dd expression of something like regret was on the chief's face. As
he met his companion's glance, he laughed a short harsh laugh that had
in it less of mirth than of scorn.

"It is ended," he repeated. "And though I know no better than yourself
why it is that I am such a fool, yet I find myself full of sorrow
because it is finished. I feel that I have lost out of my life something
that was dear to me." He relapsed into another frowning silence; when he
came out of it, it was only to motion toward the door. "No sense is in
this," he said, savagely; "yet the mood has me, hand and foot. I am in
no temper to talk of anything. To-night we will speak of your reward. Go
now and spend the rest of the day as best pleases you."

He did not look up as his follower obeyed: he sat brooding over the
great white roll as though it were the dead body of some one whom he had
loved.

Out in the blithe spring sunshine, the men stood around in little
groups, making hilarious plans for the day's sport. The preparations for
the departure being completed, a day of untrammelled freedom lay before
them; and what pastime is so dull that it is not given a zest and a
relish by the thought that it is engaged in for the last time? In
uproarious good spirits, they whetted their knives for a last hunt, and
called friendly challenges across to each other. Inviting them to a
wrestling bout, Rolf's voice rose loudest of all; but though much
laughter and some gibing came in response, there were no acceptances.

When the Norman came out of the booth, the Wrestler ceased his
proclamations and strolled to meet his friend with a welcoming smile.
"Now I think Leif has behaved well," he said, heartily, "to remember
that the last day in such a place as Vinland the Good is far too
precious to be wasted on monkish tasks. Sigurd will get angry with
himself that he did not wait longer for your coming."

A shade of disappointment fell over the Norman's face.

"Where has Sigurd gone?" he asked. "He swam out to an island in the bay
where he has a favorite fishing-place he cannot bear to leave without
another visit."

"And Helga? Where is she?"

The Wrestler looked at him in surprise. "She has gone into the woods
somewhere, with Tyrker; but surely you would not be so mad as to accost
her, even were she before you."

Alwin answered with an odd smile. "A man who is about to die will do
many things that would be madness in a man who has life before him," he
said.