speak no more."

"I promise," she replied, hardly knowing what she said, her heart
was so full.

There was another brief silence, and then loudly and clearly he
cried,--

"Bring up my banner! Forward, Thord's men! Forward!......They
fly!......They fly!"

The voice died away, and Osla was left alone.




CHAPTER IX.

THE MESSAGE OF THE RUNES.


The story must now come back to Norway. Though Estein had returned
with neither spoil nor captives, the tale of Liot's capture and
the combat on the holm added much to his renown, and no fewer than
six skalds composed lengthy poems on the adventure. There seemed
no reason why the hero of these lays should shrink from talking of
his expedition, and avoid, so far as he could, the company of men.
Gradually strange rumours began to spread. Helgi, who alone knew
the truth, held his peace for Estein's sake, even when the ale
flowed most freely. The others who had sailed with them laid no