maybe bidden to guard me, but he paid no heed when I went outside
the hut to try if it were so.

Ere an hour had passed Raud came back, and he had news for me.

"Now, friend Wulfric, I am to part with my guest, and not in the
way that was yesterday's. The jarls bid me say that Wulfric of
Reedham, Lodbrok's preserver, is a welcome guest in their hall, and
they would see him there at once."

"Nevertheless," I answered, "Raud the forester was the first to
shelter me, and I do not forget."

Whereat Raud was pleased, and together we went to the great house,
and entered, unchallenged. Hubba came forward and held out his
strong hand to me frankly, smiling a little, but gravely, and I
took it.

"Beorn has told the truth," he said; "forgive me for doubt of you
at any time."

"Aye, let that be forgotten," said Ingvar, coming from beyond the
great fire, and I answered that I thought it not strange that they
had doubted me.

"Now, therefore," said Hubba, "you yourself shall question Beorn,
for there are things you want to know from him. And he will answer
you truly enough."

"After that you shall slay him, if you will," said Ingvar, in his