g in
particular was very energetic in his denunciation of the illegality of
Harald's proceedings; and even Glumm plucked up heart to leap to his
feet and declare, with a face blazing with wrath, that he would rather
be drowned in the fiord like a dog, or quit his native land for ever,
than remain at home to be the slave of any man!

Glumm was not, as the reader is aware, famed for eloquence; nevertheless
the abruptness of his fiery spirit, the quick rush of his few sputtered
words, and the clatter of his arms, as he struck his fist violently
against his shield, drew from the multitude a loud burst of applause.
He had in him a good deal of that element which we moderns call "go".
Whatever he did was effectively done.

The last who spoke was Solve Klofe. That redoubtable warrior ascended
the hill just as Glumm had finished his remarks. He immediately stood
forward, and raised his hand with an impassioned gesture. "Glumm is
right," he cried. "It is now clear that we have but one course to take;
and that is to rise all as one man against King Harald, for although
outnumbered, we still have strength enough to fight for our ancient
rights. Fate must decide the victory. If we cannot conquer, at all
events we can die. As to becoming his servants, that is no condition
for _us_! My father thought it better to fall in battle than to go
willingly into King Harald's service, or refuse to abide the chance of
weapons like the Numedal kings."

"That is well spoken," cried Haldor, after the shout with which this was
received had subsided. "The Thing is at an end, and now we shall make
ready, for it can be but a short time until we meet. Let the people
take their weapons, and every man be at his post, so that all may be
ready when the war-horn sounds the signal to cast off from the land.
[See note 1.] Then let us throw off at once, and together, so that none
go on before the rest of the ships, and none lag behind when we row out
of the fiord. When we meet, and the battle begins, let people be on the
alert to bring all our ships in close order, and ready to bind them
together. Let us spare ourselves in the beginning, and take care of our
weapons, that we do not cast them into the sea, or shoot them away in
the air to no purpose. But when the fight becomes hot, and the ships
are bound together, _then_ let each man show what spirit is in him, and
how well he can fight for country, law, and freedom!"

A loud ringing cheer wa