requisition legally made by the King for a
supply of men and arms; and, generally, whenever any act affecting
national or even district interests was contemplated, it was necessary
to assemble a Thing, and consult with the people before anything could
be done.

It may be easily understood, then, with what an outburst of indignation
a free and warlike race beheld the violent course pursued by Harald
Fairhair, who roamed through the country with fire and sword, trampling
on their cherished laws and privileges, subduing the petty kings, and
placing them, when submissive, as Jarls, i.e. earls or governors over
the districts to collect the scatt or taxes, and manage affairs in his
name and for his behoof.

It is no wonder that Erling the Bold gathered his brow into an ominous
frown, pressed his lips together, tossed his locks impatiently while he
thought on these things and battered the iron mass on his anvil with the
amount of energy that he would have expended in belabouring the head of
King Harald himself, had opportunity offered.

Erling's wrath cooled, however, almost instantly on his observing
Hilda's retreat before the fiery shower. He flung down his hammer,
seized his battle-axe, and throwing it on his shoulder as he hurried
out, speedily overtook her.

"Forgive my rude manners," he said. "My soul was chafed by the thoughts
that filled my brain, and I scare knew what I did."

"Truly, thou man of fire," replied the girl, with an offended look, "I
am of half a mind not to pardon thee. See, my kirtle is destroyed by
the shower thou didst bestow upon me so freely."

"I will repay thee that with such a kirtle as might grace a queen the
next time I go on viking cruise."

"Meantime," said Hilda, "I am to go about like a witch plucked somewhat
hastily from the fire by a sympathising crone."

"Nay; Herfrida will make thee a new kirtle of the best wool at
Haldorstede."

"So thy mother, it seems, is to work and slave in order to undo thy
mischief?"

"Then, if nothing else will content thee," said Erling gaily, "I will
make thee one myself; but it must be of leather, for I profess not to
know how to stitch more delicate substance. But let me carry thy
pitcher, Hilda. I will go to Ulfstede to hold converse with thy father
on these matters, for it seemed to me that the clouds are gathering
somewhat too thickly over the dale for comfort or peace to remain long
with us."

As the young man and maiden wended their