"The dogs are after us!" cried one.

"Turn and kill them," said Estein.

Three men stopped, and with a few sweeping sword slashes scattered
the yelping crowd; but even as they were driving them off, they
could see that men were coming out of the hall and outhouses.

"Where is Ketill?" cried Estein, as they reached the boat.

The man in charge had seen nothing of him.

"May werewolves seize him!" exclaimed Helgi. "He has had time
enough to tear the long ships plank from plank."

"We have no time to wait for him; it is his fault if he be left,"
said Grim.

"That knowledge would doubtless comfort him," replied Estein; "but
nevertheless I shall wait."

"Here they come!" cried Helgi.

"And here come those who will reach us before them," said another
man.

He was right. A swarm of men were already running down the slope,
and it was clear that they must reach the boat first.