"Think you then that Thorar brought you by the shortest route?
Those prisoners whom you set free reached King Bue's hall many
hours before you. You are not wise, you Northmen."

Estein looked for a moment as though he would have retorted
sharply, but biting his lip he fell back again, nor did he
exchange another word with the man.

It was about mid-day, when, as they were coming down a wooded
slope, Helgi exclaimed,--

"Hark! what is that clamour?"

Jomar too heard the shouts, for he stopped for a moment and
listened keenly, and then started off faster than before. With
every step they took the distant sounds grew louder and the shouts
of men, and even it seemed the clash of steel, could be
distinguished.

"The attack is made," cried Helgi. "Pray the gods they scatter not
the dogs before we come up."

Jomar heard him, and looked over his shoulder with a savage
glance.

"Sometimes dogs bite and rend," he said.

"Why have they waited so long?" said Estein, half to himself. "The
fools should have fallen on Ketill that very night. I thank them
for their folly."