And once set on that matter, the two honest men were unwearied in
telling tales of the valour and skill of their master, so that I
had no room for my own thoughts, which was as well.

Then came a man, riding swiftly, to say that the jarls had left
their hunting, and that we were to be taken to the great house.
Moreover, that Rolf and Raud were to be held answerable for our
safe keeping. When I heard that I laughed.

"I will go willingly," I said, rising up.

"What of this man who sits silent here?" asked Rolf.

"Little trouble will be with him," said his brother.

And indeed Beorn almost needed carrying forth.



CHAPTER VIII. HOW WE FARED WITH INGVAR THE DANE.


We came to the shores of a haven at a river mouth, and there we saw
the town clustering round a large hall that rose in the midst of
the lesser houses, which were mostly low roofed and clay walled,
like that of Raud, though some were better, and built of logs set
upon stone foundations. The hall stood on higher ground than the
rest of the houses, so that from the gate of the heavy timber
stockade that went all round it one could see all the windings of