ation. He thrust out his palm with sudden resolve.

"By Saint Michael, I will! I had sworn that I would never entreat his
leave again, but this time there is no one near enough to witness my
shame if he refuses me. There--that is sufficient! It is needful that I
make haste: yonder come Eyvind and Odd with the fish; Kark will not be
long in cooking it."

Carefully careless, he strolled past the open shed in which the
new-found wheat was being stored, past the sleeping-house and a group of
fellows mending nets, and came to the great maple-tree under which a
rough bench had been placed. There, like a Giant Thrym and his
greyhounds, Leif sat stroking his mustache thoughtfully, while with his
free hand he tousled the head of the camp pet.

Scenting dainties, the bear deserted his friend and shambled forward to
meet the newcomer. The chief raised his eyes and regarded his foster-son
over his hand, seemingly with less sternness than usual. Yet he did not
look to be so blinded by good-nature that he would be unable to see
through manoeuvring. Sigurd decided to strike straight from the
shoulder.

The cub, finding that the treat was not to be had in one delicious gulp,
rose upon his haunches and threw open his jaws invitingly. While he
tossed the berries, one by one, between the white teeth, Sigurd spoke
his mind.

"It is two weeks now, foster-father, since the winter booths were
finished and you began the practice of sending out exploring parties. In
all those days you have but once permitted me to share the sport. I ask
you to tell me how long I shall have to endure this?"

It appeared that the hand which stroked the chief's mustache also hid a
dry smile.

"You grasp your weapon by the wrong end, foster-son," he retorted. "You
forget that each time I have chosen an exploring party to go out, I have
also chosen a party to remain at home and guard the goods. How is it
possible that I could spare from their number a man who has shown
himself so superior in good sense and firm-mindedness--"

Sigurd's foot came down in an unmistakable stamp; and the remaining
berries were crushed in his clenching fist.

"Enough jests have been strung on that thread! I have submitted to you
patiently because it appeared to me that your anger was not without
cause, yet it is no more than just for you to remember that I was
helpless in the matter. Since the girl was already so far, it would have
been dastardly for me to have refused her aid.