en eyes would have found
it impossible to trace him.

CHAPTER XXIII

A FAMILIAR BLADE IN A STRANGE SHEATH

"Now it is related that Bjarni Herjulfsson came
from Greenland to Eirek Jarl, who received him
well. Bjarni described his voyage and the lands
that he had seen. People thought he had shown a
lack of interest as he had nothing to tell about
them, and he was somewhat blamed for it. He became
the Jarl's hirdman and went to Greenland the
following summer, Now there was much talk about
land discoveries."--FLATEYJARBO'K.

The week after Gilli's departure for Norway, Leif returned from his
visit to Herjulf's Cape, and made public his intention to take Biorn's
barren beginning and carry it out to a definite finish. He brought with
him three of the men of Biorn's old crew, and also the same stanch
little trading-vessel in which Herjulfsson had made his journey. The
ship-sheds upon the shore became at once the scene of endless
overhauling and repairing. Thorhild's women laid aside their
embroidering for the task of sail-making. There began a ransacking of
every hut on the commons and every fishing-station along the coast, for
the latest improved hunting-gear and fishing-tackle; and day after day
Tyrker rode among the farms, purchasing stores of grain and smoked
meats.

As the old saga says: "Now there was much talk about land discoveries."
The Lucky One became the hero of the hour. With all its stubbornness,
Eric's pride could not but be gratified. He began to show signs of
relenting. Gradually he ceased to avert his face. One day, he even
worked himself up to making a gruff inquiry into their plans.

"If we return with great fame, it is likely his pleasure will reconcile
him entirely," Leif's men chuckled to each other.

The diplomatic guardsman was quick to understand the change, but as
usual, he went a step beyond their expectations. The day after his
father made this first advance, he invited him to inspect the exploring
ship and advise them concerning her equipment. While they stood upon the
shore, admiring the coat of scarlet paint that was being laid upon her
hull, he suddenly offered the Red One the leadership of the expedition.

Eric's eyes caught fire, and his wiry old frame straightened and swelled
with eagerness. Then, though his eyes still sparkled, his chest sank
like a pierced bladder.

"It is not possible for me to go. I am too old, and less able to bear
hardship than formerly."

Rolf