarms.Beforetheberserkcouldplanthisfeetfirmlyon the turf, Alric heaved up his brother’s sword and brought it down onHauskuld’sheadwithrightgoodwill.Hisarm,however,hadnotyetreceivedpowertocleavethroughasteelhelmet,buttheblowwassufficienttogiveitsuchadintthatitswearertumbledbackintothehole,andwentrattlingdownthe steep descent heels over head into the cave.The boy leaped down after

him, but Hauskuld, although taken by surprise and partially stunned, hadvigourenoughlefttojumpupandrundowntotheboat.Hismen,onhearingthenoiseofhisfall,hadalsorushedtotheboat,andpushedoff.Theberserksprang into thewater, andswamafter them, justashispursuers reached thecave. Seeing this, hismen being safe beyond pursuit, lay on their oars andwaited for him.ButHauskuld’s career had been run out.Either the fall hadstunnedhim,orhewasseizedwithafit,forhesuddenlyraisedhimselfinthewater, and, uttering a cry that echoed fearfully in the roof of the cavern, hesanktothebottom.Stillhismenwaitedaminuteortwo,butseeingthathedidnotriseagain,theypulledaway.“Itisunluckythattheyshouldhaveescapedthus,”saidAlric,“fortheygototellKingHaraldwhattheyhaveseen.”“Friends,” saidErling, “I have a plan inmy head to cheat theKing. I shallsendThorerroundwithmySwantothiscave,andhereletitlie,wellarmedandprovisioned,duringthebattlethatweshallhavetofightwithHaralderelong. If ill luck should be ours, those of us who survive will thus have achanceofescapingwiththewomen.”“Whatneedisthereofthat?”saidGlumm;“wearesuretogivehimthetooth-ache!”“Wearesureofnothinginthisworld,”repliedErling,“savethatthesunwillriseandsetandtheseasonswillcomeandgo.IshalldoasIhavesaid,chieflyforthesakeofthewomen,whomIshouldnotliketoseefallintothehandsofKingHarald;andIcounseltheetodothesamewiththysmallshiptheCrane.Itcanwellbespared,forweareliketohaveagoodlyforceofmenandships,ifImistakenotthespiritthatisabroad.”“Well,Iwilldoit,”saidGlumm.“AndAlricwillnotobject, Idaresay, tostandsentinelover theships in thecavewithtwoorthreementilltheyarewanted,”saidErling.“That will not I,” cried Alric, who was delighted to be employed in anyserviceratherthanbeleftathome,forhisfather,deeminghimstilltooyoung,hadstrictlyforbiddenhimtoembarkinthefleet.“Wellthen,thesoonerthisissetaboutthebetter,”saidErling,“forthereisnocountingonthemovementsoftheKing.”“Humph!”ejaculatedGlumm.“Illlucktothetyrant!”saidKettleFlatnose,astheyturnedandleftthecave.

ChapterTwentyOne

GlummgainsaGreatPrivateVictoryTheDalesmenassembletofightforFreedomTheFoeappears,andtheSignalofBattleissounded

AgainwereturntothemoundnearUlfstede,thetopofwhichwasnowbathedintheraysofthemorningsunforthedayhadonlybegun,theeventsnarratedattheendofthelastchapterhavingoccurredwithinaperiodoflessthanthreehours.HerestoodthefairHildaandthevolatileAda,theformerleaningonthearmofthelatter,andbothgazingintentlyandinsilenceontheheart-stirringscenebefore them. Once again Horlingdal with its fiord was the scene of anassembly of armed men, but this time the concourse was grander, becausemuchgreater,thanonapreviousoccasion.Menhadlearnedbyrecenteventsthatmomentouschangesweretakingplaceintheland.ThenewsoftheKing’sacts had been carried far andwide. Everyone felt that a decisive blowwasabout tobe struck somewhere, and althoughmanyhundredshad little ornoopinionoftheirownastowhatwasbestfortheinterestsofthekingdom,theyknew that a side must be taken, and were quite willing to take that whichappeared tobe the right, orwhich seemedmost likely towin,while a largeproportion of them were intelligently and resolutely opposed to the King’sdesigns.Thus,whenthewar-tokenwassentround,itwasansweredpromptly.Thosewhodweltnearest to theplaceofrendezvousweresoonassembledingreat numbers, and, from the elevated point on which the girls stood, theirglittering masses could be seen on the shore, while they launched theirlongshipsandloadedthemwithstonestheammunitionofthosedaysorpassedbrisklytoandfrowitharmsandprovisions;whileallupthevalley,asfarasthe eye could see, even to the faint blue distance, in the haze ofwhich theglaciersandcloudsandmountaintopsseemedtocommingle,troopsofarmedmen could be seen pouring down from gorge and glen, through wood andfurzeandfen.Onthefiord,too,thesameactivityandconcentrationprevailed,though not quite to the same extent. Constantly there swept round thepromontoriestothenorthandsouth,boatafterboat,andshipaftership,untilthe bay close belowUlfstedewas crowdedwithwar-craft of every sizetheirgay sails, and in some cases gilded masts and figureheads, glancing in thesunshine,andtheirshield-circledgunwalesreflectedclearlyinthesea.“Whatagrandsight!”exclaimedAdawithenthusiasm,asshelistenedtothedeep-tonedhumofthebusymultitudebelow.“WouldGodIhadneverseenit!”saidhercompanion.“Outuponthee,Hilda!IscarcedeemtheefittobeafreeNorsemaiden.Such

ascenewouldstirtheheartofstone.”“Itdoesstirmyheartstrangely,sister,”repliedHilda,“Iscarcelycanexplainhow.IfeelexultationwhenIseethemightofourdistrict,andtheboldbearingofourbraveandbriskmen;butmyheartsinksagainwhenIthinkofwhatistocomethebloodofmenflowinglikewater,deathsweepingthemdownlikegrain before the sickle; and forwhat?Ada, these go not forth to defend usfromourenemies,theygotowarwithbrothersandkindredwithNorsemen.”Adabeatherfootimpatientlyonthesod,andfrownedalittleasshesaid“Iknowitwellenough,butitisagrandsightforallthat,anditdoesnogoodtopeepintothefutureasthouartdoingcontinually.”“Idonotpeep,”repliedHilda;“thefuturestaresmefullintheface.”“Well,letitstare,sistermine,”saidAda,withalaugh,assheclearedherbrow,“andstarepast itsfaceatwhat liesbefore theeatpresent,whichisbeautifulenough,thoumustallow.”Atthatmomentthereseemedtobeincreasingbustleandenergyonthepartofthewarriorsontheshore,andthemurmuroftheirvoicesgrewlouder.“Whatcanthatmean,Iwonder?”saidAda.“Freshnewsarrived,perhaps,”repliedherfriend.“TheChristians’Godgrantthatthiswarmaybeaverted!”“Amen,ifitbeHiswill,”saidadeepvoicebehindthegirls,whoturnedandfoundthehermitstandingattheirside.“But,Hilda,”hecontinued,“Goddoesnot always answer our prayers in thewaywe expectsometimes becauseweprayforthewrongthing,andsometimesbecausewepraythattherightthingmay come to us in thewrongway. I like best to endmy petitionswith thewordsofmydearSaviourJesusChrist‘Thywillbedone.’Justnowitwouldseemasifwarwereordainedtogoon,forascouthasjustcomeintosaythatKingHaraldwithhisfleetisontheothersideofyonderpoint,andIamsenttofetchtheedowntoaplaceofsafetywithoutdelay.”“Whosentthee?”demandedAda.“Thyfoster-father.”“Methinkswearesafeenoughhere,”shesaid,withagestureofimpatience.“Aye,ifwewintheday,butnotifweloseit,”saidtheoldman.“Come,”saidHilda,“wemustobeyourfather.”

“Ihavenointentionofdisobeyinghim,”retortedtheother,tossingherhead.JustthenAlricranupwithalookofanxietyonhisswelledandblood-stainedface.“Come,girls,yeareinthewayhere.Hasteah!herecomesErlingandGlummtoo.”Thetwoyoungmenranupthehillashespoke.“Comewithusquickly,”criedErling;“wedonotwish theKing’speople toseeanyoneonthismound.Letmeleadtheedown,Hilda.”He took her by the hand and led her away. Glumm went forward to Ada,whoseold spiritwas evidently still alive, for sheglanced at thehermit, andappeared as if inclined to put herself under his protection, but there wassomethinginGlumm’sexpressionthatarrestedher.Hisgruffnesshadforsakenhim, and he came forward with an unembarrassed and dignified bearing.“Ada,”hesaid,inagentlebutdeliberatevoice,whilehegazedintoherfacesoearnestlythatshewasfaintodrophereyes,“thoumustdecidemyfatenow.To-dayit is likelyIshallfightmylastbattleinmyfatherland.Deathwillbeabroadonthefiord,morethanwillingtobecourtedbyallwhochoosetowoohim.Say,dearmaid,amItobethyprotectorornot?”Adahesitated,andclaspedherhandstightlytogether,whilethetell-talebloodrushed to her cheeks. Glumm, ever stupid on these matters, said no otherword,butturnedonhisheelandstrodequicklyaway.“Stay!”shesaid.Shedidnotsaythisloudly,butGlummheardit,turnedround,andstrodebackagain.AdasilentlyplacedherhandinhisittrembledasshedidsoandGlummledherdownthehill.The girlswere escorted by their lovers only as far asUlfstede.With all theotherwomenoftheplace,andtheoldpeople,theywereputunderthecareofthehermit,whoconveyedthemsafelytoHaldorstede,theretoawaittheissueoftheday.Meanwhile, Haldor, Erling, Glumm, Hakon of Drontheim, Ulf, GuttormStoutheart, and all the other Sea-kings, not only of Horlingdal, but of thesurrounding valleys,with a host of smaller bonders, unfreemen, and thralls,wentdowntotheshoresofthebayandpreparedforbattle.It is needless to say that all were armed to the teethwith coats ofmail and

shirts of wolf-skin; swords and battle-axes, bows and arrows, halberds andspears,“morningstars”andbills, scythes, javelins, iron-shodpolesandmanyotherweapons.TheprincipalshipsofthefleetwereofcoursethosebelongingtoHaldor,Ulf,and thewealthiermen of the district. Some of thesewere very largehavingthirtybenchesofrowers,andbeingcapableofcarryingaboveahundredandfifty men. All of them were more or less decorated, and a stately brilliantspectacle they presented, with their quaint towering figureheads, their highpoops,shield-hungsides,andnumerousoars.ManyproudthoughtsdoubtlessfilledtheheartsoftheseSea-kingsastheylookedattheirshipsandmen,andsilentlywendedtheirwaydowntothestrand.InthecaseofHaldorandErling,however, ifnotofothers, such thoughtswere temperedwith the feeling thatmomentousissueshungonthefateoftheday.Wellwasitforallconcernedthatthemenwholedthemthatdayweresofullofforethoughtandenergy,forscarcelyhadtheycompletedtheirpreparationsandembarkedtheirforceswhentheshipsofHaraldFairhairsweptroundthenorthernpromontory.IfthefleetofthesmallkingsofHorlingdalandthesouthwasimposing,thatoftheKingofNorwaywasstillmoreso.Besides,beingstrongerinnumbers,andmanyofthewarshipsbeinglargerhisownhugevessel,theDragon,ledthevan,appearinglikeagorgeousandgiganticsea-monster.TheKingwasveryproudofthislongship.Ithadrecentlybeenbuiltbyhim,and was one of the largest that had ever been seen in Norway. The exactdimensionsofitarenotnowknown,butweknowthatithadthirty-twobanksforrowers,fromwhichwemayinferthatitmusthavebeenofnearlythesamesizewiththeLongSerpent,awarvesselofthirty-fourbanks,whichwasbuiltabout theendof the tenthcentury,andsomeof thedimensionsofwhicharegivenintheSagaofOlafTryggvesson.Thelengthofherkeelthatrestedonthegrass,wearetold,wasabout111feet,whichisnotfarshortofthelengthofthekeelofoneofourforty-twogunfrigates.Asthesewarshipswerelonginproportiontotheirbreadth,likeourmodernsteamers,thisspeakstoasizeapproaching 400 tons burden.Aswehave said, theDragonwas a gorgeousvessel. Ithadahighpoopand forecastle, a lowwaist,ormiddlepart, andasplendidlygiltandpaintedstern,figurehead,andtail.Thesides,whichwere,asusual,hungroundwiththeredandwhitepaintedshieldsofthecrew,werepiercedforsixty-fouroars, thatis, thirty-twooneachside,beingtwooarstoeachbankorbench,andastherewerethreementoeachoar,thisgaveatotalcrewof192men;but in truth thevessel contained, including steersmenandsupernumeraries,above200men.Under the feetof the rowers, in thewaist,were chests of arms, piles of stones to be used as missiles, provisions,

clothing,goods,andstores,allofwhichwereprotectedbyadeckofmovablehatches.Onthisdeckthecrewsleptatnights,shelteredbyanawningorsail,when itwasnotconvenient for themto landandsleepon thebeach in theirtents,withwhichallthevesselsoftheNorsemenwereusuallysupplied.Therewasbutonegreatmast,fortyfeethigh,andoneenormoussquaresailtothisship.Themastwastippedwithgilding,andthesailwasofalternatestripsofred,white,andbluecloth.Eachspacebetweenthebanksservedastheberthofsixoreightmen,andwasdividedintohalfberthsstarboardandlarboardforthemen who worked the corresponding oars. On the richly ornamented poopstood theKing himself, surrounded by his bodyguard and chiefmen of theCourt,includingJarlRongvoldandThiodolphthescald.Fromthestemtothemid-holdwas the forecastle, onwhichwere stationed theKing’s berserkers,underHakeofHadeland.AllthemenofHake’sbandweresplendidfellows;forKingHarald,havingachoiceofmenfromthebestofeverydistrict,tookintohishousetrooponlysuchaswereremarkableforstrength,courage,anddexterityintheuseoftheirweapons.ItmustnotbesupposedthattherestofHarald’sfleetwascomposedofsmallvessels.Onthecontrary,someofthemwerenotfarshortofhisowninpointofsize.Manyofhis jarlswerewealthymen,andhadjoinedhim,somewithten or twenty, and others with thirty, or even forty, ships of various sizes.Manyofthemhadfromtwentytothirtybanksforrowers,withcrewsof100or 150 men. There were also great numbers of cutters with ten or fifteenbanks, and from thirty to fiftymen ineach,besidesa swarmof lesser craft,aboutthesizeofourordinaryherringboats.Thereweremanymenofnoteinthisfleet,suchasKingSigurdofRoyerandSimun’s sons;OnundandAndreas;NicolasSkialdvarsson;Eindrid,a sonofMörnef,whowasthemostgallantandpopularmanintheDrontheimcountry,andmanyothers; thewholecomposinga formidable forceof sevenoreightthousandwarriors.WithHaldor theFierce,on theotherhand, therewasagoodly forceofmenand ships; for the whole south country had been aroused, and they camepouringintothefiordcontinuously.Neverthelesstheydidnotnumbernearlyso large a force as that under King Harald. Besides those who have beenalreadynamed,therewereEric,kingofHordaland;Sulke,kingofRogaland,andhis brother JarlSote;Kiotve theRich, kingofAgder, andhis sonThorHaklang; also the brothers Roald Ryg, and Hadd the Hard, of Thelemark,besidesmany others. But theirwhole number did not exceed four thousandmen;andtheworstofitallwasthatamongthesetherewereagreatmanyofthe smaller men, and a few of the chiefs whose hearts were not veryenthusiasticinthecause,andwhohadnoverystrongobjectiontotakeservice

underHaraldFairhair.These, however, held their peace,because thegreatermen among them, and the chief leaders, such asHaldor andUlf,were verysternanddecidedintheirdeterminationtoresisttheKing.Now,whenthereportwasbroughtthatHarald’sfleethaddoubledthedistantcapebeyondHafurdsfiord,thepeoplecrowdedtothetopofthecliffsbehindUlfstedetowatchit;andwhenitwasclearlyseenthatitwassomuchlargerthantheirown, therewereafewwhobegantosaythat itwouldbewiser torefrain from resistance; but Haldor called a Thing together on the spot bysoundofhorn,andagreatmanyshortpithyspeechesweremadeonbothsidesofthequestion.Thosewhowereforwarwerebyfarthemostablemen,andsofulloffirethattheyinfusedmuchoftheirownspiritintothosewhoheardthem. Erling in particular was very energetic in his denunciation of theillegalityofHarald’sproceedings;andevenGlummpluckedupheart toleaptohisfeetanddeclare,withafaceblazingwithwrath,thathewouldratherbedrownedinthefiordlikeadog,orquithisnativelandforever,thanremainathometobetheslaveofanyman!Glummwasnot,asthereaderisaware,famedforeloquence;neverthelesstheabruptnessofhis fieryspirit, thequick rushofhis fewsputteredwords,andtheclatterofhisarms,ashestruckhisfistviolentlyagainsthisshield,drewfromthemultitudealoudburstofapplause.Hehadinhimagooddealofthatelementwhichwemodernscall“go”.Whateverhedidwaseffectivelydone.The lastwhospokewasSolveKlofe.That redoubtablewarriorascended thehill justasGlummhadfinishedhis remarks.He immediatelystoodforward,andraisedhishandwithanimpassionedgesture.“Glummisright,”hecried.“Itisnowclearthatwehavebutonecoursetotake;andthatistoriseallasone man against King Harald, for although outnumbered, we still havestrengthenoughtofightforourancientrights.Fatemustdecidethevictory.Ifwecannotconquer,atalleventswecandie.Astobecominghisservants,thatisnoconditionforus!Myfather thought itbetter tofall inbattle than togowillinglyintoKingHarald’sservice,orrefusetoabidethechanceofweaponsliketheNumedalkings.”“That is well spoken,” cried Haldor, after the shout with which this wasreceivedhadsubsided.“TheThingisatanend,andnowweshallmakeready,foritcanbebutashorttimeuntilwemeet.Letthepeopletaketheirweapons,and everyman be at his post, so that all may be readywhen the war-hornsoundsthesignaltocastofffromtheland.(Seenote1.)Thenletusthrowoffatonce,andtogether,sothatnonegoonbeforetherestoftheships,andnonelagbehindwhenwerowoutofthefiord.Whenwemeet,andthebattlebegins,letpeoplebeonthealerttobringallourshipsincloseorder,andreadytobindthem together.Letus spareourselves in thebeginning, and take careofour

weapons,thatwedonotcastthemintothesea,orshootthemawayintheairto no purpose. But when the fight becomes hot, and the ships are boundtogether, then leteachmanshowwhatspirit is inhim,andhowwellhecanfightforcountry,law,andfreedom!”A loud ringing cheer was the answer to this speech, and then the wholeconcourse hurried down the hill and embarked; the vessels were quicklyarrangedinorderaccordingtotheirsize;thewar-hornsounded;thousandsofoarsdippedat thesamemoment, thebluewatersof the fiordwere torn intomilkyfoam,andslowly,steadily,andingoodorderthefleetoftheSea-kingsleftthestrand,doubledthecapetothenorthofHorlingfiord,andadvancedinbattlearraytomeetthefoe.Note1.Signals by call of trumpetwerewell understood in those times.Weread,intheancientSagas,ofthetrumpet-calltoarm,toadvance,toattack,toretreat, to land, andalso to attendaCourtThing, aHouseThing, aGeneralThing. These instruments were made of metal, and there were regulartrumpeters.

ChapterTwentyTwoDescribesaGreatSeaFightanditsConsequences

HaraldFairhairstoodonthepoopof thegreatDragon,andheldthesteeringoar. When he saw the fleet of the Sea-kings approaching, he called JarlRongvoldtohimandsaid“Methinks, jarl, thatInowseetheendofthiswarwiththesmallkings.It iseasy to perceive that the utmost force they are able to raise is here.Now, Iintend to beat them to-day, and break their strength for ever. Butwhen thebattleisover,manyofthemwillseektoescape.Iwouldpreventthatasmuchasmaybe.”TheKingpaused,asifengagedindeepthought.“Howdoyouproposetodoit,sire?”“Bymeansofaboom,”saidtheKing.“Gothou,summonhitherthetrustiestmaninthefleetforsuchapurpose,lethimdetachasmanymenandshipsashedeemsneedful,andgointoyondersmallfiordwherethereisapinewoodonthehillside.There lethimmakea longandstrongboomof timber,whilewe are engaged in the fight. Iwill drive asmany of the ships as I can intoHorlingfiord, andwhen that is done let him comeout and stretch the boomrightacross,sothatnoneofthemshallescape.And,harkee,seethatthemanthouchoosestforthisdutyisanableman,anddoesitwell,elseshallhishead

beloppedoff.”After issuing this command the King resigned the helm, and ordered hisbanner to be set up, which was done immediately. At the same time hisopponentsshookouttheirbanners,andbothfleetswereputinorderofbattle.Asbothwerearrayedmuchinthesameway,itwillbesufficienttodescribethe arrangements made by Haldor the Fierce, who had been electedcommander-in-chiefofthesmallkings’fleet.WhenHaldor saw the King’s banner displayed, he unfurled his own in thecentreofthefleet,andarrangedhisforceforattackrightagainstit.AlongsideofhimontherightwasUlfofRomsdalwiththirtyships,andonhisleftwasoldGuttormStoutheartwithtwenty-fiveships.Thesecomposedthecentreofthe line. Kettle Flatnose commanded the men on the forecastle in Ulf’slongship,andThorertheThickwasoverthoseinHaldor’svessel.The rightwingwas commanded by SolveKlofe, underwhomwereEric ofHordaland with fifteen ships; Sulke of Rogaland and his brother Sote withthirtyships,aswellasKiotveofAgder,andsomeotherswithmanyshipsalloflargesize.TheleftwingwasledbyKingHakonofDrontheim,underwhomwereRoaldRygandHadd theHard, andThorHaklang,with agoodmany ships.SolveKlofelaidhisshipsagainstKingHarald’sleftwing,whichwasunderEindrid,son ofMörnef, and Hakon laid his against King Sigurd of Royer, who ledHarald’srightwing.Allthechiefsoneithersidelaidtheirshipsaccordingastheywereboldorwell equipped.Whenallwas ready, theybound the shipstogether by the stems, and advanced towards eachother at the soundof thewar-trumpet. But as the fleets were so large, many of the smaller vesselsremainedloose,and,asitwere,wentaboutskirmishingindependently.Thesewerelaidforwardinthefight,accordingtothecourageoftheircommanders,whichwasveryunequal.AmongtheserovingwarriorswereourheroesErlingandGlumm,eachinoneofhisownsmallcutters,withaboutfortymen.Assoonasthewar-blastsoundedthemenrodeforwardtotheattack,andsoonnarrowedthesmallspacethatlaybetweenthehostilefleets.ThenHaldorandtheothercommanderswentdown to the sidesof their ships,where themenstood so thick that their shields touched all round, and encouraged them tofight well for the freedom of old Norwayto which they replied with loudhuzzas.Immediatelyaftertheairwasdarkenedwithacloudofarrows,andthefightbegan.

Therewerescalds inbothfleetsat that fight, theseafterwardswroteapoemdescriptiveofit,partofwhichwenowquote:“Withfalconeyeandcouragebright,HaldortheFiercepreparedforfight;‘Handupthearmstooneandall!’Hecries.‘Mymen,we’llwinorfall!Soonerthanfly,heapedoneachother,Eachmanwillfallacrosshisbrother!’Thusspake,andthroughhisvessels’throngHismightywarshipmovedalong.Heranhergailytothefront,Tomeetthecomingbattle’sbruntThengavethewordtheshipstobindAndshakehisbannertothewind.Ouroarswerestowed,ourlanceshighSwungtoandfroathwartthesky.HaldortheFiercewentthroughtheranks,Drawnupbesidetherowers’banks,WhererowsofshieldsseemedtoencloseTheship’sdeckfromtheboardingfoes,Encouraginghischosencrew,Hetellshisbraveladstostandtrue,AndrowsagainstwhilearrowssingTheDragonofthetyrantKing.Withglowingheartsandloudhuzzas,

Hismenlayoninfreedom’scause.Thesea-steedsfoam;theyplungeandrock:Thewarriorsmeetinbattleshock;Thering-linkedcoatsofstrongestmailCouldnotwithstandtheironhail.Thefireofbattleragedaround;Odin’ssteelshirtsflewallunbound.Thepeltingshowerofstoneandsteel,CausedmanyaNorsemanstouttoreel,Theredbloodpouredlikesummerrain;Thefoamwasscarletonthemain;But,allunmovedlikeoakinwood,SilentandgrimfierceHaldorstood,UntilhisaxecouldreachthefoeThenswifthethunderedblowonblow.Andever,ashisaxecamedown,Itcleftorcrushedanothercrown.ElsewherethechiefsoneithersideFoughtgallantlyabovethetide.KingHakonpressedKingSigurdsore,AndUlfmadeHaketheberserkroar,AndKettleFlatnosedaredtospringOnboardtheshipofNorway’sKing.OldGuttormStoutheart’smightyshoutAbovethedinwasheardthroughout,

AndSolveKlofe,’gainstMörnef’sson,Slewrightandlefttilldaywasdone.While,allaroundthelooseshipsrowedWhere’ertheywenttheredstreamflowed.ChiefamongthesewasErlingboldAndGlummtheGruff,ofwhom’tistoldTheyrushedinthickestofthefrayWhateverpartthelinegavewayAndtwice,andthrice,retrievedtheday.Butheart,andstrength,andcouragetrue,Couldnotavailwhereonefoughttwo.KingHarald,foremostinthefight,Withflashingsword,resistlessmight,Pushedonandslew,anddyedwithredThebrightsteelcaponmanyahead.Againstthehero’sshieldinvain,Thearrow-stormsendsforthitsrain.Thejavelinsandspear-thrustsfailTopiercehiscoatofringèdmail.TheKingstandsontheblood-staineddeck;Tramplingonmanyafoeman’sneck;AndhighabovethedinningstoundOfhelmandaxe,andringingsoundOfblade,andshield,andraven’scryIsheardtheshoutof‘Victory!’”

In thispoemthescaldgivesonlyanoutlineof thegreat fight.Letusfollowmorecloselytheactionofthoseinwhomwearepeculiarlyinterested.Formorethantwohoursthebattleragedwithunabatedfuryvictoryincliningtoneither side;butas thedayadvanced, theenergywithwhichSolveKlofepushed the rightwingbegan to tell, and theKing’smengavewaya littleatthatpart.Harald,however,wasonthealert.Hesentsomeofhislooseshipstoreinforcethem,andsoregainedhisposition.Ashorttimeafterthat,someofSolve’sshipswereboarded,butatthatmomentErlingandGlummchancedtopass in their cuttersfor they kept always close togetherand they gave such ashout, while they turned and pulled to the rescue, that the men, who werewavering,tookheartagainanddrovethefoeoverboard.JustthentheshipontherightofSolveKlofe’svesselwasalsoboardedbytheenemy.Seeingthis,ErlingcalledtoGlummthattherewasneedofsuccourthere,andtheyrowedswiftlytothespot.“Artthouhardpressed,Solve?”askedErling,asherangeduptothesternofhisfriend’sship.Solvewassofuriousthathecouldnotanswer,butpointedtotheshipnexthis,andsprangon theedgeofhisown, intending to leap into thatof theenemy,andgettotheforefront.AtthesametimeEindrid,sonofMörnef,stooduponthe high foredeckof his shipwith a large stone in his hand.Hewas a verypowerfulman,andhurledthestonewithsuchforceagainstSolve’sshieldthatitbatteredhimdown,andhefellbackintohisownshipmuchstunned.Seeingthis, Erling bade two of his men follow him, leaped into Solve’s ship, andthenceintotheonewherethefightwassharpest.Glummfollowedhimcloselywith his long two-handed sword, and these two fought so dreadfully thatEindrid’smenweredrivenbackintotheirownshipagain.ThenErlingrantotheplacewherethehighsternwaswedgedbetweentwooftheenemy’sships,andsprangontheforecastleofEindrid’sship.“Thouartaboldman!”saidEindrid,turningonhim.“Thatmaybeasthousayest,”repliedErling,atthesametimecatchingathrustonhisshield,whichhereturnedwithsuchinterestwithhisaxethatEindrid’sheadwasnearlyseveredfromhisbody.AtthesamemomentGlummcutdownafamousberserkwhoranathim,andinafewminutestheyhadclearedthedeck of the ship, and taken possession of it. But this was scarcelyaccomplished when a cry arose that the left wing under King Hakon wasgivingway.AtonceErlingandGlummranback to their cutters, andmade towards thatpartof the line, followedbyseveralof the looseships.Here theyfoundthat

King Hakon was very hard pressed by Sigurd of Royer, so they pushed inamongtheships,andsoonErling’swell-knownwar-crywasheard,andhistallform was seen sweeping men down before him with his great axe, like amower cuttinggrass.Glumm,however, didnotkeep close tohim this time,butmadedirectforHakon’sship,forherememberedthathewasAda’sfather,andthoughthemightdohimsomeservice.AshewascomingnearhesawSwankie,afamousberserk,fightingfuriouslyonboardHakon’sship,androaring,aswasthewontofberserkerssometimes,likeawildbull.Hakon’smenhadformedashield-circleroundtheirchief,andweredefendinghimbravely;buttheberserkwasanuncommonlystoutman,verybriskandactive,andexceedinglyfurious,aswellasdexterouswithhisweapons. He slew so many men that the shield-circle was broken, and hemadeatHakonjustasGlummleaped into theshipat thestern.KingHakonwasastoutmanandbrave,buthewasgettingold,andnotsoactiveasheusedtobe.NeverthelesshemetSwankielikeaman,anddealthimablowonhishelmetwhichmadehimstagger.Theberserkutteredafearfulroar,andstruckatHakonsofiercelythathesplittheupperpartofhisshieldandcutopenhishelmet.Hakonfell,butbeforehecouldrepeattheblowGlummwasuponhim.“What!isitthou,Swankie?”hecried.“Dog,methoughtIhadkilledtheelongago!”“That is yet to be done,” cried the berserk, leaping upon Glumm with asweeping blow of his sword. Glumm stooped quickly, and the blow passedoverhishead; thenhe fetchedasuddencutatSwankie,andsplithimdownfromthenecktothewaist,saying,“Itisdonenow,methinks,”ashedrewouthis sword. Glumm did not go forward, but let his men drive back the foe,whileheturnedandkneeledbesideHakon.“Hasthedoghurttheebadly?”heasked,raisingtheoldwarrior’sheadonhisknee,andspeakinginavoiceofalmostwomanlytenderness.Hakonmadeaneffort to speak,but for some timewasunable todoso,andGlummheldhisshieldoverhimtokeepoffthestonesandarrowswhichfellthickly around them. After a few moments Hakon wiped away the bloodwhich flowed from a deepwound in his forehead, and looked upwildly inGlumm’sface.Hetriedagaintospeak,andGlumm,misunderstandingthefewwordshemuttered,said:“Thouartalreadyavenged,KingHakon;Swankietheberserkisdead.”Thedyingmanmadeanotherefforttospeak,andwassuccessful.“Thatconcernsmelittle,Glumm.ThoulovestAda,Iknow.Thisringtakeittoher, say her father’s last thoughtswere of her.Be a goodhusband,Glumm.

Thebroochsee.”“Which?”askedGlumm,lookingatseveralsilverbroocheswithwhichtheoldwarrior’sarmourwasfastened“thisoneonthybreast?”“Aye,takeititwashermother’s.”The warrior’s spirit seemed to be relieved when he had said this. He sankdown into a state resembling sleep.Onceor twice afterwardsheopenedhiseyesandgazedupintothebrightskywithadoubtfulyetearnestandenquiringgaze.Gradually the breathing became fainter, until it ceased altogether, andGlummsawthattheoldmanwasdead.Fastening the brooch on his own broad chest, and putting the ring on hisfinger,Glummrose,seizedhissword,andrushedagain into the thickof thefightwithtenfoldmorefurythanhehadyetdisplayed,anderelongthedangerthatthreatenedtheleftwingwasforthetimeaverted.Meanwhile in the centre there was an equally uncertain and obstinateconflictforthechiefsoneithersideweremightymenofvalour.WhereverOldGuttorm’svoicewasheard,therevictoryinclined.Haldor,ontheotherhand,didnot shout, buthe laid abouthimwith suchwild ferocity thatmanymenquailedat theverysightofhim,andwhereverhewenthewasvictorious. ItwassometimebeforehemanagedtogetalongsideofKingHaraldFairhair’sship,butwhenhedidsothefightbecamesharpintheextreme.AllthemeninKingHarald’sship,excepttheberserks,werecladincoatsofring mail, and wore foreign helmets, and most of them had white shields.Besides,ashasbeensaid,eachmanwascelebratedforpersonalstrengthanddaring, so that none of those who were opposed to them could make headagainstthem.Thearrowsandspearsfellharmlessfromtheirshields,casques,andcoatsofmail,anditwasonlynowandthenaswhenashafthappenedtoenter a man’s eyethat any fell. When Haldor’s forecastle men attacked theberserkersonthehighforedeckof theDragon, thefightingwasterrible,fortheberserkersallroaredaloudandfoughtwiththewildfuryofmadmen,andso fiercewas their onslaught thatHaldor’smenwere forced at first to giveback. But Thorer the Thick guarded himself warily, and being well armedescaped injury fora time.Whenhesaw theberserkersbeginning to flag,heleaped forward like a lion, and hewed themdown right and left, so that hismendrovetheenemybackintotheDragon.Someofthemslippedonthegun-wales,andsodidsomeofHaldor’smen,allofwhomfellintothesea,andafewofthemweredrowned,whileotherswerekilled,butoneortwoescapedbyswimming.Ulf’sshipwasalsoprettyclosetotheDragon,andhewishedgreatlytoboard

it,butwassohardbesetbytheshipofNicolasSkialdvarssonthathecouldnotdosoforalongtime.HereKettleFlatnosedidprodigiesofvalour.Hestoodon the high fore-deck with his favourite weapon, the hook, and therewithpulledagreatnumberofmenofftheenemy’sdeckintothesea.Atlasthegota footing on their gunwale, dropped his hook, drew his sword, and soonclearedhiswayaft.Ulf leapedafter him,drove themen into thewaist, andthenthemostofthemwereslain,andlayinheapsoneuponanother.Afterthatitwasnotdifficult to clear thepoop.Skialdvarssondefended itwell, buthecouldnotstandbeforeUlf,whofinallycutoffhishead,andsotheshipwaswon.ThisvessellayalongsidethatofKingHarald;andalthoughtheKingwasfullyengagedwithHaldorat the time,heobserved theconquestofSkialdvarssonbyUlf,andalsoperceivedthatUlf’smenwerecrowdingthesideofthevessel,and throwing grappling-irons into his own shipwith a view to board it; fortherewasaspacebetweentheshipsalittletoowideformentoleap.Springingtotheside,theKingcutthegrappling-ironswithasweepofhissword.“Thatwaswelltried,”hesaid.“Itshallbetriedagain,”criedUlf,heavinganotheriron,whichnearlystrucktheKing,butHarald’sswordflashed throughtheair,andagain the ironwascut.AtthatmomentKettleFlatnosesteppedbackafewpaces,andwithamightyrush leaped right over the space in all his war gear, and alighted on theDragon’s deckwithin a yard of theKing. Itwas a tremendous leap, and sonearly beyond the compass of Kettle’s powers that he was scarcely able toretain his foothold, but stood for a moment on the edge of the vessel withshield and sword upheaved, as he staggered to regain his balance. Thusexposed,hemighthaveeasilybeen slain;but theKing, insteadofusinghissword,steppedforward,andwithhislefthandpushedtheIrishmanoverboard.Thecheerwhichgreetedhisdaringleaphadscarcelyceasedtoringwhenhefellheavilyintothesea.“Agoodlyman,andaboldattempt,”saidtheKing,withasmile,asheturnedto JarlRongvold. “’Twouldhavebeen apity to slayhimoutright. If he canswimhemayyetlivetofightanotherbattle.”“True,sire,”repliedthejarl,whowaslookingoverthesideattheplacewhereKettle fell; “butmethinks he has struck his head on an oar, andwill neversucceedinswimmingtowardsafriendlyhand.”Thisindeedseemedtobetrue;forKettlelaywithhisarmoveranoar,andhisheadhangingdowninthewater,likeadeadman.Yettherewaslifeinhim,for

his fingers moved. Ulf had witnessed all this, and was on the point ofattempting to leap across toHarald’s shipwhenKettle fell.Hepaused, and,seeingthathiscomradewasapparentlybeingdrowned,atoncedroppedswordandshield,andsprangintotheseaafterhim.AtthatmomentanumberoftheKing’sboldestandbestarmedmenobservedthat the twoshipshaddrawna littlenearer toeachother. Inamoment theyleaped across the intervening space, took their opponents by surprise, andquicklyregainedtheship.Whilethishadbeengoingonatthepoop,thefightontheforecastlehadragedwithextremefury,forHaldortheFiercehadgainedafootingontheDragon’sdeck,andwasengagedinmortalcombatwithHaketheberserk,whomhewasslowlybutsurelydrivingback.HissonErling theBold,whoobservedwhatwasgoingon,hadrunhiscutteralongthesternofhisfather’sship,andwashastening to his aid, when King Harald became aware that his men weregivingway,andrushedto theirsupport.Hewentforwardragingwithanger,andasheranhepickedupahugestone,whichhehurledbeforehim.HaldorwasatthemomentintheactoffetchingadeadlycutatHake,whomhehaddisarmed.Thestonestruckhimfullinthechest,andhefellbackwardjustasErlingreachedhisside.A great cheer arose at this time on the right; for there the wing of theSouthland men was broken, and everywhere King Harald’s men werevictorious.“Holdthouthemincheck,Glumm,”criedErlingtohisfriend,ashequicklyraisedhisfatherinhisarmsandborehimawaytohiscutter.Glumm, who had followed his friend like his shadow, sprang forward andengagedHake,whohadrecoveredhissword,andwhofoundthisnewenemylittle,ifatall,lessformidablethantheother.Erlingplacedhisfathercarefullyinthecutter.“Here,Thorer,” he said, “do thouguardmy father, andhold thyself and thecarlesinreadinesstopushoff.Thedayislost,Isee.IgotoslaytheKing,andwillreturnpresently.”Heleapedawayashespoke,andregainedtheforedeckoftheDragon,whereGlummandhismenwerestillengagedwith theberserkers, justas theKingcametothefront.TheinstanthesawErlingheleapeduponhimwithafierceshout,andshookbackhisshaggyflaxenlocksasalionmightshakehismane.Erlingwasnotawhitbehindhiminanxietytomeet.Hespranguponhimwithacrashingblowofhisgreatpole-axe,whichrangloudlyontheKing’sshield,

butdidhimnohurt.Theywereawell-matchedpair.Haraldwasfullyasstout,thoughnotquitesotallashisopponent,whosefinesilkyhairwasalmostasbushyasthatoftheKing,thoughneithersolongnorsotangled.Mendrewbackandstoodasidewhentheyheardtheshockandshoutoftheironset,andsuspendedthefightaroundthem,whiletheygazedoninsilentawe.Foratimeitseemeddoubtfulwhichwasthebetterman;fortheKing’sbladewhirled incessantly aroundhishead like flashing light, and rangonErling’sshield,whichwaseverupraised tomeet it.At the same time theaxeofourhero,ifnotsoswiftinitsgyrations,wasmoretremendousinitsaction;morethanoncetheKingwasseentostaggerbeneathitsthunderingblows,andoncehe was beaten down on one knee. How long this might have lasted it isimpossible to tell;but,seeing that theKingwas likely toget theworstof it,oneofhismencreptroundbytheoutsideoftheship,andcomingsuddenlyupbehind Erling, put out his hand and caught him by the leg, causing him tostagger backwards, so that he fell overboard. In falling our hero caught themanbythethroat,andbothfellintotheseatogether.ItwasseenthatErlingdivedwithhisfoeanddraggedhimdownasiftoforcehimtoperishalongwithhim,andeveryonelookedforafewmomentsatthewater,expecting to see themrise.Glummgazedamong the rest;andhehadleapeddownintoHaldor’sshiptobereadytolendahand.ButErlingdidnotriseagain.Seeingthis,Glummsprangupwithsuddenfuryanddashedattheenemy, but by this time they had recovered from their surprise, and nowpouredintotheshipinsuchoverwhelmingnumbersthatthemenweredrivenbackandslain,ortheyleapedoverboardandtrustedtoescapebyswimming.MeanwhileErlingtheBoldhavingchokedoffhisantagonist,divedunderhisfather’sshipandcameupatthesternofhisowncutter,intowhichhespeedilyclambered bymeans of a ropewhich hung over the side.He found that hisfatherwasseatedonthepoopwithhisheadrestingonthegunwale,recoveringconsciousness slowly, and Thorer was engaged in the difficult task ofpreventingthemenfromleavingthevesseltosuccourtheircomrades.“Keepback,men,”criedErlinginavoicewhichnonedaredtodisobey.“Staywhereyeareandgetouttheoars.Come,Thorer,followmewithastoutman,andkeepthembackwhileIrescueGlumm.”He jumped into Haldor’s ship, and ran to the fore part of the poop, whereGlummwasfightingagainstoverwhelmingodds,withtheblinddesperationofamanwhohasresolvedtosellhislifeasdearlyashecan.Thorerandatallstoutmanfollowedhim,andinstantlyassailedKingHarald’smenwithsuchfurythattheygavebackalittle.AtthesamemomentErlingseizedGlummbytheneck; almost strangledhim;draggedhimviolently to the stern, andhalf

sprang, half tumbled with him into the cutter, where, despite his franticstrugglestorise,heheldhimdown.“Now,mybrisklads,”shoutedErling,whowasgaspingbythis time,“comebackandjumpin!Pushoffanellorso.Steady!”Thorerandtheothermanheardtheshout,and,turningatonce,rantothesternandleapedintothecutter,whichwasinstantlythrustoff,sothatoneortwooftheiropponentswhoventuredtojumpafterthemwereleftflounderinginthesea.BythistimeKingHarald’svictorywascomplete.Bothwingshadbeenbeatenforsometime,andnowthecentrehadgivenwayonlyoneortwoofthemoredesperateleaderswerestillkeepingupthefight.AsErlingrowedtowardstheshorehecouldseethatalltheloosevesselsofthefleetwere flying up the fiord, pursued by a few of the loose vessels of theenemy.But thegreater part of both fleets being tied together, could takenopartinthechaseuntiltheywerecutasunder.“Thedayislost,father,”saidErling,ashestoodbythesteeringoar.“I know it,my son,” repliedHaldor, whowas now able to sit up and lookabouthim;“Norwayishenceforthenthralled.”HesaidthisinatoneofsuchdeepsadnessthatErlingforboretocontinuethesubject.“They are cutting asunder the fleet,” observed Glumm, who had recoveredself-possession, and stood looking back at the scene of the recent conflict;“surelysomeofthemaretryingtoescape.”As he spoke, one of the large vessels shot out from among the others, androwed rapidly away. There was desperate fighting on board of it for a fewminutes,andthenanumberofmenwerepushedorthrownoverboard,andaloudcheerofvictoryarose.“Welldone,SolveKlofe!”criedErlingwithenthusiasm.“Thatishisshout.Ishouldknowitamongathousand.Heatleastisbentonbeingfree!”Several ofHarald’s ships,which had been also cut loose, immediately gavechase, but Solve’smen pulled sowell that they soon left them behind, andhoistingtheirsailtoalightbreezewhichwasblowingjustoffthemouthofthefiord,soondoubledthepointandboreawaytothesouth.“Isthatsomeoneswimminginthewater?”askedErling,pointingashespoke

to an object which moved forward among the débris of oars, portions ofclothing,andwreck,whichwasfloatingabouteverywhere.Oneofthemenatthebowoarstoodup,andafterashortglance,saidthathethoughtitwasaman.“Lookout on the starboardbow.Mindyouroars andbe ready, someone, toleanoverthewaistandcatchholdofhim.”As he spoke, the cutter ranged up to the object, which appeared to be thedishevelledandblood-bespatteredheadofaman.Hesuddenlygaveventtoawildshout“Comeon,thoutyrant!Downwithye,doghuzza!”Atthelastshoutapairofarmswereswungwildly in theair,andthenextmoment theman’svoicewasstifledinthewaterashesank,whileanotherheadappearedbesidehim.“That is thevoiceofKettleFlatnose,orhiswraith,”exclaimedErling;“pullgently,lads;holdwater.”“Why,Ulf,isitthou?”“Truly,”exclaimedUlf,grasping theextendedhandofGlumm,“Idon’t feelquite sure!Haul gently,Glumm. I’ve gotKettle here.Another handor two.Nowthen,heavetogether!”Severalstoutmen leanedover theside,and,acting inaccordancewith theseinstructions,hauledUlfandKettleoutofthesea;theformerinastateofgreatexhaustion,thelatteralmostdead,forhislastdiphadwell-nighchokedhim.“Ithasbeenalongswim,”saidUlf,sittingdownandleaninglanguidlyagainstthebulwarks,whileGlummandHaldorproceededtochafetheIrishmanintoastateofconsciousness.“OnceortwiceIsankunderhim,forhewasverywildwhenhecametohimself,afterIgotholdofhim,andstruggledtobeupandfighttheKing;butIheldhimfast.Yetmethoughtonceortwice,”addedUlf,withasmile,“thatIhadatlastgotintoValhalla.”AhornofalerefreshedUlf,andanotherofthesamewasshortlyaftergiventoKettle,bywhichhiswanderingfacultiesweresoonrestored.BythistimetheyweredrawingnearthebayatUlfstede,andErlingurgedonthe rowers, for they could see thatHarald’s shipswere now cast loose, andgivingchasetothosethatendeavouredtoescape,whileseveralofthelargest,includingtheDragon,madedirectfortheland.“Ourwholeeffortnow,”saidHaldor,“mustbetorescuethewomen.”

“Thatwillnotbeeasy,”observedUlfgloomily.“But it isnot impossible,”saidErlingwithdecision.“Weshallhave time togetintothewoods,andsoroundtothecave.Bytheway,doesanyoneknowaughtofHakonofDrontheim?”“Heisdead,”saidGlumm.“Dead!”At that moment Haldor started up with a wild exclamation, and pointedtowards the spot onwhich his own dwelling stood,where, above the trees,therearoseacloudofdenseblacksmoke.Thetruthwassoonalltooplain,for,onrounding thepointwhichhadhithertoconcealed thebayfromtheirview,severaloftheenemy’slargestshipswereseenwiththeirbowsontheshore.Itwasevidentthatpartoftheleftwingoftheenemy,whichwasfirstvictorious,had,unobservedbythem,madefortheshore,andlandedalargeforceofmen,who had hastened to Ulfstede, and, finding it deserted, had pushed on toHaldorstede,whichtheyhadsetonfire.“Now indeedwould death bewelcome!” criedHaldor, stamping fiercely onthedeck,whileeveryfeatureofhisfaceblazedwithwrath.Weneedscarcelysay that theheartsofallhadsunkwithin them,butErlingsaid“Deathwouldbeunwelcomeyet,father.Themen,nodoubt,arekilled,butbesuretheywillnothurtthewomenwhileKingHaraldisonhiswaytothestede.Wemayyetdieindefendingthem,ifwecannotsavethem.”“True,myson,”saidHaldor,claspinghishands,andlookingupwardswithasolemnity of expression thatwas in strong contrastwith his recent burst ofpassion;“wemayperchancesavethem,asthousayest;butwoeismeforpoorAlric!”“Alricissafe,Iamcertain,”saidErlingenergetically,asheturnedameaningglanceonGlumm.“Howknowestthouthat?”askedHaldor.Erlinghesitatedtoreply,notwishingtoraisehopesthatafterallmightprovetobefallacious.Beforethequestioncouldberepeatedthecutter’skeelgratedonthesandofasmallbaywhichwasclosetothelargeone,andconcealedfromitbyasmallrocky islet. Here they all jumped ashoreall exceptKettle Flatnose, who, onattemptingtorise,foundhimselfsoweakthathefelldownagain,andnearlyfainted.

“Thisisbad,”saidErling.“Butcome,wehavenotimetowaste.Givemethechiefcommandofourmen,father;Ihaveaplaninmyhead.”“Doasthouwilt,”saidHaldor,withastrangemixtureofdespair,resignation,andferocityinhistone.“Comethen,formup,men,andfollowme!”Sosaying,ErlingliftedKettleinhisarms,andhurriedawaywithhimasifhehadbeennoheavierthanalittleboy!Heledthewaytothesecretentrancetothecave,where,trueassteeltohistrust,littleAlricwasfoundwithafewmenguardingthetwowarshipsofErlingandGlumm.

ChapterTwentyThreeTheEndofanOldSea-King

Haldor the Fierce said nothing when he heard Alric’s blithe voice in thecavern, but he caught him up in his arms, and gave him a hug that almostmadehimcryout.“Why,father,whatailsthee?”askedtheboyinsurprise,whenHaldorsethimfree.“Nevermind,lad,”interposedErling,“butlendahandtokeepKettleinorder.Heisalittlewildjustnow,andasIintendtoleavehiminthychargewemustrestrainhimabit.Handmethatrope.”Theboyobeyedinsilence,butwithmuchwonderdepictedonhisfacewhileErling lashedKettle’s hands together, and, lifting him in a half-unconsciousstateintohisship,boundhiminascomfortableapositionashecouldtooneoftherowers’banks.“Now,Alric,comeasidewithme,quick!Ihaveonlytimeforafewwords.Itisenoughtotelltheethatthedayislost.Igowithourfatherandthementosaveourmotherand theotherwomen,or todie.Thouwilt stayherewithafewmentoguardtheships,andbereadytocastoffatamoment’snotice.Ifwe return not before night, do thou creep out and try to ascertainwhat hasbecomeofus,andifyehavereasontothinkwearekilled,cutKettle’sbondsandlethimdowhathewill,poorfellow.Atpresenthisheadhasgotaknockthat rendershimadangerouscomrade,sohemustremain tied.Ofcourse, ifthecaveisattackedthouwiltsethimfreeatonce.ThereisalittleboatatthesternofmySwan.Escapeifthoucanst.Butbewatchful.Wemayreturninafewhours.Ifso,allshallyetbewell.Dostunderstandme,boy?”

“Ido,butmethinksillluckawaitsus.”Erlingmadenoreply,but,kissingAlric’sforehead,hereturnedtohismen,ofwhomtherewereaboutsixty,and led themoutof thecave, leavingsixwithhislittlebrothertoguardtheships.Whileourheroisthushasteningtotherescue,letusturnasideforalittletofollowthecourseofGuttormStoutheart.ThatbraveoldSea-kinghadescapedscathlessthroughoutthewholeofthedisastrousdayuntilneartheend,whenhe receivedhisdeath-woundfroma javelinwhichpiercedhis thigh,andcutsomeimportantbloodvessel,tostanchwhichdefiedtheskillofhisattendants.Heimmediatelyorderedhisshiptobecutloose,andhiswasamongthefirsttoescaperoundthesouthernpointofthefiord,justbeforethebattleended.Atfirstthemenpulledasiftheirlivesdependedonit.Sogreatwastheirhastethat theydidnot take time to throw theirdeadcomradesoverboard,but leftthem lying in a ghastly heap on the lower deck.When, however, they gotround the next point, and found that no pursuit was made, they slackenedspeedandbegantoheaveoutthedead,whenGuttorm,whoreclinednearthehelm,steeringthevessel,orderedthemtodesist.“My men,” said he, in a voice which had already lost much of its deeprichnessoftone,“wewilllandonthenextpoint.Mydaysarerunout.IgotoOdin’shalls,andIamglad,foritbecomesnotanoldwarriortodieinhisbed,whichIhadbeguntofearwasgoingtobemyfate;besides,nowthatNorwayistobenolongerafreeland, it is timethat thesmallkingsshouldbegoinghome. Ye will carry me to the top of yonder headland cliff, and leave mewhere I can see the setting sun, and the fords and fells of my native land.Would thatmybonesmighthavebeenburned,as thoseofmy fatherswere!butthismaynotbe.Yecanlaybesidemethecomradeswhohavegonebefore,andthenpushoffandleavemewiththedead.”Therewasalowmurmuramongthemenastheyagaindippedtheiroars,butnotawordwasspokeninreply.Justastheyreachedthepointavesselcameinsightbehindthemundersail.“Toolate!”mutteredGuttormbitterly,ashelookedback;“wearepursued,andmustholdon.”“Notso,”answeredoneofhischiefmen;“thatisSolveKlofe’sship.”“Isthatso?”criedGuttorm,whilethecolourmountedtohispalecheek,andthefireshoneinhisoldeyes;“thenhaveIbetter luckthanIhadlookedfor.Quick,gettoland!ThebreezethatbringsSolvedownwillreachussoon.Getoutyourarms,andgohailSolveashepasses.Yeshallsailwithhimto-night.I

willhiemeoutuponthesea.”Hespokesomewhatlikehisformerselfforamoment,butsoonhisvoicesank,forthelife-bloodwasdrainingfastaway.Ere many minutes had passed, the breeze freshened into a squall ofconsiderableforce.Itcameofftheland,andsweptdownthefiord,lashingitswaters into seethingwaves. Solve answered the hail ofGuttorm’smen, andlanded.“Whatnews?”heasked:“thereisbutshortspaceforconverse.”ThementoldhimthatoldGuttormwasdyinginhisship.Hewalkeduptheplankthatlayfromtheshoretothegunwale,andfoundtheoldwarriorlyingonthepoopbesidethehelm,wrappedinhismantle,andgivingdirectionstohismen,whowerepilingbrushwoodonthedeck.“This is an ill sight,” said Solve,withmuch feeling, as he knelt beside thedyingchief,whoreceivedhimwithasmile,andheldouthishand.“Ha!Solve,Iamgladthouarthere.Mylastbattlehasbeenfought,andithasbeen a good one, though we did get the tooth-ache. If it had only been avictory,Ihadreckedlittleofthiswound.”“Can nothing be done for thee?” asked Solve. “Perchance Imay be able tostopthebleeding.”Guttormshookhishead,andpointed to thebloodwhichhadalreadyflowedfromhim,andlayinadeeppoolinthesidesoftheship.“No,no,Solve,myfightingdaysareover,and,as Ihavesaid, the last fighthasbeenagoodone!YeseewhatIamabout,andunderstandhowtocarryoutmywill.Go,relievemeofthetrouble,andseethatitisdonewell.Iwouldrestnow.”Solvepressedthehandofhisfriendinsilence,andthenwentforwardtoassistactivelyinthepreparationsalreadyreferredto.Themenheapedupthefuneralpileroundthemast,fastenedthesternropestotheshore,pliedthedeaduponthedeck, and,when allwas ready, hoisted sail.The squall had increased sothat themast bent, and the ship strained at her stern ropes like an impatientcharger.Thenthemenwentonshore,andSolve,turningtoGuttorm,bentoverhim,andspokeafewwordsinalow,earnesttone,buttheoldman’sstrengthwasalmostgone.Hecouldonlyutter thesingleword“Farewell”,andwavehishandasifhewishedtobeleftalone.Solveroseatonce,and,applyingalight to the pile, leaped ashore. Next moment the cables were cut; the

brushwoodcrackledwitha fiercenoiseas the fire leapedupand the“oceansteed”boundedawayoverthedarkbluesea.Guttormwasstillseatedbythehelm, his face pale as death, but with a placid smile on his mouth, and astrange,almostunearthly,fireinhiseyes.The longship rushed over thewaveswith the foam dashing on her bows, along white track in her wake, and a dense black cloud curling overhead.Suddenly the cloud was rent by a fork of flame, which was as suddenlyquenched,butagainitburstupwards,andatlasttriumphed;shootingupintotheskywithamighty roar,whilebelow theregloweda fierce fiery furnace,againstwhichwasstronglydepictedtheformofthegrandoldSea-king,stillsittingmotionlessatthehelm.Swiftlytheblazingcraftdashedoverthewaves,gettingmore andmore enveloped in smoke and flame.Ere long it could beseeninthefardistance,arushingballoffire.Graduallyitreceded,becomingless and less, until at last it vanished, like a setting star, into the unknownwasteofthegreatwesternsea.

ChapterTwentyFourHopesandFearsTheBurningofHaldorstede,andEscapeoftheFamily

Meanwhile the family atHaldorstede hadmade a narrow escape, and somemembersofitwerestillingreatperil.WhenHildaandAdaweresentthither,with the females of Ulfstede, under the charge of Christian the hermit, asalreadyrelated,theyfoundDameHerfridaandhermaidensbusilyengagedinmakingpreparationsforagreatfeast.“Iprithee,”saidDameAstrid,insomesurprise,“whoaretobethygueststo-night?”“Whoshouldbe,” repliedHerfrida,witha smile,“but thestout fellowswhobackmyhusbandinthefightto-day!Amongthemthineowngoodman,DameAstrid,andhishouse-carles; for ifnoone is leftatUlfstede therecanbenosupperthereforthem;andasthepoorladsarelikelytobewellwornout,wemusthavesomethingwherewithtocheerthem.”“Butwhatifillluckbetideus?”suggestedAstrid.“Ill luck never betides us,” replied Herfrida, with an expression of blandassurance on her handsome face. “Besides, if it does, we shall be none theworseforhavingdoneourpart.”“Some people are always forecasting evil,” muttered Ingeborg, with a sourlook,asshekneadedviciouslya lumpofdoughwhichwasdestined toformcakes.

“And someother people are always forecasting good,” retortedAda,with asmile,“sothatthingsareprettywellbalancedafterall.Comenow,Ingeborg,don’tbecross,but leave thedough,and letusgo to thyroom,for Iwant tohavealittlegossipwiththeealone.”IngeborgwasfondofAda,andparticularlyfondofalittlegossip,eitherpublicorprivate.Shecondescended,therefore,tosmile,asitwereunderprotest,and,rubbing thedoughfromher fingers,accompaniedher friend toherchamber,while the others broke into several groups, and chatted more or lessenergeticallyastheyworked,oridledaboutthehouse.“Isthereanyfearofourmenlosingtheday?”askedHildaofthehermit,whostoodlookingoutofawindowwhichcommandedaviewofthefiord,wheretheshipsof theopposingfleetscouldbeseenengagedinthebattle, thathadjustbegun.Poor Hilda asked the question with a look of perplexity in her face; forhitherto she had been so much accustomed to success attending theexpeditionsofherwarlikefatherandfriends, thatshehadnevergivenmuchthoughttotheideaofdefeatanditsconsequences.“Itisnoteasytoanswerthatquestion,”repliedthehermit;“forthesuccessorfailure of thy father’s host depends on many things with which I am notacquainted.Iftheforcesonbothsidesareaboutequalinnumbers,thechancesareinhisfavour;forheisamightymanofvalour,aswellashisson,andalsothyfather.Besides,therearemanyofhismenwhoarenotfarbehindtheminstrength and courage; but theymay be greatly outnumbered. If so, defeat ispossible. Iwould say it isprobable,did Inotknow that theRulerof eventscan,ifHewill,givevictorytotheweakanddisastertothestrong.Thyfatherdeemshiscausearighteousoneperhapsitisso.”“Well, then,”saidHilda,“willnotGod,who,yousay, is justandgood,givevictorytotherighteouscause?”“Hemaybepleasedtodoso;butHedoesnotalwaysdoso.ForHisowngoodand wise ends He sometimes permits the righteous to suffer defeat, andwrongdoerstogainthevictory.ThisonlydoIknowforcertain,thatgoodshallcome out of all things to His people, whether these things be grievous orjoyful; for it iswritten, ‘All thingswork together forgood to themthat loveGod, to them that are the called according to His purpose.’ This is myconsolationwhenIamsurroundedbydarknesswhichIcannotunderstand,andwhichseemsallagainstme.Thatthingsoftenpassmyunderstandingdoesnotsurpriseme;foritiswritten,‘Hiswaysarewonderfulpastfindingout.’”

“Pastfindingoutindeed!”saidHildathoughtfully.“WouldthatIhadfaithlikethine,Christian;foritseemstoenabletheetotrustandrejoiceindarknessaswellasinsunshine.”“Thoumaysthave it,daughter,” answered thehermit earnestly, “if thouwiltcondescendtoaskitinthenameofJesus;foritiswritten,‘FaithisthegiftofGod;’andagainitiswritten,‘WhatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinmyname,Hewillgiveityou.’Oneofourchiefsinsconsistsinourdesiretoproduce,bymeansofourownwill, that faithwhichGod tellsuswecannotattain tobystrivingafter,butwhichHe iswilling tobestowasa freegifton thosewhoask.”Theconversationwas interruptedhereby theoldhouse-carleFinn theOne-eyed,whosaidinpassingthathewasgoingdowntothecliffstoseeandhearwhatwas doing, andwould return ere long to report progress. For an hourafterthat,thepeopleatHaldorstedecontinuedtowatchthefightwithintenseinterest;butalthoughtheycouldseethemotionoftheshipsonthefiord,andcouldheartheshoutofwar,asitcamefloatingdownonthebreezelikeafaintmurmur, the distance was too great to permit of their distinguishing theindividual combatants, or observing the progress of the fight. That it waslikely to go illwith their friends, however,was soonmade knownbyFinn,whoreturnedinhothastetowarnthemtoprepareforflight.“Besure,”saidDameHerfrida,“that there isnoneedtofleeuntilHaldororErlingcometotellustogetready.”“Thatmaybe so,” saidFinn; “but ifHaldorandErling shouldchance tobeslain,illwillitbeforyouifyearenotreadytofly.”“Now it seems to me,” said Dame Astrid, who was of an anxioustemperament, “that thou art too confident,Herfrida. It would bewise at alleventstogetready.”“DoesanyoneknowwhereAlricis?”askedIngeborg.Aseveryoneprofessedignoranceonthispoint,hismothersaidthatshehadnodoubthewassafeenough;forhewasaboldlittleman,andquiteabletotakecareofhimself.“If he has had his own way,” observed Ivor the Old, who came in at thatmoment,“heisinthefleetforheisatruechipoftheoldtree;butwearenotlike toseehimagain,methinks, for Ihaveseen the fleetgivingbackon therightwing,andhastedhithertotellye.”This report had the effect of shakingHerfrida’s confidence to the extent of

inducinghertogiveupherpreparationsforthefeast,andassisttheothersinmakingarrangementsforahastyflightwithsuchhouseholdvaluablesascouldbeeasilycarriedabouttheperson.Sometimeaftertheyhadbegunthiswork,ayoungman,whowasacripple,and thereforeanon-combatant,hobbled intothe hall, and announced the fact thatHaldor’s fleetwas routed everywhere,andfleeing.Hehadseenitfromthecliffbehindthestede,andindeeditcouldpartlybeseenfromthehallwindow.“Now,” cried Finn the One-eyed bitterly, “all is lost, and I must carry outErling’s last instructions. He told me, if the fight went against us, and theKing’smengained theday, Iwas to leadyedownby the forest path to thecave behind Ulfstede, where there is a ship big enough to carry the wholehousehold. If alive, he andhis friends are tomeetus there.Come,wemustmake haste; some of the ships are already on the beach, and if they be theKing’smenweshallsoonseethemhere.”Everyone was now so thoroughly convinced of their desperate case thatwithoutreplyeachwenttocompletearrangementsasfastaspossible.“Wiltthougowithus?”saidFinntothehermit,whenallwereassembledinfrontofthehouseattheedgeoftheforest.“Iwill,sinceGodseemstoorderitso,”saidthehermit;“butfirstIgotomyhut for the rolls of theBook.As ye have to pass the bottomof the cliff onwhichmydwellingisperched,Iwilleasilyovertakeyou.”“Let us gowith him,” saidHilda toAda. “There is a roll in the hutwhichErlingandIhavebeentryingtocopy;Christianmaynotbeabletofindit,asIhiditcarefullyawayand,”shecontinued,blushingslightly,“Ishouldnotliketoloseit.”“Youhadbettergowithus,”saidFinngravely.“Wewilldowhatseemsbesttoourselves,”repliedAda;“goon,Christian,wefollow.”Thehermitadvisedthegirls togowithFinn,butas theywereself-willedhewasfaintoconductthemupthesteepandnarrowpaththatledtohishutuponthecliff,whileFinnputhimselfattheheadofasadbandofwomen,children,and aged retainers, who could advance but slowly along the rugged andintricatepathwhichhethoughtitnecessarytotakethroughtheforest.Not twenty minutes after they had left Haldorstede the first band of KingHarald’smencamerushingupthebanksoftheriver,enragedathavingfoundUlfstede deserted, and thirsting for plunder. They ran tumultuously into the

house, sword in hand, and a yell of disappointment followed when theydiscoveredthattheinmateshadfled.Thereisnodoubtthattheywouldhaverushedoutagainandsearchedthewoods,hadnotthefeastwhichHerfridahadbeenpreparingproved tooattractive.Thecold salmonandhuge tankardsofaleprovedirresistibletothetiredandthirstywarriors,whoforthwithputthegobletstotheirbeardedlipsandquaffedthegenerousfluidsodeeplythatinashorttimemanyofthemwerereeling,andone,whoseemedtobemorefullofmischiefthanhisfellows,setthehouseonfirebywayofajoke.Itwasthesmokewhicharoseaftertheperpetrationofthiswantonactthathadattracted theattentionofHaldorandhis friends,when theyweremakingfortheshoreafterthebattle.Ofcoursethehermitandthetwogirlsheardtheshoutsofthemarauders,andknewthatitwasnowtoolatetoescapealongwiththebaudunderFinn,fortheonly practicable path bywhich they could join them passed in full view ofHaldorstede,anditwassohemmedinbyaprecipicethattherewasnootherwayofgettingintothewoodatleastwithoutthecertaintyofbeingseen.Theirretreatuptheriverwasalsocutoff,forthehermit,inselectingthespotforhisdwelling, had chosen a path which ascended along the rugged face of aprecipice, so that, with a precipice above and another below, it was notpossibletogettothebankoftheriverwithoutreturningontheirtrack.Therewasnoalternative,therefore,buttoascendtothehut,andtherewaitpatientlyuntiltheshadesofnightshouldfavourtheirescape.Finn pushed on as fast aswas possiblewith a band inwhich therewere somany almost helpless ones. He carried one of the youngest children in hisarms,andIvortheOldbroughtuptherearwithaveryoldwomanleaningonhisarm.Theywerealongtimeindescendingthevalley,fortherouteFinnhadchosen was circuitous, and the first part of it was extremely trying to thecripples,runningasitdidoverasomewhathighspurofthemountainwhichextended down from the main ridge to the river. Gradually, however, theydrewneartothecoast,andFinnwasintheactofencouragingthemwiththeassurance that they had nowonly a shortway to go,when the hearts of allsankwithin them at the sight of a band of armedmenwho suddenlymadetheirappearanceintheirpath.Thewail of despair which burst from some of them at sight of these, was,however,changedintoanexclamationofjoywhenfourofthebandranhastilytowardsthem,andwererecognisedtobeHaldor,Erling,Ulf,andGlumm!“Nowthanksbetothegods,”saidHaldor,stoopingtoprintakissonhiswife’slips.“ButbutwhereareHildaandAda?”

Erling andGlumm, glancing quickly round the groupwith looks of intensedisappointment and alarm, had already put this question to Finn, whoexplainedthecauseoftheirabsence.“Nowthisistheworstluckofall,”criedGlumm,grindinghisteethtogetherinpassion,andlookingatFinnwithadarkscowl.Erling did not speak for a few minutes, but his heaving chest and dilatednostrilstoldofthestormthatragedwithinhim.“Artthousuretheywenttothehermit’shut?”askedUlfinasternvoice.“Quitesure,”repliedFinn.“Icautionedthemnottogo,but”“Enough,” cried Erling. “Father, wilt thou go back to the cave with thewomen,andafewofthementoguardthem?”“Iwill,myson,andthenwillIrejointhee.”“Thatdoanitpleasethee.Itmatterslittle.Deathmustcomesoonerorlatertoall.Come,men,wewillnowteachthistyrantthatthoughhemayconquerourbodies he cannot subdue our spirits. Up! and if we fail to rescue the girls,everlastingdisgracebetohimwholeavesthisvalealive!”Haldorhadalreadyselectedasmalldetachmentofmen,andturnedbackwiththewomenandothers,whileErlingandhismenwentonasfastastheycouldrun. A short time sufficed to bring them to the edge of the wood nearHaldorstede. The old place was now a smoking ruin, with swarms of menaroundit,mostofwhomwerebusilyengagedintryingtoputoutthefire,andsave as much as possible from its fury. The man who had kindled it hadalreadypaiddearlyforhisjestwithhislife.Hisbodywasseenswingingtothelimbofaneighbouringtree.HaraldFairhairhimself,havingjustarrived,wasdirectingoperations.TherewerebythattimeoneortwothousandoftheKing’smenontheground,while others were arriving every moment in troopsall bloodstained, andcoveredwithmarks of the recent conflictand Erling saw at once he had nochancewhateverofaccomplishinghisaimbyanopenattackwithonly fiftymen. He therefore led his force silently by a path that he well knew to anadjacentcliff,over theedgeofwhich theycouldseeall thatwentonbelow,while they were themselves well concealed. Here the three leaders held aconsultation.“Whatdostthouadvise,Ulf?”askedErling.“Myadvice,” interposedGlumm fiercely, “is thatwe shouldmake a sudden

assaultwithoutdelay,killtheKing,andthensellourlivesdearly.”“Andthus,”observedUlf,withsomethinglikeasneer,“leavethegirlswithoutprotectors,andwithoutachanceofdeliverance.No,”hecontinued,turningtoourhero,“myadviceistowaithereaspatientlyaswecanuntilweascertainwhere the girls are. Few, perhaps none, of our men are known to Harald’smen; one of them we can send down to mingle with the enemy as a spy.Whateverwedomustbedonecautiously,forthesakeofthegirls.”“Thatisgoodadvice,”saidavoicebehindthem,whichwasthatofthehermit,whohadcrepttowardsthemonhishandsandknees.“Why,Christian,whencecomestthou?”saidUlf.“Frommyownhut,”repliedthehermit,raisinghimself,“whereIhavejustleftHilda andAda safe andwell.We had deemed ourselves prisoners there tillnightshouldsetusfree;butnecessitysharpensthewitevenofanoldman,andIhavediscoveredapaththroughthewoods,which,althoughdifficult,maybetraversedwithoutmuchchanceofourbeingseen,ifdonecarefully.Ihavejustpassedalongitinsafety,andwasonthepointofreturningtothehutwhenIcameuponyouhere.”“Leadustothematonce,”criedGlumm,startingup.“Nay,” said the hermit, laying his hand on the youth’s arm, “restrain thineardour.Itwouldbeeasiertobringthegirlshither,thantoleadabandofarmedmenbythatpathwithouttheirbeingdiscovered.Ifyewilltaketheadviceofonewhowasawarriorinhisyouth,thereissomehopethat,Godpermitting,wemay all escape. Ye know the Crow Cliff?Well, the small boat is lyingthere.Itiswellknownthatmendarenotswimdowntherapid,unlesstheyareacquaintedwiththerunofthewaterandtheformationoftherock.Thymenknow it well, the King’s men know it not. With a boat the maidens maydescend in safety. The men can leap into the river and escape before theenemycouldcomeatthembythehillroad.”“Excellentlyplanned,” exclaimedErling in an eager tone; “but, hermit, howdostthouproposetofetchthemaidenshither?”“Bygoingandconductingthem.Thereismuchrisk,nodoubt,buttheircaseisdesperate,fortheirretreatiscertaintobediscovered.”“Awaythen,”saidUlf,“minutesareprecious.Wewillawaittheehere,and,atthe worst, if they should be captured, we can but die in attempting theirrescue.”

Withoututteringanotherwordthehermitrose,re-enteredtheunderwood,sankdownonhishandsandknees,anddisappearedwithacat-likequietness thathadbeenworthyofoneoftheredwarriorsofAmerica.

ChapterTwentyFiveInwhichisDescribedaDesperateAttemptatRescue,aBoldLeapfor

Freedom,andaTriumphantEscapeTheCrowCliff,towhichChristianhadreferred,wasahighprecipitousrockthatjuttedoutintotheriverjustbelowHaldorstede.ItwastheterminationofthehighridgeonthefaceofwhichErlinghadpostedhismen,andcouldbeeasily reached from the spotwhere they lay concealed, aswell as from thestede itself, but there was no possibility of passing down the river in thatdirectionbyland,owingtotheprecipitousnatureoftheground.Theordinarypath down the valley,which elsewhere followed the curvatures of the river,madeatthispointawidedétourintothewoods,wentinazigzagformupthesteepascentof the ridge,descended similarlyon theother side, anddidnotrejointheriverfornearlyhalfamilebelow.ThewatersweresopentupbytheCrowCliffthattheyrushedalongitsbaseinafuriousrapid,which,ahundredyardsdown,descended inaperpendicular fallofabout fifteen feet indepth.Thedescentofthisrapidbyaboatwasquitepossible,fortherewasalittlebayat the lower end of CrowCliff, just above the foss, intowhich it could besteeredbyadexterousrower;butthismodeofdescentwasattendedwiththeimminentriskofbeingsweptoverthefallanddashedtopieces,sothatnoneexceptthedaringyoungspiritsofthegleneverattemptedit,whilealltherestwerecontenttocrosstheridgebythelongerandmorelaborious,butsafe,pathwhichwehavejustdescribed.Todescendthisrapidbyswimmingwasoneofthe feats which the youths of the place delighted to venture, and often hadErlingandGlummdaredittogether,whilenotafewoftheircompanionshadlosttheirlivesintheattempt.Afewwords fromErlinggave themen tounderstandwhatwasexpectedofthem. Itwasarranged thatwhilehe,Ulf,Glumm,and thehermit shouldputthegirls into the littleboatandguide themdowntherapid, themenwere toleapintothewaterandswimdown.Allweretolandinthelittlebay,andthenmakeforthecaveonthecoastinabody,andfighttheirwaythither, ifneedbe;butitwasbelievedtherewouldbenooccasionforthat,becausebeforetheplanwas carried outmost of theKing’smenwould probably be assembledabovetheCrowCliffatthestede.Afewwhocouldnotswimweresentoffatonce by the track to warnHaldor. All thesewell-laid plans, however, weresuddenlyfrustrated,for,whileErlingwasstillconsultingwithUlfandGlummas todetails,andpeeping through theunderwood, theybeheldasightwhichcausedtheirheartsalmosttostandstill.

From the elevated spotwhere they lay they could see the hermit advancingrapidlytowardstheminacrouchingattitude,closelyfollowedbythemaidens,while at the same time there advanced from the stede a large band ofmenunderachief,whowasevidentlycommissionedtoexecutesomeorderoftheKing. Erling and his friends could clearly see these two parties unwittinglyapproachingeachother,atrightangles,eachmakingforapointwherethetwopaths crossed, and where they were certain to meet. They could see theirfriendsquietlybutswiftlyglidingtowardstheveryfatetheysoughttoavoid,andexperiencedalltheagonyofbeingunabletogiveashoutofwarning,ortopreventthefoefromcapturingthem;for,eveniftherehadbeentimetorushuponthembeforethemeeting,whichtherewasnot,Erlingbysodoingwouldhavebeenobliged toplace thewholeofHarald’shostbetweenhimand theboatatCrowCliff.Thisconsideration,however,wouldnothavedeterredhim,but another idea had flashed upon his mind. What that was shall be seenpresently.Beforethetwopartiesmet,theearsofthehermit,albeitsomewhatdulledbyage,becameawareofthetrampofarmedmen,andatoncehedrewthegirlshastily aside into thebushes; but thebushes at that part happened to benotverythick,andpartofAda’sdress,whichwasagayonewithagooddealofscarletaboutit,caughttheattentionofasharp-eyedwarrior.Themanutteredashout and sprang towards them; several others joined in the pursuit, a loudscreamfromoneofthegirlswasheard,andnextmomentthefugitiveswerecaptured!“Upandat them!”criedGlumm,endeavouring to rise,buthefoundhimselfpinnedtotheearthbyErling’spowerfularms.“Stay, Glumm, be quiet, I beseech thee,” entreated Erling, as his comradestruggled violently but fruitlessly to escape from his powerful embrace.“Dolisten,Ulf;yewill spoilallby inconsideratehaste. Ihaveaplan: listenthesemenarenotdevils,butNorsemen,andwillnothurt thegirls; theywill takethembeforetheKing.Hearme,andtheyshallyetberescued!”While the power of Erling’s muscles restrained Glumm, the deep-tonedimpassionedearnestnessofhisvoiceheldbackUlf,whohad leapedup anddrawn his sword; but it was with evident reluctance that he paused andlistened.“Nowhearme,”criedErling; “I andGlummwillgodownandminglewithHarald’smen.Ourfacesaredoubtlessnotknowntoanyofthem;besides,wearesobespatteredwiththebloodanddustofbattlethatevenfriendsmightfailtorecogniseus.Wewillgoboldlyaboutamongthemen,andkeepneartothe

girlsuntilafittingopportunityoffers,whenwewillseizethemandbearthemoff.Thiswillnotbesodifficultasyemaythink.”“Difficult!”criedGlumm,grindinghisteeth;“Ithinknothingdifficultexceptsittingstill!”“Because,”continuedErling,“theKing’smenwillbe takenbysurprise,andweshallbethroughthemostofthembeforetheyareawarethatthereisneedtodraw theirblades.But (andon this everythingwill depend) thoumustbeready,Ulf,withallthemen,torush,inthetwinklingofaneye,toouraid,themoment my shout is heard, for, if this be not done, we cannot fail to beoverpoweredbynumbers. If thoudostbutkeep themwell inplaywhilewemakefortheboat,andthenfollowandleapintotheriver,weshallallescape.”“Comealong,then,”criedGlumm,indesperateimpatience.“Doestheplanlikethee,Ulf?”askedErling.“Notmuch,”hereplied,shakinghishead,“butitistheonlychanceleft,sogettheegone. Iwillnot fail thee in themomentofneedaway!See, thegirlsarealreadybeingledbeforetheKing.”Erling andGlumm instantly pulled their helmetswell down on their brows,wrapped theirmantles round themsoas to conceal their figures asmuchaspossible,thenenteredthewoodanddisappeared.Meanwhile, on the open space in front of Haldor’s ruined dwelling, KingHaraldHaarfagerstoodsurroundedbyhiscourtmen.Hewasstillbespatteredwiththebloodanddustofbattle,andfuriouslyangryattheescapeofHaldorandtheburningofthestede.Hisgilthelmetrestrainedtheexuberanceofhisshaggylocks,andhestoodonthetopofaslightelevationormound,fromthebase of which his men extended in a dense ring in front of him, eager toascertain who it was that had been so unexpectedly captured. Erling andGlummmingledwiththecrowdunnoticed,forsomanyofthemenassembledthere had been collected from various districts, that, to each, strange facesweretheruleinsteadoftheexception.Whenthegirlswereledintotheringtherewasamurmurofadmiration,andmany complimentary remarks were made about them. The old hermit wasdraggedinafterthem,andexcitedalittleattentionforafewmoments.Hehadexperienced rough handling fromhis captors.His grey hairwas dishevelledandhisfacebloodstained,for,althoughhehadofferednoresistance,someofthemenwhoseizedhimweresomuchoutofhumourinconsequenceoftheburningofthestedeandtheescapeofitsinmates,thattheyweregladtoventtheirangeronanyone.

“Good-lookinggirls,bothof them,” remarked theKing to JarlRongvold,astheywerebeingledforward.“Whoareye?”headded,addressingthem.Ada looked round on the circle of men with a frightened glance, and castdownher eyes, butdidnot reply,whileHilda raisedher eyes timidly to theKing’sface,butlackedcouragetospeak.“Come,” said theKing sternly, “let ushaveno falsemodesty.YearebeforeNorway’sKing,thereforespeak,andtothepoint.Whoartthou?”HeaddressedhimselftoHilda,whoreplied“IamHilda,daughterofUlfofRomsdal.”“Andthou?”headded,turningtohercompanion.“MynameisAda.MyfatherisHakonofDrontheim.”“Ha!”exclaimedtheKing,withabittersmile.“Isitso?Thyfatherhasmethisdesert,then,forhenowliesatthebottomofthefiord.”Adaturneddeadlypale,butmadenoreply.“KnowyewhereHaldortheFierceis,andhisinsolentsonErling?”askedtheKing.Hildaflushedatthis,andansweredwithsomespiritthatshedidnotknow,andthatifshedidshewouldnottell.“Of coursenot,” said theKing; “Imighthaveguessed asmuch, anddobutwastemytimewithye.Standasidebringforwardyonderfellow.”Thehermitwasimmediatelyledforward.“Whoartthou?”askedtheKing.“Anoldwandereronthefaceoftheearth,”repliedChristian.“Thatiseasilyseen,”answeredtheKing;“butnottooold,itwouldseem,todoalittlemischiefwhenthechancefallsinthyway.”“Methinks, sire,”whispered JarlRongvold, “that this fellow is one of thosestrangemadmenwho have taken upwith that new religion,which I do notprofesstounderstand.”“Sayestthouso?”exclaimedHarald,“thenwillItesthim.Ho!fetchmeapieceofhorseflesh.”

A piece of horse flesh was brought without delay, for some that had beensacrificedintheDrontheimtemplehadbeenpackedupandcarriedoffamongotherprovisionswhentheexpeditionsetforth.“Here, old man, eat thou a portion of that,” said Harald, holding the fleshtowardshim.“Imaynoteatwhathasbeensacrificedtoidols,”saidthehermit.“Ho!ho!thenthouartnotaworshipperofOdin?Say,dog,whatartthou?”“Iama followerof theLordJesusChrist.He ismySaviour.ToHimI live,andforHimIcandie.”“CanHesaveyoufromme?”demandedHarald.“Hecan,”answeredthehermitearnestly,“andwillsaveyoutoo,KingHarald,fromyoursins,andallwhonowhearme,iftheywillbutturntoHim.”“NowwillItesthim,”saidtheKing.“Standforth,HakeofHadeland,andhewmetheoldman’sheadfromhisbody.”“Spare him!O spare him!” criedHilda, throwing herself suddenly betweenHakeandhisvictim,whostoodwiththeresignedairofamanwhohadmadeuphismindtodie.“Hehastwicesavedmylife,andhasneverdoneyouevilinthoughtordeed.”“Stand aside, my prettymaid. Nay, then, if thou wilt not, I must grant thyrequest; but it is upon one condition: that this Saviour shall either comehimselforsendachampiontodelivertheoldman.Come,”headded,turningfiercelytothehermit,“praythatthyGodshallsendtheeachampionnow,forifHedoesnot,asIlivethoushaltdie.”“Imaynotprayatthybidding,”saidthehermitcalmly;“besides,itneedsnotthatIshould,becauseIhavealreadyprayedbeforedawnthismorningthatHewouldgrantmeHisblessingintheformthatseemedbesttoHimself.”“Andhastthougotit?”“IhaveinthatIpossessaquietspirit,anddonotfeartodie,nowthatHistimehascome.”“’Tissomethingthis,Iadmit,”returnedtheKing;“yetmethinks’tisbutapoorblessing,afterall,withdeathastheendofit.”“Death is not the end of it,” said the hermit,with a kindling eye, “for after

deathiseverlastingjoyandglorywiththeLord.Besides,KingHarald,whichwerebetter, thinkyou: todiewithawillingspiritandbrighthope,or to livefull of restless ambition, disappointment, and rage, even althoughvictoriousandKingofNorway?”TheKing’scountenancegrewlividwithangerasheturnedtotheberserkandsaid,inavoiceofsuppressedpassion“Goforward,Hake,andslayhim!”“Nowthetimehascome,”whisperedErlingtoGlumm.“Getasnear toAdaas thoucanst; for therest,mayChristian’sGodbewithus!”As he spoke he sprang into the circle, sword in hand, and stood suddenlybetweentheastonishedHakeandthehermit.Therewasaloudmurmurofamazementatthisunexpectedapparition,andnota fewof the spectatorswere awestricken, supposing that thiswas actually achampionsentfromthespiritworld.“Harald,”criedErling,fortheberserkhadshrunkbackdismayed,“Idonowacceptthechallenge,andcomeheretochampiontheoldman.”AtthesoundofhisvoicetheKing’sfacelightedupwithintelligence.“Ha!”heexclaimedsuddenly;“hastheoldman’sGodsentErlingtheBold?”“TrulyIthinkhehas,”repliedErling;“atalleventsitwasnotforthispurposethatIcamehitherto-day.ButnowthatIhavecome,andofmineownfreewillputmyselfinthypower,Iclaimtherighttodobattleformyoldfriendwiththystoutestmansosethimforth,KingHarald.”“Whatsayestthou,Hake?”saidtheKing,turningtohisberserkwithasmile;“artwillingtojoinissuewiththeBoldone?boldenough,truly,andinsolentaswell.”Hake,whohadrecoveredhisself-possessiontheinstantherecognisedErling’svoice,andwhowasbynomeanswantingincourage,suddenlyutteredoneofhisterribleroars,andrusheduponErlinglikeathunderbolt.Ourherowastoowellaccustomedtothewaysofhisclasstobecaughtoffhisguard. Although Hake rained blows upon him so fast that it was almostimpossible for the spectators to follow the motions of his flashing sword,Erling received them all on his shield, or parried them with his shortswordwhich, as beingmoremanageable in amêlée, he had selected for hispresententerprise.Theinstant,however,thattheberserk’sfuriousonsetbegan

to slacken,Erling fetched him such a tremendous cut on the sword that theweaponwasbrokencloseoffatthehilt.Disdainingtoslayanunarmedfoe,heleaped upon the berserk, and struck him a blowwith the hilt of his sword,whichdrove thecasquedownuponhisheadandstretchedhimflatuponthesward.Without waiting an instant Erling flung down his shield and walked to theplace where Hilda stood, took her by the hand, and whispered, “Courage!comewithmeandthoushaltbesaved.”AtthesamemomentGlummsteppedtoAda’s side, and tookher right hand inhis left.No swordwasdrawn, forGlummhadnotdrawnhis,andnoonepresenthadthefaintestideaofwhattheyoungmenintendedtoattempt.Indeed,theywereallsoamazedatthesuddentermination of the fight, that the men of the inner part of the ring actuallystoodasidetoletthempass,beforetheKinghadtimetoshout:“Seizethem!”Inothercircumstances,atHarald’swordathousandswordswouldhavebeendrawn, and the doomofErling and his friends at once been sealed; but thenaturalferocityofthetyrant’sfollowershadbeenspellbound,andforthetimeparalysed by the calm bearing of old Christian and the prowess of hischampion, whose opportune appearance had all the effect of a supernaturalinterposition,asitmightwellbedeemed:anditwillbereadilybelievedthatourheroandGlummdidnot fail touse theadvantage thusoffered.Leadingthosewhomtheyhadcometorescue,andcloselyfollowedbythehermit,theypassedcompletelythroughthecircleofmen.Butattherepetition,inavoiceofthunder,oftheroyalmandate,somehundredsoftheKing’smensurroundedthem,and,notwithstandingtheirwondrousstrengthandskill,theywerebeinggraduallyoverpoweredbynumbers,when suddenlya tremendous shoutwasheard,andnextmomentUlfwithhisfiftymeninbattlearrayrushedoutoftheforest.KingHaraldendeavouredhastilytodrawuphismeninsomethinglikeorder.Hearing thecry in rear, themen in frontofErlingandGlummfellaside, sothattheyquicklycutdownthosewhostillstoodintheirway,andrantowardstheir friends,whoopened their ranks to let thempassthen reclosed, and fellupontheKing’smenwithincrediblefury.Althoughoutnumberedbyat leasttwenty to one, the disparity did not at first tell against them, owing to theconfusion in theenemy’s ranks, and the confined spaceofgroundonwhichthey fought. They were thus enabled to act with great vigour, and, beinganimated by the spirit of desperate men, they actually for some time keptdrivingbacktheKing’sforces.Butthecontinualassaultoffreshfoesbegantotell,andseveralofUlf’smen

hadalreadyfallen,whenErling’svoicewasheardringinghighabovethedinof battle. Instantly everyman turned on his heel and fled towards the rivermadlypursuedbythewholeoftheKing’shost.By this timeErling andGlummhad got the girls into the boat, and steeredthem safely down the rapid into the little bay, where they waited for theircompanionsaspatientlyastheycould.Meanwhile Ulf’s men reached the foot of the Crow Cliff and one by onesprangintotheboilingrapid.Ulfwasamongthefirst there,buthestayedtoseethemallpass.Beforethelastcoulddosotheirenemieswereuponthem,butUlfkeptthematbayforafewmoments;andwhenthelastofhismentookthewaterhe retreated fighting,and leapedbackwards into the flood.Oneortwo of theKing’smen followed, but they failed to catch him,were carrieddownstream,and,beingignorantofthedangersoftheplace,weresweptoverthefossandkilled.Mostofthehost,however,turnedsuddenly,andsetoffatfullspeedtocrosstheridgeandpursuetheirenemies,bythepathtowhichwehavealreadyreferred.Beforetheyhadcrossedit,Erlingandhismenwerefarontheirwaydownthevalley;andwhenthepursuersreachedthecoasttherewasnosignofthefugitivesanywhere.On reaching the cave Erling found that his father had got everything inreadinesstostart;so,assemblingthepeopletogetherwithoutdelay,hedividedthem into two bands, one of which he sent into the Swan, the other intoGlumm’svessel,theCrane.HaldoralsowentintheSwan,alongwithUlfofRomsdal,ThorertheThick,KettleFlatnose,Alric,andthehermit,besidesDamesHerfridaandAstrid,andthewidowGunhild,Ingeborg,andallHaldor’syoungerchildren.WithGlummtherewerealsoseveralwomenbesidesAda. Ivor theOldandFinn theOne-eyedalsowentwithhim;butmostoftheoldandcrippledhangers-onofbothfamilies,aswellasGlumm’smother,weretakenbyErlingintotheSwan,astheaccommodationtherewasbetterthanonboardtheCrane.“Now,Glumm,”saidErling,whenallwereonboard,“wemustsayfarewelltoNorway.Keep close inmywake. If they give chasewewill do our best toescape, but if thatmay not be,wewill fight and fall together.” The friendsshookhands;then,eachgettingintohisship,thesternropeswerecastoff,theoarsweredipped,andtheyshotoutuponthebluefiord,whichthesinkingsunhadleftinasolemnsubduedlight,althoughhisbeamsstillglowedbrightlyonthesnow-cladmountainpeaks.They had proceeded some distance down the fiord before their pursuersobserved them.Thenamightyshout told that theywerediscovered;and the

grindingoftheheavyships’keelswasdistinctlyheardupontheshore,astheywerepushedoffintodeepwater.Immediatelyafter,thesplashofhundredsofoarswarnedthemtomakehaste.“Pull, my lads,pull with heart,” cried Erling; “and let these slaves see howfreemencanmaketheiroceansteedsleapacrossthesea!Pull!Iseeabreezejustoff themouthof the fiord. Ifwe reach that,wemay laughat the tyrantKing.”“Whatmayyonderlineonthewaterbe?”saidHaldor,withananxiouslook,ashepointedtowardsthemouthofthefiord.Erlingcaughthisbreath,andthebloodrushedtohistemplesashegazedforamomentinsilence.“’Tis a boom,” criedKettle,who had recovered by this time, andwho nowleapedtowardstheforedeckwithterribleenergy.“All is lost!” exclaimed Ulf, in a tone of bitterness which words cannotexpress.“Areyesureitisaboom?”criedErlingquickly.Everyonelookedwithintenseearnestnessattheblacklinethatstretchedcompletelyacrossthemouthofthefiord, and each gave it as his opinion that it was a boom. There could notindeedbeanydoubtonthepoint.KingHarald’sberserk,althoughsomewhattardy,hadfulfilledhisordersbuttoowell;andnowasuccessionofhugelogs,or tree trunks, joined together by thick iron chains, completely barred theirprogressseaward.“Surelywe can burst through,” suggestedKettle, returning to the poop, hishugeframequiveringwithcontendingemotions.“Impossible,” saidHaldor; “I have tried it before, and failed.Of coursewemustmaketheattempt,butIhavenohopeexceptinthis,”headded,touchinghissword,“andnotmuchinthateither,now.”“ButIhavetrieditbefore,anddidnotfail,andI’lltryitagain,”criedErlingheartily. “Come aft, men, quick, all of ye; every man except the rowers.Women,children,andcripples,getyeintothewaist.Thestoutestmentotheoarsjump!”Theseorderswereobeyedatonce.Allthebestmenintheshipseizedtheoars,Erlinghimself,Kettle,andHaldorsettingtheexample,whileThorertookthehelm,and,hailingGlumm,badehimdoastheydid.Theeffectof thiswas that thesternof theSwanwassoweigheddownwith

theweightofpeopleonthepoop,thatherbowsandathirdofherkeelwereraisedhighoutofthewater,whilethemen,strainingwitheveryfibreoftheirmuscles at the oars, sent her careering forward with trebled speed, and thefoamrolledinmilkybillowsinherwake.“WhenIgivetheword‘Forward,’”criedErling,“leaplikelightning,allofye,totheforedeck.”Thepursuers,elatedbythistimewiththecertaintyofsuccess,pulledalsowithunwontedenergy.WhentheSwancamewithinabout twentyyardsof theboom,whichfloatedalmostonalevelwiththewater,Thorergavetheword“Onestrokeforfreedom!”“Ho!ho!”shoutedErlingandHaldor,straininguntiltheiroarscrackedagain.The foam hissed from the blades, and the Swan rushed as if she had beensuddenlyenduedwithtruevitality.Nextmomentshestuckfastwiththeboomamidshipsbeneathher!“Forward!”shoutedErling.All the unengaged men sprang instantly to the forecastle, and their weightsankitslowlydown,butitseemedinclinedforamomenttoremainbalancedontheboom.Hereuponthemenattheoarsjumpedupandalsoranforward.Thebowdippedatonce,thegoodshipslidoverwithaplunge,andglidedoutuponthesea!Agreat shout or yell told that this had been noticed by their foes,who stillrowedmadlyafterthem;butheedlessofthis,ErlingbackedwaterandwaitedforGlumm,who hadmade similar preparations, andwas now close on theboom.Hisvesselwentfairlyon,andstuckhalfway,astheotherhaddone;butwhen shewas balanced and about to turn over, therewas a terrible rendingsoundinthehull, thenacrash,andtheCranebrokeintwo,throwinghalfofhercrewintotheseaontheinnersideoftheboom,andtheotherhalfoutside.Well was it for them all then that the Swan had waited! She was at oncebackedtowardsthesceneofdisaster,andasmanyaspossiblewerepickedup.Among the rescued was Glumm, with Ada in his arms. But many weredrowned, and a few stuck to the boom, refusing to let go, or to make anyattempttoreachtheSwan.Erling knew, however, that these were sure to be picked up by the King’sships,soheoncemoreorderedtherowerstogiveway,andthevesselsprang

forthonhervoyagesome timebefore thepursuers reached theboom.Whenthese did so,most of themattempted to leap it as the fugitives haddonefornoneoftheNorsementherelackedspirit.Some,however,failedtogetontoitatall,othersgotonashortwayandstuckfast,whiletwoorthreeshipsbroketheirbacks,asGlumm’shaddone,andthrewtheircrewsintothewaterbutnotonegotover.Themen then leapedon theboom,and thesoundofaxeswasheardas theylabouredtocutitthrough,ortodashawayitsironfastenings.Itwas,however,a thoroughlywell-executedpieceofwork, and for a long time resisted theirutmost efforts.When at length it did giveway, and theKing’s ships passedthrough,theSwanwasbeyondpursuitfarawayonthehorizon,withallsailset,andrunningbeforeastiffbreeze,whiletheshadesofeveningwereclosinginaroundher!ThatnighttherewassilenceintheNorsemen’slittleshipassheploughedheradventurouscourseoverthenorthernsea,forthethoughtsofallwereverysadatbeingthusrudelydrivenfromtheirnativelandtoseekahomewherebesttheymightinthewideworld.Yetintheheartsofsomeofthemtherewasalsomuchhappiness.Hilda’ssanguinemindpicturedmanysweetandpeacefulabodes,farfromthehaunts of warlike men. Alric was happy, because he was beginning, as hefondlyhoped,alifeofwildadventure.SowasKettleFlatnose,forhewasnowsailingwestward,andheknewthatIrelandwassomewherein thatdirection.ButGlummtheGruffwasperhapsthehappiestofallonboard,for,besidesthedelightofhavingat lastgotpossessionofhisbride,heenjoyed, for thefirsttimeinhislife,thepleasureofcomfortingawomanindistress!Ada’s wild spirit waswe dare not say eradicated, butthoroughly subdued atlast.WhenshethoughtofherfathershelaidherheadonGlumm’sbroadchestandweptbitterly.ThusdidthoseSea-kingssailawayfromandforsakethelandofNorway.Ontheir voyage westward they fell in with many ships from other quarterscontainingcountrymen,Sea-kingsandvikingslikethemselves,whohadalsoleft their native land to seek newhomes in Shetland,Orkney, and the otherislesnorthofScotland,ratherthansubmittotheyokeofHaraldHaarfager.Theyjoinedcompanywiththese,andallsailedwestwardtogether.Among themwas a man named Frode, who was celebrated for daring andwisdom,especiallyforhisknowledgeofthestars,andhispowerofnavigatingtheunknownoceanofthewest.Tothismanwasassignedthedirectionofthefleet, and all submitted to his guidance; but the Sea-kings invariably

assembled together in council when it was intended to decide, what theyshoulddoortowhatpartoftheworldtheyshouldsteer.“My advice is,” said Kettle Flatnose, the first time they assembled thus incouncil, “that we steer first to Ireland,where I can promise ye all a heartywelcome, for it iswellknown that the Irishareahospitablepeople,andmyfatherisagreatmanthere.”“I fall in with that,” said Glumm, glancing at Ada, whose eyes had nowbecomehisguidingstars!“Theadviceisgood,”saidErling,“for,whereverwemayfinallycometoananchor,wewillbenonetheworseofgettingsomeprovisionsontheway.”AsHaldor,Ulf, Frode, and all the restwere of onemind on this point, theshipswere steered to Ireland; andwhen they reached that country they putashoreinasmallbaynotfarfromDublin,wherewasaloghut.TothisKettlewentupwithErlingandGlumm,andaskedthemanofthehousehowthingsweregoingoninIreland.“Asillascanbeinthisdistrict,”saidtheman;“thereisnothingbutvengeanceintheheartsofthepeople.”“That is a bad state,” saidKettle,with a lookof anxiety; “whatmaybe thecauseofdiscontent?IstheoldKinghardonye?”“Thoumusthavebeenlongawaytoaskthat.TheoldKingisdead,”saidtheman.At this Kettle uttered a great and bitter cry; but, restraining himself, askedeagerlyiftheoldQueenwerealive.Themanrepliedthatshewas.ThenKettleaskedhowtheKingmethisdeath.WithadarkfrownthemanrepliedthatHaabroktheBlackhadmurderedhimandseizedthethrone.OnhearingthisKettlebecamepale,butwasverycalm,andlistenedattentivelywhilethemanwentontosaythatHaabrokwassuchatyrant that thewholedistrictwas ready to startupasonemananddethronehim,iftheyhadonlysomeonewhowasfittoleadthem.“Thattheyshallnotlongwantfor,”saidKettle.Aftersomemoreearnestconversationheturnedaway,andwentdowntotheshore.“Now,ErlingandGlumm,”saidhe,“wemustdoalittlefightingbeforeIcanofferye thehospitalityIspokeof.WillyeaidmeinaventureIhave inmy

mind?”“Thatwillwe,”theyrepliedheartily.Kettle thereuponexplainedhisviews, and said that hehad learned from themanthathiswifewasstillaliveandwell,butinthehandsofthekingofthedistrict,whowasaregicideanda tyrant. Itwas thenarrangedthat theSwanshouldberowedquietlyuptowardsthetown,andthemenlandedinthenightataspotwheretheycouldbereadytoanswerthesummonsofKettle,Erling,Glumm,andUlf,whoweretogoupunattendedtotheKing’shouseinDublin,withnootherarmsthantheirshortswords.On drawing near, these four found the hall of the King’s house brilliantlylighted,forgreatfestivitiesweregoingonthere.Nooneinterferedwiththem,becausenoneguessedthatsosmallapartywoulddaretogouphalf-armedforany other than peaceful purposes. They therefore went through the streetsunmolested, and easily passed the guards, becauseKettle plied themwith agooddealofthatwhichhassincecometobeknownbythenameof“blarney.”Whentheygotintothehall,KettlewentstraightuptothehighseatorthroneonwhichHaabroktheBlackwasseated.“Yearepresumptuousknaves,”saidthetyrant,eyeingthestrangerssternly;“isitthusthatyehavebeentaughttoapproachtheKing?Whatisyourerrand?”“Forthematterofthat,thouwell-namedvillain,”saidKettle,“ourerrandwillbutaddtoourpresumption,forwehavecometoslaythee.”WiththatKettlewhippedouthisswordandcutoffHaabrok’shead,sothatitwentrollingoverthefloor,whilethebodyfellbackandspoutedbloodalloverthehorrifiedcourtmen!Instantlyeverymandrewhissword;butErling,Ulf,andGlummleapedonthelowplatformof the throne,andpresentedsuchabold front, that thebravestmen there hesitated to attack them. At the same moment Kettle raised hissword and shouted, “If there be yet a true man in this hall who loves hiscountry and reveres thememory of the good oldKingwhom this dead dogslew,lethimcomehither.ItisthevoiceoftheKing’ssonthatcalls!”“Sure, ’tisKettle; I’d knowhis red head anywhere!” exclaimed a shrivelledoldwomannearthethrone.“Aye,nurse, it isKettlehimselfcomebackagain,”hesaid,glancing towardstheoldwomanwithakindlysmile.A ringing cheer burst from the crowd and filled the hall; again and again it

rose, as nearly all themenpresent rushed round the throne andwaved theirswords franticallyover theirheads,orstrove toshakehandswith thesonoftheir oldKing. In themidst of the tumult awild shriekwas heard; and thecrowd, opening up, allowed a beautiful dark-eyed woman to rush towardsKettle,withastalwartboyofaboutfiveyearsofageclingingtoherskirts.Weneedscarcelypausetosaywhothesewere,norwhothehandsomematronwaswhoafterwardswentandclungroundKettle’sneck,andheapedferventblessingsontheheadofherlong-lostson.Itissufficienttosaythatthefeastof thatnightwasnot interrupted; that,on thecontrary, itwasprolongedintothemorning,andextended intoevery loyalhomein thecity;and thatKettleFlatnose entertained his Norse friends right royally for several days, afterwhichhesentthemawayladenwithgiftsandbenedictions.TheydidnotquitIreland,however,until theyhadseenhimhappilyandsecurelyseatedonthethroneofDublin.Sailingnorthward,thefleettouchedattheOrkneyandShetlandIslands,wheretheyfoundthatanumberoftheexpatriatedSea-kingshadcomfortablysettledthemselves. Here some of Haldor’s people would fain have remained, butFrode,whowasamanofenterprise,resolvedtopenetratefartherintothegreatunknown sea, to lands which rumour said did certainly exist there.Accordingly they left Shetland, and went on until they came to the FaroeIslands.Heretheythoughtofsettling,butonlandingtheyfoundthatafewoftheSea-kingshadtakenuptheirabodetherebeforethem.“Now,”saidFrode,“it ismygreatdesire tobreaknewground.Shallwegoand search farther to the west for that new island which has been latelydiscoveredbyIngoll?”To thisHaldor andUlf said theywere agreed. Hilda plucked Erling by thesleeve,andwhispered inhisear,afterwhichhesaid thathe toowasagreed.GlummglancedatAda,who,withalittleblushandsmile,nodded.AnodwasasgoodasawordtoGlumm,sohealsosaidhewasagreed,andasnooneelsemadeobjection,theships’prowswereagainturnedtowardsthesettingsun.North-westwardtheysailedovertheworldofwaters,untiltheycameonefinemorning in sight of land. As they drew near they saw that it was verybeautiful, consisting partly of snow-capped mountains, with green fertilevalleyshereandthere,andstreamsflowingthroughthem.Theyranthevesselsinto a bay and landed, and the country looked so peaceful, and withal sodesirable,thatitwasatonceresolvedtheyshouldmakethisplacetheirabode.Accordingly,whilemostofthemensetthemselvestoworktolandthegoods,putupthetents,andmakethewomenandchildrencomfortable,aselectband,well armed, prepared to go on an expedition into the country, to ascertain

whetherornot itwas inhabited.Before thesesetout,however,Christian thehermitstooduponarisingground,and,raisinghiseyesandhandstoheaven,prayedforGod’sblessingontheirenterprise.Thereafter plots of landweremarkedout, houseswerebuilt, “Things”wereheld,aregulargovernmentwasestablished,andtheislandforsuchitprovedtobewasregularlytakenpossessionof.Theexploringpartyfoundthatthiswasindeedtheislandwhichtheywereinsearchof.Ithadbeendiscoveredaboutthemiddleoftheninthcentury,andasettlement had beenmade on it by Ingoll in the year 874; but the band ofimmigrants underFrode andHaldorwas by far themost important that hadlandedonituptothattime.In this manner, and under these circumstances, was Iceland colonised byexpatriatedNorsemenaboutthebeginningofthetenthcentury!Good reader, our tale is told. Gladly would we follow, step by step, thesubsequentcareerofErlingandGlumm,forthelivesofsuchmen,fromfirstto last, arealways fraughtwith interestand instruction;but thismaynotbe.Wehavebroughtthem,withtheotherchiefactorsinthislittletale,toahappypoint in their adventurous career, and there we feel that we ought to leavethem in peace.Yetwewould fain touch on one or two prominent points intheirsubsequenthistorybeforebiddingthemafinalfarewell.Letitberecorded,then,thatmanyyearsafterthedateoftheclosingsceneofourtale,theremighthavebeenseeninIceland,attheheadofasmallbay,twoprettycottages, from thedoorsofwhich therewasamagnificentviewofassweet a valley as ever filled the eye or gladdened the heart ofman,with adistantglimpseofthegreatoceanbeyond.Ontheswardbeforethesecottageswasassembleda largepartyofyoungmenandmaidens, the latterofwhomwereconspicuousforthesparkleoftheirblueeyesandthesilkyglossoftheirfair hair, while the former were notable because of the great size andhandsome proportions of their figures; some, however, of the men andmaidensweredarkandruddy.Theyouthswereengagedinputting thestoneand throwing the hammer; the maidens looked on with interestas maidenswere wont to do on manly pastimes in days of old, and as they are notunwilling todooccasionally, even inmodern times.Around these rompedahostofchildrenofallages,sizes,andshades.ThesewerethedescendantsofErlingtheBoldandGlummtheGruff.Thetwofamilies had, as it were, fused into one grand compound, which was quitenatural, for their natureswerediverseyet sympathetic; besides,Glummwasdark,Erlingfair;anditiswellknownthatblackandwhitealwaysgohandin

hand,producing that sweet-tonedgrey,whichNaturewould seem tocherishwithalovequiteaspowerfulastheabhorrencewithwhichsheissupposedtoregardavacuum.Beside each other, leaning against a tree, and admiring the prowess of theyoungmen,stoodErlingandGlumm,old, it is true,andpast the timewhenmendelighttoexercisetheirmuscles,butstraightandstalwart,andstillnoblespecimensofmanhood.Themostinterestinggroup,however,wastobeseenseatedonarusticbenchnear thedoor.There,sometimesconversinggravelywith a silver-haired old man at his side, or stooping with a quiet smile tocaresstheheadofachildthathadrushedfromitsplaymatesforalittletobefondled by the “old one”satHaldor theFierce,withChristian the hermit ononeside,andUlfofRomsdalontheother.Theirheadswerepurewhite,andtheir framessomewhatbent,buthealthstillmantledon thesunburntcheeks,andsparkledintheeyesoftheoldNorseSea-kings.Within the house might have been seen two exceedingly handsomematronssuch as onemay see inNorway at the present timewho called eachotherHilda andAda, andwho viedwith a youngerHilda andAda in theirattentions upon two frail but cheery oldwomenwhom they called “GrannyHeff”and“GrannyAst”.Howveryunlikeandyethowlikewere these to theHerfridaandAstridofformerdays!Betweentheolddamestheresatonalowstoolamanofgiganticproportions,whohadscarcelyreachedmiddleage,andwhowasstilloverflowingwiththefun and fire of youth. He employed himself in alternately fondling and“chaffing”thetwooldwomen,andhewassuchanexactcounterpartofwhatErling theBoldwasat theageof thirty, thathisownmotherwasconstantlygettingconfused,andhadtoberemindedthathewasAlric,andnotErling!Alric’swife,adaughterofGlumm,waswith theyoungpeopleon the lawn,andhissixriotouschildrenwereamongthechieftormentorsofoldHaldor.Ingeborgwas there too, sharp as ever, but not quite so sour. Shewas not aspinster.Therewerefewspinstersinthosedays!Shehadmarriedamanoftheneighbouringvalley,whomshelovedtodistraction,andwhomsheledthelifeofadog!Butitwashernaturetobecross-grained.Shecouldnothelpit,andthepoormanappearedtogrowfonderofherthemoresheworriedhim!As for Ivor the Old and Finn the One-eyed, they, with most of theircontemporaries, had long been gathered to their fathers, and their bonesreposedonthegrassyslopesofLaxriverdale.As for the other personages of our tale,we have only space to remark thatKing Harald Haarfager succeeded in his wish to obtain the undivided

sovereignty of Norway, but he failed to perpetuate the change; for thekingdomwas, after hisdeath, redivided amongsthis sons.The last heardofHaketheberserkwas, thathehadbeenseeninthemidstofagreatbattle tohave both his legs cut off at one sweep, and that he died fighting on hisstumps! Jarl Rongvoldwas burnt byKingHarald’s sons, but his stout son,Rolf Ganger, left his native land, and conquered Normandy, whence hiscelebrateddescendant,William theConqueror, cameacross theChannelandconqueredEngland.Yes, there is perhaps more of Norse blood in your veins than you wot of,reader,whetheryoubeEnglishorScotch;forthosesturdysearoversinvadedourlandsfromnorth,south,east,andwestmanyatimeindaysgoneby,andheld it inpossession for centuries at a time, leaving a lasting andbeneficialimpressonourcustomsandcharacters.Wehavegoodreasontoregard theirmemorywithrespectandgratitude,despitetheirfaultsandsins,formuchofwhat is good and true in our laws and social customs, much manly andvigorous in the British Constitution, of our intense love of freedom andfairplay, are pith, pluck, enterprise, and sense of justice that dwelt in thebreastsoftheruggedoldSea-kingsofNorway!

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