over these. Grim came up beside Estein and led him about half-way
down the hall. There he stopped and pointed to a door. There were
no words; the others closed up and loosened their daggers in their
sheaths. Estein stepped back softly to the fire and lifted up a
log, one end of which still glowed brightly, and then he pushed
open the door. The chamber was dark as a wolf's mouth as he groped
for the bed. So cautiously he stepped that the heavy breathing of
the sleeper only broke the silence, and very carefully he went
forward and thrust the log so close to the unconscious slumberer
that he could clearly read his features. Then he placed it against
the wall, and gave one whispered order. In an instant a mantle was
twisted round Liot's mouth, his hands and feet were bound, and ere
he was thoroughly awake, he was mounted on the shoulders of his
foes, forming one of a singular procession that hurried through
the hall of Liot Skulison.

Grim, who walked first, had almost reached the door, when from the
blackest of the shadows a man stepped suddenly across his path.
For an instant the pilot's heart stood still. Then he saw that he
had only to deal with a half-awakened drinker, and as his mouth
was framing a question, Grim's dagger flashed, and with a cry the
man fell heavily on the floor. Instantly there arose such a chorus
of barking as might have wakened the dead.

"The dogs are sobering," said Helgi.

"Hasten!" cried Estein. "The men will be on us."

They hurried through the door, and bearing their captive on their
shoulders, the whole party broke into a run.