a fray I was
held fast by it and went near to the losing of my life. Still, I will
keep the oath even if it grows on to my feet," and he laughed a little
and shook back his golden locks.

Swanhild smiled also and, turning, went. But when her face was hidden
from him she smiled no more.

"As I live," she said in her heart, "before spring rains fall I again
will cause thee to break this oath, Eric. Ay, I will cut a lock of that
bright hair of thine and send it for a love-token to Gudruda."

But Eric still sat upon the rock thinking. Swanhild had set an evil seed
of doubt in his heart, and already it put forth roots. What if the
tale were true? What if Gudruda had given herself to Ospakar? Well, if
so--she should soon be a widow, that he swore.

Then he rose, and stalked grimly towards the hall.

XIX

HOW KOLL THE HALF-WITTED BROUGHT TIDINGS FROM ICELAND

Presently as Eric walked he met Atli the Earl seeking him. Atli greeted
him.

"I have seen strange things, Eric," he said, "but none more strange than
this coming of thine and the manner of it. Swanhild is foresighted, and
that was a doom-dream of hers."

"I think her foresighted also," said Eric. "And now, Earl, knowest thou
this: that little good can come to thee at the hands of one whom thou
hast saved from the sea."

"I set no faith in such old wives' tales," answered Atli. "Here thou art
come, and it is my will that thou shouldest sit here. At the least, I
will give thee no help to go hence."

"Then we must bide in Straumey, it seems," said Eric: "for of all my
goods and gear this alone is left me," and he looked at Whitefire.

"Thou hast still a gold ring or two upon thy arm," answered the Earl,
laughing. "But surely, Eric, thou wouldst not begone?"

"I know not, Earl. Listen: it is well that I should be plain with thee.
Once, before thou didst wed Swanhild, she had another mind."

"I have heard something of that, and I have guessed more, Brighteyes;
but methinks Swanhild is little given to gadding now. She is as cold as
ice, and no good wife for any man," and Atli sighed, "'Snow melts not if
sun shines not,' so runs the saw. Thou art an honest man, Eric, and no
whisperer in the ears of others' wives."

"I am not minded indeed to do thee such harm, Earl, but this thou
knowest: that woman's guile and beauty are swords few shields can brook.
Now I have spoken--and they are hard words to speak--be it as thou
wilt."

"It is my will that thou