shered in with much ceremony.

Inside the great tent was like a round hall, carpeted, and
tapestry-hung in a way I had never seen before. There were many
richly-dressed nobles present, and most of these were grouped round
a high place over against the door, where I saw at once that the
king sat on a throne in all state.

Now, coming from bright sunshine into the cool shadow of the place,
I was dazzled at first; but Kolgrim's eyes were quick, and we had
hardly crossed the threshold, if I might call it so, when he
plucked at my cloak.

"Master," he whispered, "let me bide with the men; this is no place
for me."

"Hush," I whispered; "the king is yonder."

"Ay, master--let me go--the king is Godred whom I jested with."

Harek was smiling, and he pulled Kolgrim forward.

"Have no fear," he said; "those who play bowls expect rubs."

Then the king came down from his throne and towards us. He had on
gilded armour beneath his long, ermine-trimmed blue cloak, and that
pleased me. He had sword and seax, but no helm, though that was on
a table by the throne--for he wore a crown.

Then I too saw that Godred, as he called himself, was, as the scald
had guessed rightly, the king, and I was a little angry that he had
tricked me thus. But he was laughing at Kolgrim as he came, and my
anger passed at once. King or thane, here was a pleasant greeting
enough.

He held out his hand to Odda first and then to me. The Saxon kissed
it, bending one knee, which was doubtless right for him, as owning
allegiance thereto. But I shook hands in our own way, saying:

"Skoal to Alfred the king."

Which seemed to please him, for he answered:

"Welcome to King Ranald. I am glad my letter brought you. My
counsellor, Godred, feared you might not care to come."

"The letter turned the scale, lord king," I said. "Yet I would have
you remember what I said yesterday about my kingship."

"Ay, cousin, I mind it," he answered, laughing. "Also I mind that a
king's son is a king's son, whatever else he may be called."

Then he shook hands with Harek, and after that turned to Kolgrim,
holding out his hand also to him.

"Concerning sails," he said gravely, "I have many questions to ask
you. Is it to the starboard hand that the bolt rope goes, or to the
other board?"

"I pray you to forget my foolishness, lord king," cried Kolgrim,
growing very red and shame faced.

"That I shall not," the king answered, laughing. "I owe you thanks
for such a