have
found a new man, steward, for all are talking of him. I mean the man who
is said to have thrown a big stone certain miles, or somewhat like it,
from all accounts. Where is he?"

"He is my new porter," answered Berthun, with much pride; "but he is not
in the hail, for he does not like to hear much of himself, being quiet
in his ways, although so strong."

"Here is a marvel," laughed Alsi, "and by-and-by we must see him. I
wonder that Eglaf let you have him."

Now Eglaf sat at the head of the nearest of the lower tables, and all in
hearing of the king were of course listening by this time. So he said,
"The man had his choice, and chose the heavier place, if you will
believe me, lord. It is terrible to see how Berthun loads him at times;
so that I may get him yet."

Then all laughed at the steward, whose face grew red; but he had to
laugh also, because the jest pleased the king. He went away quickly; and
one told Eglaf that he had better eat no more, else would he run risk of
somewhat deadly at the cook's hands. But those two were old friends, as
has been seen, and they were ever seeking jests at each other's expense.

Now the talk drifted away to other things, and I hoped that Havelok had
been forgotten, for no more than I would he like being stared at. The
feast went on, and twice I had to take new torches, but Berthun saw that
I had wine, if I could not eat as yet. Then had men finished eating, and
the tables were cleared, and the singing began, very pleasant to
hearken. Not only the gleemen sang, but the harp went round, and all who
could did so. Well do the Lindsey folk sing, after their own manner,
three men at a time, in a gladsome way, with well-matched voices, and
that for just long enough to be pleasant.

So the harp went its way down the hall, and the great folk fell to talk
again; and at last one said, so that Alsi heard him, "Why, we have not
seen the strong man yet. Strange that he is not feasting with the rest."

Whereat the king beckoned Berthun.

"Bring your new wonder here," he said. "Say that I have heard of his
deed, and would look on him."

Berthun bowed and went his way; and I wondered how my brother would bear
this, for the hall and its ordering was wont, as I have said, to bring
back his troubled thoughts of things half remembered.

Presently he came in at the door at the lower end of the hall, and at
first none noticed him, for there was singing going on, and through that
door cam