stood aside to let the Norsemen file in.

The scene as they entered was strange and stirring. Immediately
before them lay a wide courtyard, in the centre of which stood
King Bue's hall, high and long, and studded with bright windows.
Men were ranged in a line from the gateway to the hall, bearing
great torches. The smoky flames flashed on snow-covered ground and
wild faces, and the branches of black pines outside, making the
night above seem dark as a great vault. All round them rose a
clamour of voices, and a throng of skin-coated figures crowded the
gate to catch a glimpse of the strangers.

Estein walked first, and just as he came into the court a man,
pushed apparently by the surging crowd, stumbled against him.

"Make way, there!" cried Thorar sternly, from behind; "give room
for the king's guests to pass!"

The man hastily stepped back, but not before he had found time to
whisper,--

"Beware, Estein! Drink not too deep!"

As he walked along the line of torch-bearers to the door of the
king's hall, the peril of their situation, supposing treachery
were really intended, came suddenly home to Estein's mind. It was
too late to turn back, even had his pride allowed him to think of
taking such a course. He could only resolve to warn his men, and,
so far as he could, keep them together and near him. Even as he
was still turning the matter over in his mind, he found himself at