d the skin of it is cut
up as though the crows had pecked it."

In the excess of his wrath Arne extended his clenched fist and shook it
at the hermit, who instantly transfixed it with an arrow, causing the
foolish man to howl with pain and passion.

"I have always held and acted on the opinion," said Christian to Ivor,
who was now joined by his comrade Finn, "that whatever is worth doing at
all, is worth doing well. Thou seest," he continued, wiping his brow
with the sleeve of his coat, "it is only by being expert in the use of
this weapon that I have succeeded in driving bark the Danes without the
loss of life. There is indeed a passage in the Book of God (which I
hope to be spared to tell thee more about in time to come), where this
principle of thoroughness in all things is implied, if not absolutely
taught--namely, `Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
might.'"

"A just maxim," said Finn, shading his one eye with his hands and gazing
earnestly into the woods, "and if acted upon, makes a man fit for every
duty that falls upon him; but it seems to me that while we are talking
here, there is some movement going on. See, Christian (since that is
thy name), they are retiring in haste, and exposing themselves. Now, I
pray thee, as thine eye is so sure, do drop a shaft on the nape of
yonder fellow's neck, that we may have something to show of this night's
work."

"I told thee, Finn, that my desire is to avoid taking life."

"Humph," said Finn testily, "whatever thy desire may be matters little
now, for he is beyond range. Hark! That shout accounts for the flight
of the Danes. Ulf must have returned."

As he spoke, a loud cry, as if of men in conflict, arose from the fiord.
Immediately after, the vikings who had not already taken to flight left
their places of shelter and dashed into the underwood. The hermit let
them go without moving a hand; but Alric, who was actuated by no
merciful principles, suddenly opened the north door, sprang out, and let
fly an arrow with so true an aim that it struck one of the Danes between
the shoulders. Fortunately for him, the Dane had, in accordance with
the usual custom of the time, hung his shield on his back when he took
to flight, so that the shaft rebounded from it and fell harmless to the
ground.

By this time the hermit had descended from the roof. Running out he
seized Alric, and, dragging him into the house, reclosed the door.

"Ye know not, foolish b