"My dagger was drawn, I was bending towards him, when I heard
without the steps of Osla. I fled--ask me not what I thought or
what I did. Thord the Tall and I both live, and I would know
whether the gods would have it so. Wherefore I meet Liot this
morning."

"Then you have spared Olaf's burner for the sake of the burner's
daughter?"

"I had eaten his bread and shared his dwelling for six weeks, and
but for that daughter I had never lived to meet him."

"He slew your brother, Estein."

"There is no need to remind me of that."

"Methinks there is; he still lives."

"And I still love his daughter."

Estein turned away as he spoke, and gazed with folded arms over
the grey waters.

Helgi looked at him in silence; then he went up to his side.

"Forgive me, Estein," he said, "and let Odin judge you. I love you
too well to be aught but a friend whatever you may do."

"Helgi! but for you I think I should fall upon my sword."