between snow-clad banks, and the vague form of some frightened
animal flitted silently towards the shade. The moon had come out
of the clouds, and by its light Estein tried to scan the features
of his companion. So far as a fur cap would let his face be seen,
he seemed dark, unkempt, and singularly wild of aspect, but there
was nothing in his look to catch the Viking's memory. He said not
a word, but, with a swinging stride, hastened down the glade,
Estein close at his shoulder.

"Where do we go?" Estein asked once.

"You shall see what you shall see. Waste not your breath," replied
the other impatiently.

Again they turned into the wood, and went for some considerable
distance down a choked and rugged path which all at once ended in
a clearing. In the middle stood a small house of wood. The frosted
roof sparkled in the moonlight, and a thin stream of smoke rose
from a wide chimney at one end, but there was never a ray of light
from door or window to be seen. The man went straight up to the
door and knocked.

"This then is the end of our walk," said Estein.

"It would seem so indeed," replied the other, striking the door
again impatiently.

This time there came sounds of a bolt being shot back. Then the
door swung open, and Estein saw on the threshold an old man
holding in his hand a lighted torch. For an instant there passed