Moreover, they saw a long dragon of war at anchor near
the shore. For a while they rowed on, easing now and again. Then Eric
spoke to Skallagrim.

"What thinkest thou of yonder ship, Lambstail?"

"I think this, lord: that she is fashioned wondrous like to the
Gudruda."

"That is in my mind also," said Eric, "and our fortune is good if it is
she."

They rowed on again, and presently a ray from the sun came over the
hills--for now it was three hours past midnight--and, the ship having
swung a little with the tide, lit upon her prow, and lo! there gleamed
the golden dragon of the Gudruda.

"This is a strange thing," said Eric.

"Ay, lord, a strange and a merry, for now I shall talk with Hall the
mate," and the Baresark smiled grimly.

"Thou shalt do no hurt to Hall," said Eric. "I am lord here, and I must
judge."

"Thy will is my will," said Skallagrim; "but if my will were thine, he
would hang on the mast till sea-birds nested amidst his bones."

Now they were close to the ship, but they could see no man. Skallagrim
would have called aloud, but Eric bade him hold his peace.

"Either they are dead, and thy calling cannot wake them, or perchance
they sleep and will wake of themselves. We will row under the stern,
and, having made fast, climb aboard and see with our own eyes."

This, then, they did as silently as might be, and saw that the Gudruda
had not been handled gently by the winds and waves, for her shield rail
was washed away. This they found also, that all men lay deep in sleep.
Now, amidships a fire still burned, and by it was food. They came there
and ate of the food, of which they had great need. Then they took two
cloaks that lay on the deck, and, throwing them about them, warmed
themselves over the fire: for they were cold and wet, ay, and utterly
outworn.

As they sat thus warming themselves, a man of the crew awoke and saw
them, and being amazed, at once called to his fellows, saying that two
giants were aboard, warming themselves at the fire. Now men sprang up,
and, seizing their weapons, ran towards them, and among them was Hall
the mate.

Then suddenly Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail threw aside the
cloaks and stood up. They were gaunt and grim to see. Their cheeks were
hollow and their eyes stared wide with want of sleep. Thick was their
harness with brine, and open wounds gaped upon their faces and their
hands. Men saw and fell back in fear, for they held them to be wizards
ris