Arne had just finished his tale. There was a moment's angry
silence, and then the king glanced round the host of weather-
beaten Vikings and high-born chiefs and cried,--

"Who will punish these cowardly rebels of mine?"

A dozen voices instantly claimed the service. Loudest of them all
was that of Ketill, now married to a wealthy widow and a person of
considerable importance, and the black-bearded Viking stepped
forward as he spoke.

"Give me this service, king," he said. "I have lived at mine ease
too long of late. Laziness begets fat."

There was a laugh at Ketill's words, for his person had never been
noted for its spareness.

The Viking frowned and exclaimed,--

"Let those laugh who have tested my steel."

"Well I know your bravery, Ketill," began the king, "and there is
no man--"

At that instant the ring of men round him suddenly opened and
Estein stood before his father. His face was more animated than
any had seen it for many a long day, and in a firm voice he said,-
-