that ye should
doubt my willingness to stand by thee to the death, if need be, against
any odds?"

"Nay, be not so hasty, Glumm. I doubt not thy courage nor thy regard
for me, but I had a fancy to know what amount of odds thou wouldst deem
serious, for I may tell thee that our powers are likely to be put to the
proof to-day. My kinsman, Jarl Rongvold, told me at parting that twenty
men--and among them Hake the berserk--are to be sent after us, and are
doubtless even now upon our track."

"Then why this easy pace?" said Glumm, in a tone of great surprise.
"Surely there is no reason why we should abide the issue of such a
combat when nothing is to be gained by it and much to be lost; for if we
are killed, who will prepare the men of Horlingdal for the King's
approach, and tell of his intentions?"

"That is wisely spoken, Glumm; nevertheless I feel disposed to meet King
Harald's men."

"This spirit accords ill with the assertion that thou art not fond of
war," returned Glumm, with a smile.

"I am not so sure of that," rejoined Erling, with a look of perplexity.
"It is more the consequences of war--its evil effects on communities, on
women and children--that I dislike, than the mere matter of fighting,
which, although I cannot say I long for it, as some of our friends do, I
can truly assert I take some pleasure in, when engaged in it. Besides,
in this case I do not wish to meet these fellows for a mere piece of
brag, but I think it might teach King Harald that he has to do with men
who have heart and skill to use their weapons, and show him what he may
expect if he tries to subdue this district. However, be that as it may,
the question is, shall we hang back and accept this challenge--for such
I regard it--or shall we push on?"

"Yonder is an answer to that question, which settles it for us," said
Glumm quietly, pointing to a ridge on the right of the bridle path,
which rose high above the tree tops. A troop of horsemen were seen to
cross it and gallop down the slope, where they quickly disappeared in
the forest.

"How many didst thou count?" asked Erling, with a look of surprise.

"Only ten," answered Glumm.

"Come," cried Erling cheerfully, as he drew his sword, "the odds are not
so great as we had expected. I suppose that King Harald must have
thought us poor-looking warriors, or perchance he has sent ten
berserkers against us. Anyhow I am content. Only one thing do I
regret, and that is, that, among