only one chance is left to him, and
that is to cling to Skallagrim till the Baresark fit be passed and he is
once more like other men. But this is easier to tell of than to do, and
presently, strive as he will, Eric is on his back, and Skallagrim
on him. But still he holds the Baresark as with bands of iron, and
Skallagrim may not free his arms, though he strive furiously. Now they
roll over and over on the rock, and the gloom gathers fast about them
till presently Eric sees that they draw near to the brink of that mighty
rift down which the severed head of the cave-dweller has foretold his
fall.

"Then we go together," says Eric, but the Baresark does not heed. Now
they are on the very brink, and here as it chances, or as the Norns
decree, a little rock juts up and this keeps them from falling. Eric is
uppermost, and, strive as he will, Skallagrim may not turn him on his
back again. Still, Brighteyes' strength may not endure very long, for he
grows faint, and his legs slip slowly over the side of the rift till now
he clings, as it were, by his ribs and shoulder-blades alone, that rub
against the little rock. The light dies away, and Eric thinks on sweet
Gudruda and makes ready to die also, when suddenly a last ray from the
sun falls on the fierce face of Skallagrim, and lo! Brighteyes sees it
change, for the madness goes out of it, and in a moment the Baresark
becomes but as a child in his mighty grip.

"Hold!" said Skallagrim, "I crave peace," and he loosed his clasp.

"Not too soon, then," gasped Eric as, drawing his legs from over the
brink of the rift, he gained his feet and, staggering to his sword,
grasped it very thankfully.

"I am fordone!" said Skallagrim; "come, drag me from this place, for I
fall; or, if thou wilt, hew off my head."

"I will not serve thee thus," said Eric. "Thou art a gallant foe," and
he put out his hand and drew him into safety.

For a while Skallagrim lay panting, then he gained his hands and knees
and crawled to where Eric leaned against the rock.

"Lord," he said, "give me thy hand."

Eric stretched forth his left hand, wondering, and Skallagrim took
it. He did not stretch out his right, for, fearing guile, he gripped
Whitefire in it.

"Lord," Skallagrim said again, "of all men who ever were, thou art
the mightiest. Five other men had not stood before me in my rage, but,
scorning thy weapon, thou didst overcome me in the noblest fashion, and
by thy naked strength alone. Now