ies among the mountains south of Stavanger, in
a land of lakes and forests and bright streams, of which she had
told me much.

Presently Hakon spoke to me of another matter wherein I might help
him. It was his hope that he might win Norway to the Christian
faith, and, indeed, I think that he cared little for the crown if
it might not give him power to that end. He knew that in the long
days of the homeward cruise both Gerda and I had been talking much
with Father Phelim and the two English clergy, so that we could not
be aught but friendly toward the faith, if not more.

"Stubborn are our Norse folk," he said, "and the work will be hard.
Maybe I shall do little, but someone else may take up the task
which I mean to begin. It must needs be begun at some time. In that
quiet place of Gerda's it is likely that men may listen peacefully,
and so will be a centre whence one may hope much."

Then I said, "So may it be, King Hakon; for this will be what Gerda
wishes most of all things."

"What of yourself then?" he asked.

Bertric answered for me, and I was glad.

"Malcolm thinks likewise, for so he has told me. But he will do
nothing in haste. This is a matter which is weighty, and in no wise
to be lightly gone into. But have no fear for him, Hakon."

Thereat Hakon smiled as if well pleased, and said no more. Bertric
did but speak the truth concerning me. But most of all, it seemed
to me that the new things I had learned were so wondrous that I
thought myself unfitted for them. I think that, if I tell the
truth, I must needs say that I was afraid thereof, in ways which I
cannot set into words.

Bertric and I went out to look for men when all was said that
needed saying, and the first person we found was Dalfin. The prince
was learning to be a very Norseman, and was in favour with all.

"Ho, Dalfin," I said, "are you minded to sail for another cruise
with the queen and us two?"

"Why," he asked, "what of Hakon and his warfare?"

We told him what we were to be about, and his face fell. I think he
deemed at first that he was in some way bound in honour to go with
us and see Gerda righted. But it was plain that he would rather
follow Hakon and meet with the adventure which must needs be before
him ere he came to the throne of his fathers.

So we played with him for a while, until he said that he would sail
with us if we needed him so sorely, and then let him go. There was
no honour to be won with us, and here he mig