have seen how we train
our young men."

"His wings bring good tidings," said Richard. "Let me go, Sir Eric, I
must tell Fru Astrida."

The drawbridge was lowered, the portcullis raised, and as all the
dwellers in the Castle stood gathered in the court, in rode the warrior
with the winged helm, bearing in his hand a drooping banner; lowering it
as he entered, it unfolded, and displayed, trailing on the ground at the
feet of the little Duke of Normandy, the golden lilies of France.

A shout of amazement arose, and all gathered round him, asking hurried
questions. "A great victory--the King a prisoner--Montreuil slain!"

Richard would not be denied holding his hand, and leading him to the
hall, and there, sitting around him, they heard his tidings. His
father's first question was, what he thought of their kinsmen, the Danes?

"Rude comrades, father, I must own," said Osmond, smiling, and shaking
his head. "I could not pledge them in a skull-goblet--set in gold though
it were."

"None the worse warriors," said Sir Eric. "Ay, ay, and you were dainty,
and brooked not the hearty old fashion of tearing the whole sheep to
pieces. You must needs cut your portion with the fine French knife at
your girdle."

Osmond could not see that a man was braver for being a savage, but he
held his peace; and Richard impatiently begged to hear how the battle had
gone, and where it had been fought.

"On the bank of the Dive," said Osmond. "Ah, father, you might well call
old Harcourt wary--his name might better have been Fox-heart than
Bear-heart! He had sent to the Franks a message of distress, that the
Danes were on him in full force, and to pray them to come to his aid."

"I trust there was no treachery. No foul dealing shall be wrought in my
name," exclaimed Richard, with such dignity of tone and manner, as made
all feel he was indeed their Duke, and forget his tender years.

"No, or should I tell the tale with joy like this?" said Osmond.
"Bernard's view was to bring the Kings together, and let Louis see you
had friends to maintain your right. He sought but to avoid bloodshed."

"And how chanced it?"

"The Danes were encamped on the Dive, and so soon as the French came in
sight, Blue-tooth sent a messenger to Louis, to summon him to quit
Neustria, and leave it to you, its lawful owner. Thereupon, Louis,
hoping to win him over with wily words, invited him to hold a personal
conference."

"Where were you, Osmond?"