nd
rational frame of mind, disposed, too, to be agreeable even towards
Errington. Lorimer, who for reasons of his own, had kept a close watch
on Sigurd ever since his friend's engagement to Thelma, was surprised
and gratified at this change in his former behavior, and encouraged him
in it, while Errington himself responded to the dwarf's proffered
friendship, and walked beside him, chatting cheerfully, during the most
part of the excursion to the Fall. It was a long and exceedingly
difficult journey--and in some parts dangerous--but Sigurd proved
himself worthy of the commendations bestowed on him by the _bonde_, and
guided them by the easiest and most secure paths, till at last, about
seven o'clock in the evening, they heard the rush and roar of the rapids
below the Fall, and with half an hour's more exertion, came in sight of
them, though not as yet of the Fall itself. Yet the rapids were grand
enough to merit attention--and the whole party stopped to gaze on the
whirling wonders of water that, hissing furiously, circled round and
round giddily in wheels of white foam, and then, as though enraged,
leaped high over obstructing stones and branches, and rushed onward and
downward to the smoother length of the river.

The noise was deafening,--they could not hear each other speak unless by
shouting at the top of their voices, and even then the sounds were
rendered almost indistinct by the riotous uproar. Sigurd, however, who
knew all the ins and outs of the place, sprang lightly on a jutting
crag, and, putting both hands to his mouth, uttered a peculiar, shrill,
and far-reaching cry. Clear above the turmoil of the restless waters,
that cry was echoed back eight distinct times from the surrounding rocks
and hills. Sigurd laughed triumphantly.

"You see!" he exclaimed, as he resumed his leadership of the party,
"they all know me! They are obliged to answer me when I call--they dare
not disobey!" And his blue eyes flashed with that sudden wild fire that
generally foretold some access of his particular mania.

Errington saw this and said soothingly, "Of course not, Sigurd! No one
would dream of disobeying you! See how we follow you to-day--we all do
exactly what you tell us."

"We are sheep, Sigurd," added Lorimer lazily; "and you are the
shepherd!"

Sigurd looked from one to the other half doubtingly, half cunningly. He
smiled.

"Yes!" he said. "You will follow me, will you not? Up to the very top of
the Fall?"

"B