and he stayed the host half a mile
beyond the hill, where they were not seen. Hodulf's army was yet two
miles away across the heath, and none had gone back to hasten it.

Now Havelok went forward, holding up his hand in token of parley, and
his enemy rode from his men to meet him.

"There is much between us, Hodulf," Havelok said, "and we have been
together along this road before. Yet for the sake of the men who follow
us it may be that we can make peace."

"That is for me to say," answered Hodulf, "for you have invaded my land,
and are the peace breaker."

"I might mind you of a blood feud between us two," said Havelok, "but
that is not the business of the host. For the sake of the land I will
say this. Give up the throne that you have held for me, and you shall go
hence with what treasure you have gathered, taking your Norsemen with
you. There will be no shame in doing that, for I am able now to hold the
land for myself."

Hodulf laughed a short laugh.

"Fine talk that for the son of Grim the thrall, who drowned Havelok for
me! 'Nidring' should I be if I gave up to you."

"If things must go in that way, we will settle the matter here and now.
Will you that we fight hand to hand while our men look on, or shall we
go back to them and charge? I like the first plan best myself, as I
would avenge my father and sisters, and also that insult of the way in
which we passed this road together twelve years ago."

So said Havelok, and his words fell like ice from his lips, and he was
very still as he spoke, though the red flush crept into his cheek and
his brows lowered.

And Hodulf did not answer at once. He looked at the towering young
warrior before him, and maybe into his mind there crept the thought of
the children whom he had slain, whom this one would avenge. Well he knew
that the true Havelok was speaking with him, though he would not own it,
and branded my father with the name of thrall for the sake of insult to
his foster son.

At last he said, "We will go back to the men, for you have advantage in
that bulk of yours."

"As you will," answered Havelok. "Twelve years ago that was on your side."

He reined round at once, and touched his horse with the spur without
another glance at his enemy. And then we shouted, and Raven spurred
forward with a great oath, for Hodulf plucked his sword from the
scabbard, and with a new treachery in his heart, rode after our brother
and was almost on him. The shout was just