As you are averse to the doctrines of
Christianity, you may depart in peace.' Whereupon Kjartan immediately
replied: 'In this manner I may be induced to be a Christian.' So,
because I have kept my promise to speak no more concerning Christianity,
men have become curious about it, and yesterday two chiefs came of their
own will and asked me questions concerning it."

Tyrker poked his head out to say "So?" then snuggled back into his wraps
again, to chuckle contentedly. He was so wound up in furs that he looked
like a sharp little needle in a fuzzy haystack.

Leif's smile gave way to a frown. "Another man came to me also, on a
different errand,--Ragner Thorkelsson,--it may be that you saw him? He
wished to make a bargain concerning Helga."

Alwin gave a great start, so that the leather thong snapped in his hand;
but his master went on unheeding.

"You know it is my wish that she shall marry as soon as she can make a
good match, since she is not happy while she sits at home with Thorhild,
and it is not likely that she will like her father much better. It has
been in my mind through every feast; but until now, none of the men who
have asked for her has seemed to me a good match."

Though his hands kept mechanically at their work, Alwin's brain seemed
to have come to a standstill. It must be a dream, a foolish dream. It
was not possible that such a thing could have been planned without his
even suspecting it. He listened numbly.

"The first man was too old. The second was not of good enough kin; and
the other two had not enough property. Ragner Thorkelsson lacks none of
these. He is young; his father's father was a lawman; and he owns
eighteen farms and many ships."

Though he did not in the least know why, Alwin felt a hot desire to seek
out Ragner Thorkelsson and kill him.

"So?" said Tyrker, peering forth inquiringly. "Yet never have I heard
that he any accomplishments had, or that in battle enemies he had
overcome."

"No," Leif assented.

He did not finish immediately, and there was a pause. From the courtyard
came a clashing and jingling of bells, as servants brought the reindeer
from the feeding-ground to harness them to the boat-like sledges that
stood waiting.

"It may be that I have acted unwisely," Leif said at last; "but because
I did not believe it would be according to Helga's wish, I told him that
I would not bargain with him."

Alwin buried a gulping laugh in the fur cloak he had picked up. He h