blow, as the axe, missing the Lucky One
by ever so small a space, buried itself deep in the wall behind him.

Instantly every man of the crew was on his feet, and there was clashing
of weapons and a tumult of angry voices. Eric's men were not behindhand,
and many of the guests drew swords to protect themselves. They were on
the verge of a bloody scene, when again Leif's voice sounded above the
uproar. He had drawn no weapon, nor swerved nor moved from his first
position.

"Put up your swords!" he said to his men.

Those who caught the under-note in his voice hastened to obey, even
while they protested.

He turned again to his father, and into his manner came that strange new
gentleness that is known as courtesy, which set him above the raging Red
One as a man is above a beast.

"It seems strange to me that the one who taught me the laws of
hospitality should be the one to break them with me. Nevertheless, now
that I have been frank with you, I will not anger you by speaking
further of my mission. And since you do not wish to lodge us, I and my
men will go back to my ship and sleep there until my errand is
accomplished. Valbrand, do you go first, that the others may follow you
in order."

The old warrior hesitated as he wheeled. "It is you who should go first,
my chief. The heathens will murder you. We--"

"You will do as I command," Leif interrupted him distinctly; and after
one glance at his face, they obeyed.

Nothing like this had ever been seen before. A hush of awe fell upon
Eric's men and Eric's guests. One by one the crew filed out, with
rumbling threats and scowling faces, but wordless and empty-handed.
Alwin took advantage of his close attendance to be the last to go, but
finally even he was forced to leave. Helga marched out beside him, her
head held very high, her eyes dealing sharper stabs than her dagger,
Leif's scarlet colors flying in her cheeks. Thorhild called to her, but
she swept on, unheeding.

At the door, Alwin paused to look back. He would not be denied that.
Leif still stood before his high-seat, holding Eric with his keen calm
eyes as a man holds a mad dog at bay. Never had he looked grander. Alwin
silently swore his oath of fealty anew.

That no one should accuse him of cowardice, the guardsman waited until
the door had closed upon the last one of his men. Then, slowly, with the
utmost composure, he walked out alone between the ranks of his enemies.

An involuntary murmur applaude