, lord," he said. "Here is one who will tell the truth for Havelok."

Then our host sat down, and we watched the foemen as the news came to
them. We could not hear, of course, for they were a quarter of a mile
away, but if any tumult rose we should be warned in time. They were very
still, however. There was a long talk, and then one chief came back to us.

"I am going to ask a strange thing," he said, "but the men wish to see
Havelok face to face."

Now Sigurd said that this was too great a risk, and even Withelm agreed
with him.

But Havelok answered, "The men are my own men, but they are not sure
that I am the right king. It is plain that I am like my father, and
therefore it is safe for me to go."

"That," said the chief, "is what we told them, and what they wish to see."

"Then," said Havelok, "I will come. Bid your men sit down, and bid the
horsemen dismount, and I will ride to them with five others. Then can be
no fear on either side."

"That will do well," said Sigurd; and the chief went back, and at once
the host sat down.

Then Havelok rode to them, and with him went we three and Sigurd and Biorn.

There was a murmur of wonder as he came, and it grew louder as he
unhelmed and stayed before them.

And then one shouted, "Skoal to Havelok Gunnarsson!" and at once the
shout was taken up along the line. And that shout grew until the chiefs
joined in it, for it was the voice of the host, which cannot be
gainsaid; and without more delay, one by one the leaders pressed forward
and knelt on one knee to their king, and did homage to him. Only the
Norsemen held back; and presently, when we were talking to the Danish
chiefs in all friendly wise, they drew apart with their men, and formed
up into a close-ranked body that looked dangerous.

"Surely they do not mean to fight!" said Withelm.

Then one of them shouted that he must speak to the king, and that seemed
as if they owned him at least, so Havelok went to them.

"You have heard my terms," he said, "and I think that they are all that
you could ask. What is amiss?"

"Your terms are good enough," the speaker said, "and we know that our
time is come. But we must have surety that the people will not fall on
us, for we are flying, as it were. And we want the body of our king. We
would not have him buried any wise, as if he was a thrall."

"He shall be given to you, and as for the rest none shall harm you.
Moreover, for that saying about your king I will add