by a few of the
loose vessels of the enemy. But the greater part of both fleets being
tied together, could take no part in the chase until they were cut
asunder.

"The day is lost, father," said Erling, as he stood by the steering oar.

"I know it, my son," replied Haldor, who was now able to sit up and look
about him; "Norway is henceforth enthralled."

He said this in a tone of such deep sadness that Erling forbore to
continue the subject.

"They are cutting asunder the fleet," observed Glumm, who had recovered
self-possession, and stood looking back at the scene of the recent
conflict; "surely some of them are trying to escape."

As he spoke, one of the large vessels shot out from among the others,
and rowed rapidly away. There was desperate fighting on board of it for
a few minutes, and then a number of men were pushed or thrown overboard,
and a loud cheer of victory arose.

"Well done, Solve Klofe!" cried Erling with enthusiasm. "That is his
shout. I should know it among a thousand. He at least is bent on being
free!"

Several of Harald's ships, which had been also cut loose, immediately
gave chase, but Solve's men pulled so well that they soon left them
behind, and hoisting their sail to a light breeze which was blowing just
off the mouth of the fiord, soon doubled the point and bore away to the
south.

"Is that someone swimming in the water?" asked Erling, pointing as he
spoke to an object which moved forward among the debris of oars,
portions of clothing, and wreck, which was floating about everywhere.

One of the men at the bow oar stood up, and after a short glance, said
that he thought it was a man.

"Look out on the starboard bow. Mind your oars and be ready, someone,
to lean over the waist and catch hold of him."

As he spoke, the cutter ranged up to the object, which appeared to be
the dishevelled and blood-bespattered head of a man. He suddenly gave
vent to a wild shout--"Come on, thou tyrant! Down with ye, dog--huzza!"
At the last shout a pair of arms were swung wildly in the air, and the
next moment the man's voice was stifled in the water as he sank, while
another head appeared beside him.

"That is the voice of Kettle Flatnose, or his wraith," exclaimed Erling;
"pull gently, lads; hold water."

"Why, Ulf, is it thou?"

"Truly," exclaimed Ulf, grasping the extended hand of Glumm, "I don't
feel quite sure! Haul gently, Glumm. I've got Kettle here. Another
hand or two. Now