ck being strongly discouraged
among them. By Bijorn's side stood his son, who, though but twenty-two
years old, rivalled him in stature and in muscular development,
although lacking the great width of shoulder of the jarl.

As Edmund approached, a war-horse of the jarl fastened up to a post
close to the entrance of the house neighed loudly. Bijorn looked
surprised. The neighing of a horse among the Northmen was regarded as
the happiest of auguries, and in their sacred groves horses were tied
up, as the neighing of these animals was considered an infallible proof
that a propitious answer would be given by the gods to the prayer of
any petitioner who sought their aid.

"By Thor!" Bijorn exclaimed, "my good war-horse welcomes the stranger.
As I said to you anon, Sweyn, I had intended to offer him as a
sacrifice to Odin; but as the gods have thus declared him welcome here
I must needs change my intentions. Who are you, young Saxon?" he asked
as Edmund was brought before him, "and whence do you come? And how is
it that a war-ship of your people is found upon our coasts?"

"I am Edmund," the young man said steadily, "an ealdorman of King
Alfred of the West Saxons. The ship which was seen on your coast is
mine; I built it to attack the Northmen who harry our coasts. I am here
because, when in chase of four of your ships, a storm arose and blew us
hither."

"You speak boldly," the jarl said, "for one in the hands of his foes.
How old are you?"

"I am twenty-two," Edmund replied.

"The same age as you, Sweyn. Stand side by side and let me compare you.
Ay," he went on, "he lacks nigh three inches of your height, but he is
more than that bigger across the shoulders--a stalwart young champion,
indeed, and does brave credit to his rearing. These West Saxons have
shown themselves worthy foemen, and handled us roughly last year, as
this will testify," and he pointed to the scar of a sword-cut across
his face. "Doubtless this is the son of that Saxon earl who more than
once last summer inflicted heavy losses upon us. Is that so, young
Saxon?"

"I am the Ealdorman Edmund himself," the young man replied quietly. "My
successes were won not by my own strength or courage, but by the valour
of those under me, who, fighting in a novel manner, gained advantage
over your Northmen."

"By Thor!" Bijorn exclaimed, "and this is the youth who attacked us at
night and drove off the cattle we had taken and slew many of our
followers, Sweyn!