message was, it accorded exactly with Estein's long-suppressed
desires. So entirely did Atli believe in himself and the virtue of
his counsel, that the young Viking was thoroughly infected with
his faith; and then, too, it was that early and suggestive hour
when a man is quickly stirred.

Estein was the first to speak.

"I accept the counsel, Atli," he cried, springing to his feet.
"With the melting of the snow I shall take to the sea again, and
steer for the setting of the sun."

The old seer laid his hand affectionately upon his shoulder.

"There spoke the brother of Olaf," he said. "And now to sleep. In
the morning I shall send Jomar to warn Ketill, so trouble not
thyself further."

"If I but knew Helgi's fate," Estein began.

"Doubt not my words," said Atli. "His fate is too closely linked
with thine."

He showed the Viking to a pallet bed in the loft, where, worn out
with fatigue and anxiety, he quickly fell asleep.

It was nearly noon when he awoke, and the sun was streaming
through the attic window. He found Atli in the room below.

"I have turned sluggard, it seems," he said.