talked a little with each other, but contrary to their wont of
late, it was Estein who spoke oftenest and seemed in the better
spirits. Helgi, for him, was quiet and thoughtful, and at last
Estein exclaimed,--

"How run your thoughts, Helgi? on the next feast, or the last
maid, or the man you left bound to the tree? Men will think we
have changed natures if our talk goes as it has this morning."

"I had a strange dream last night," replied Helgi.

"Tell it to me, and I will expound it to a flagon or an eyelash,
as the theme may chance to be."

"Nay," cried Helgi, with a sudden return to his usual buoyancy,
"now that I have my old Estein back with me, I will not turn him
again into a reader of dreams and omens. I am rejoiced to see you
in so bright a humour. Had you a pleasant dream?"

"Action lies before me," said Estein--"the open sea and the lands
of the south again; and the very prospect is medicine."

After a time Estein came up to their guide's side, and said,--

"It will take us surely longer than you said. We had to travel for
long through open country when we left the town, and we have never
reached the beginning of it yet."

Jomar gave a quick, contemptuous laugh, and answered shortly,--