sweeping gesture with his hand as he said this--"and a friend
hitherto to the Northmen."

"I know you by repute as a chief of high birth, and one who has
long been faithful to my father. Yet, methinks, it was something
less than faithful to drive his scatt-gatherer from the country
and slay his followers."

"Blame not me for that, Estein," answered Thorar. "It was done
with neither my knowledge nor consent, and none grieved at such an
outrage more than I. Now, as you see, you have the land at your
mercy; and as an ancient friend of your family and a faithful
servant of my master King Bue, I am come to intercede between King
Hakon and him. Give us peace, Estein; and as you have a grey-
haired father, spare my master the sorrow and the shame you would
bring upon him. What can he do against you? The old spirit of my
countrymen has died out," he added sadly, "and no man dare meet
your force in the field."

"Is King Bue in the town?" Estein asked.

"Nay, he could not travel so far; but in his name I bid you
welcome to his feast, if you will accept peace instead of war. If
you will not, then I can only mourn the devastation of my country.
It will be a bloodless victory, Estein."

"And what compensation does the king intend to make?"

"What you will; he is powerless."