I grew dazed with the flash of the
steadily-swung blades. Then I looked at the iron shore, and saw the
long lines of cruel cliffs with the white foam at their feet,
seeming endless. There may have been a cove in sight, but I could
not make it out, and anywise it must have been too far for us.

Then I looked at Gerda, and saw that there was some trouble in her
face as she looked forward. Once she smiled as if to cheer the
hermit brothers, and at that I felt the lift of the boat that comes
with a fresh life set into the swing on the oar, and that told me
somewhat. Fergus was failing. Behind me, Phelim, the younger and
stronger man, was still breathing deeply and easily, and I had no
fear of his failing yet.

Then I grew certain that the enemy was gaining. We had held our own
up till this time, but barely. Gerda's lips tightened, and she had
to meet the pull of Bertric and Phelim, lest they should overpower
us. I did my best and she knew it, and kept the balance for a
while, until I must needs speak.

"Bertric," I said quietly, and in the Norse, "the bow oar is
failing. Pull easy on your side for a little."

He did so, and the enemy crept nearer.

"Half a mile more," said Gerda. "Only half a mile--and we can hail
the ships."

Bertric looked back, and his face brightened.

"We may do it yet," he said; "and they are English-built ships."

Now I cried to Phelim in the Gaelic that we had but a half mile
more, and I felt the flagging oar of Fergus take up the work
afresh, with a swifter swirl of the water round its blade as he
pulled, while Phelim muttered words in Latin which doubtless were
of thanks. I heard him name one Clement, who, as I have heard
since, is the patron saint of seamen. The boat leapt and quivered
again as she fled toward safety.

Now I had looked to see the pursuers give up the chase as we neared
the ships, but they did not, and a cold fear came over me. Maybe
these were known friends of Heidrek's. Then I thought that if so
they might as well leave the matter to be ended by them. We should
be helpless directly if so. But it seemed rather that they
quickened the pace. They would not share the treasure with anyone.

There was a sound as of a groan from the bows, and the boat swung
aside before Gerda could meet her with the helm. An oar flashed
past me on a wave, and Phelim shipped his oar with a smothered cry.
Fergus had fainted at last. I heard the sharp howl of delight from
the men astern as