honoured man! And that reminds me of one of Ulf's thralls named
Kettle Flatnose, who could assist Harald nobly in the work of beheading
himself, for last night, when he and I fought side by side against the
Danes, he used a hook of his own making, with such effect, that I was
fain to pause and laugh, while myself in the very act of splitting an
iron headpiece. But perchance that is not a suitable method of
compassing our ends, besides it would cost the thrall his life, and I
should be sorry to aid in bringing about the death of Kettle Flatnose,
whose island is a happy one if it counts many such clear-headed and
able-bodied warriors.

"But another plan was proposed by Glumm the Gruff, which seemed to me to
have the approval of many present, and assuredly it has mine, that we
should send King Erling at once to Harald, to tell him our opinions to
his face, to sound him as to his intentions, and to bring back the news
as fast as possible, so that we may go armed or unarmed to the Springs,
as prudence may direct. Moreover, as it would be unfair to send a man
alone on such a dangerous errand, I would suggest that he should have a
comrade to keep him company and share his fortunes, and that for this
end none better could be found than Glumm the Gruff himself."

This speech settled the mind of the meeting. After a little more talk
it was finally arranged that Erling and Glumm should go at once to meet
King Harald, who could not yet, it was thought, have arrived at the
Springs, and endeavour to find out his temper of mind in regard to the
men of Horlingdal. After that the Thing broke up, and the members
dispersed to partake of "midag-mad", or dinner, in the dwellings of
their various friends.

CHAPTER TEN.

PROVES THAT THE BEST OF FRIENDS MAY QUARREL ABOUT NOTHING, AND THAT WAR
HAS TWO ASPECTS.

"Now, Erling," said Glumm, with a face so cheerful, that had the
expression been habitual, he never would have been styled the Gruff, "I
will go home with thee and wait until thou art busked, after which we
will go together to my house and have a bite and a horn of mead before
setting out on this expedition. I thank the Stoutheart for suggesting
it, for the business likes me well."

"Thou wert ever prone to court danger, Glumm," said Erling with a laugh,
as they hurried towards Haldorstede, "and methinks thou art going to be
blessed with a full share of it just now, for this Harald Haarfager is
not a man to be trifled wi