"Then," said Havelok, "who shall mind this land while I am away? It may
be long ere I come back."

Now there was a cry that I should be king while Havelok was away,
forsooth! and a poor hand I should have made at the business. But I said
that it was foolishness, and that, moreover, I would go with Havelok.
And when they said that this was modesty on my part, I answered that I
had seen several kings, and that there was but one who was worth
thinking of, and that was my brother; therefore, I would go on serving
him where I could see him.

"This is what Grim, my father, said to me long ago," I said--"I was to
mind the old saying, 'Bare is back without brother behind it;' and,
therefore, I must see Havelok safe through this."

"Why, brother," says Havelok, laughing, "if that saying must be
remembered--and I at least know it is true--it would make for
leaving you behind me here to see all fair when my back was turned."

Then he saw that I was grieved, for I thought for the moment that he
would bid me to stay, and so I should have to do so; but he took my part.

"I cannot be without my brothers," he said. "If I had any word in the
matter--which mainly concerns the folk to be ruled, as it seems to me
(for I do not know of any man who would not uphold me)--I should say
that Sigurd the jarl was the right man, for all know that he is a good
ruler, nor will it be any new thing to submit to him."

That pleased all, and the end of it was that Sigurd was chosen to hold