old them
that they would suffer the same fate if they refused to submit to his
will.

So the men-at-arms put on all their armour, and, mounting their horses,
set forth at sunset to Wayland's house, King Nidud riding at their
head. The door stood wide open, and they entered quietly, in deadly
fear lest Wayland should attack them.

But no one was inside, and they looked about, their eyes dazzled by the
gold on the walls. The King gazed with wonder and delight at the long
string of golden rings, and, slipping the finest off a strip of bark,
placed it on his finger.

At that moment steps were heard in the outer court, and the King
hastily desired his followers to hide themselves, and not to stir till
he signed to them to do so.

In another moment Wayland stood in the doorway, carrying on his
shoulders a bear which he had killed with his spear and was bringing
home for supper.

He was both tired and hungry, for he had been hunting all day; but he
had first to skin the animal, and make a bright fire, before he could
cut off some steaks and cook them at the end of the spear. Then he
poured some mead into a cup and drank, as he always did, to the memory
of his brothers. After that he spread out his bear's skin to dry in
the wind, and this done he stretched himself out on his bed and went to
sleep.

PART VII.

King Nidud waited till he thought all was safe, then crept forth with
his men, who held heavy chains in their hands wherewith to chain the
sleeping Wayland. But the task was harder than they expected, for he
started up in wrath, asking why he should be treated so. "If you want
my gold, take it and release me. It is useless fighting against such
odds."

"I am no robber," said Nidud, "but I am your King."

"You do me much honour," replied Wayland, "but what have I done to be
loaded with chains like this?"

"Wayland, I know you well," said Nidud. "Poor enough you were when you
came from Finmark, and now your jewels are finer and your drinking cups
heavier than mine."

"If I am indeed a thief," answered Wayland, "then you do well to load
me with chains and lead me bound into your dungeons; but if not, I ask
again, Why do you misuse me?"

"Riches do not come of themselves," said Nidud, "and if you are not a
thief, then you must be a magician and must be watched."

"If I were a magician," answered Wayland, "it would be easy for me to
burst these bonds. I know not that I have ever wronged any man, bu