ull, then a crash, and the Crane
broke in two, throwing half of her crew into the sea on the inner side
of the boom, and the other half outside.

Well was it for them all then that the Swan had waited! She was at once
backed towards the scene of disaster, and as many as possible were
picked up. Among the rescued was Glumm, with Ada in his arms. But many
were drowned, and a few stuck to the boom, refusing to let go, or to
make any attempt to reach the Swan.

Erling knew, however, that these were sure to be picked up by the King's
ships, so he once more ordered the rowers to give way, and the vessel
sprang forth on her voyage some time before the pursuers reached the
boom. When these did so, most of them attempted to leap it as the
fugitives had done--for none of the Norsemen there lacked spirit. Some,
however, failed to get on to it at all, others got on a short way and
stuck fast, while two or three ships broke their backs, as Glumm's had
done, and threw their crews into the water--but not one got over.

The men then leaped on the boom, and the sound of axes was heard as they
laboured to cut it through, or to dash away its iron fastenings. It
was, however, a thoroughly well-executed piece of work, and for a long
time resisted their utmost efforts. When at length it did give way, and
the King's ships passed through, the Swan was beyond pursuit--far away
on the horizon, with all sail set, and running before a stiff breeze,
while the shades of evening were closing in around her!

That night there was silence in the Norsemen's little ship as she
ploughed her adventurous course over the northern sea, for the thoughts
of all were very sad at being thus rudely driven from their native land
to seek a home where best they might in the wide world. Yet in the
hearts of some of them there was also much happiness.

Hilda's sanguine mind pictured many sweet and peaceful abodes, far from
the haunts of warlike men. Alric was happy, because he was beginning,
as he fondly hoped, a life of wild adventure. So was Kettle Flatnose,
for he was now sailing westward, and he knew that Ireland was somewhere
in that direction. But Glumm the Gruff was perhaps the happiest of all
on board, for, besides the delight of having at last got possession of
his bride, he enjoyed, for the first time in his life, the pleasure of
comforting a woman in distress!

Ada's wild spirit was--we dare not say eradicated, but--thoroughly
subdued at last