ht end by standing high
in the court, and we had no need of him. Then we went and chose men
who were ready for a chance of speedy adventure, rather than the
waiting which matters of policy required here for the moment.
Presently Bertric would bring the ship back to Hakon with them, if
all went well. So we had no trouble in raising a very willing crew.
Moreover, the men who knew her were glad to serve Gerda.

So word went about quickly of what we wanted, and we might have had
twice the number we asked for. Presently Asbiorn heard it, and came
up from the ships and sought us.

"So you are going to try conclusions with my friend Arnkel?" he
said. "Let me come with you. You need a pilot."

Now, we liked Asbiorn well enough, for all the way in which we had
met him, and the company whence he came to us. He was quiet and
fearless, keeping himself to himself, but pleasant in his ways,
troubling more over the thought of the ill repute of his father
than need have been, perhaps, for none blamed him for that. We had
already thought of him as likely to be useful to us; but he, again,
might do well with the king, for he had place and name to win, as
had Dalfin. We were glad that he would help us therefore, and
hailed his coming accordingly, to his content.

This island where we lay was hilly, and forest clad. The ships were
at anchor in the little sound between it and a smaller island,
hidden and safe, and the ladies were lodged in a house among the
woods on the south side of the hill, near the lodging of Hakon. The
woods were pleasant at this time, with the first touch of autumn on
the leaves of the birches, and the ripe berries of the Norseland
were everywhere.

So it happened that presently, as I went to Hakon's lodging with
some question which I had for him, I must take the nearest way from
the ships by the woodland paths, having to cross the island from
east to south, and leaving Bertric and Asbiorn on board. I had it
in my mind to find Thoralf's good wife presently, and talk to her,
for it seemed to me that this cruise might have much in store for
me. Hakon had told her of our sailing with the morning's tide.

But I heard someone singing in the wood, and knew the voice well.
It was Gerda who was wandering, and gathering the red raspberries,
and I had half a mind to turn aside and keep beyond her sight. That
thought came too late, however, for the path turned, and I came on
her suddenly, and she looked up from the ripe