o join me after passing the split
rock. Now, away, for here our roads part."

In accordance with this plan the troop was divided, and each portion
rode off at full speed.

Meanwhile Erling and Glumm pursued their way, chatting as they rode
along, and pausing occasionally to breathe their horses.

"What ails thee, Erling?" said Glumm abruptly. "One would fancy that
the fair Hilda was behind thee, so often hast thou looked back since the
berserk left us."

"It is because the fair Hilda is before me that I look so often over my
shoulder, for I suspect that there are those behind us who will one day
cause her grief," replied Erling sadly; then, assuming a gay air, he
added--"Come, friend Glumm, I wish to know thy mind in regard to a
matter of some importance. How wouldst thou like to engage, single
handed, with ten men?"

Glumm smiled grimly, as he was wont to do when amused by anything--
which, to say truth, was not often.

"Truly," said he, "my answer to that must depend on thine answer to
this--Am I supposed to have my back against a cliff, or to be surrounded
by the ten?"

"With thy back guarded, of course."

"In that case I should not refuse the fight, but I would prefer to be
more equally matched," said Glumm, "Two to one, now, is a common chance
of war, as thou knowest full well. I myself have had four against me at
one time--and when one is in good spirits this is not a serious
difficulty, unless there chance to be a berserk amongst them; even in
that case, by the use of a little activity of limb, one can separate
them, and so kill them in detail. But ten are almost too many for one
man, however bold, big, or skilful he may be."

"Then what--wouldst thou say to twenty against two?" asked Erling,
giving a peculiar glance at his friend.

"That were better than ten to one, because two stout fellows back to
back are not easily overcome, if the fight be fair with sword and axe,
and arrows or spears be not allowed. Thou and I, Erling, might make a
good stand together against twenty, for we can use our weapons, and are
not small men. Nevertheless, I think that it would be our last fight,
though I make no doubt we should thin their number somewhat. But why
ask such questions?"

"Because I have taken a fancy to know to what extent I might count on
thee in case of surprise."

"To what extent!" said Glumm, flushing, and looking his friend full in
the face. "Hast known me so long to such small purpose,