him on this expedition.

We do not intend to give the details of this foray, although it was
unusually stirring and prolific of adventure. Suffice it to say, that
they had several hard fights both with Swedish and Danish vikings, in
all of which Alric distinguished himself for reckless daring, and would
certainly have been carried home dead upon his own shield had not Kettle
Flatnose watched over him with the solicitude of a father, and warded
off many a blow that was aimed at his pugnacious head. We fear it must
be added that Alric was not sufficiently impressed with his friend's
services in this way. The truth is that he entertained the firm belief
that nobody could kill him, and that he could kill anybody--which was
all very well as far as it went, but would not have carried him
scathless through the cruise, had not the stout Irishman been at his
back.

Immense and valuable booty was gained at this time, for one of the
vessels which they captured had been cruising in southern lands, and was
returning with a large quantity of gold and silver ornaments when Solve
Klofe attacked it. A misfortune befell them, however. On their way
home a storm drove Thorer's vessel on the rocks in a fog, and it became
a total wreck. The crew were all saved, however, and much of the
lading, by Solve, who stowed the goods in his own ship, and brought home
the men. They were within a day's sail of Horlingdal, when they put
ashore to take a few hours' repose.

Three hours after midnight Solve Klofe, whose breathing up to that time
had resembled that of an infant, gave vent to a prolonged bass snore,
and opened his eyes. This was followed by the shutting of his mouth,
and with one of those satisfactory stretchings of the body with which a
sound sleeper is wont in the morning to dismiss repose and recall his
energies. Having lain still a few moments to enjoy the result, Solve
sat up, and stretching forth his hand, drew aside the curtain of the
tent under which he slept, and looked out. The sight that gladdened his
eyes was beautiful beyond description, for the sun was up in all his
northern glory, and shone on the silver sea with dazzling light, while
he scattered away the mists of morning. But the best sight of all to
the bold viking was the splendid warship which, with painted sides and
shields, and gilded masts and prow, glowed and glittered like a
beautiful gem in a setting of the brightest azure blue.

Turning his eyes insi