Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-12

more slaves than there were men in the
crew. Not a man but had bloody band
age on his head or his body, and the arms
and legs of some were lacking. Two of
the crew were not there at all, and their
sweethearts had come down to the shore
to meet them; and when they found that
they had been slain. they tore their hair
and tried to kill themselves with knives
THAT was foolish Of them" said Helga,
calmly. Better was 1t that their lovers
should die in good repute than live In the
shame of cowardice. But tell me the news
Has it happened, as 1 suppose, that there
i is going to be feast and heif is asked 10
Messengers came this morning from
Farserk's wife. But you dare not guess
the rest
II dare throw this pan of water over you
II you do not tell me instantly
at would not matter much If you did. I
am to have new clothes-of black velvet
with bands of ermine. But hearken now:
Left has accepted the invitation. Even
Halbrand thinks this great wonder. At
this moment Sigurd is selecting the chiefs
richest dress, and Rolf Is getting out the
most costly of the gifts that were brought
from Norway"
Helga set down her pan for the express
purpose Of clapping her hands. Now 1 am
well content, for at last they will see him
in all his glory, and know what manner Of
man they have treated with disrespect. I
have hoped with all my heart for such a
thing as this, but by no means did l think
he cared enough to do it."
Alvin shook his head hastily. "You must
not get 1t into your mind that 1t is to i'm
prove his own honor that he does 1t now.
I know that for certain. 1t is to give his
mission a good appearance"
Helga picked up her pan with sigh.
when he begins to preach that to them
he will knock 1t all over again."
Alvin considered 1t his duty to frown at
this but 1t must be confessed that some
thing very similar was in his own thoughts
as he followed his lord into Thorkel Far
serk's feasting hall that night. Whatever
his religion the guardsman's rank and his
gallant appearance and fine manners COM
PEELED admiration and respect. 1t could not
but seem pity to his admirers that soon,
with one word, he would be forced to I'M
do it all.
TT is harder than the martyrdom of the
saints" Alvin murmured bitterly. Then his
eye fell upon the silver crucifix, shining
pure and bright on Leifs breast. and he
realized the unworthiness of his thoughts,
and resigned himself with a sigh.
But Alvin found that even yet Liefs pur-
poses were beyond him. Never. by so
much as word, did the guardsn1an refer to
the subject of the new religion-though
again and again his skillful tongue won for
him the attention of all at the table. He
spoke Of battles and Of feasts. and Of the
grandeur of the Mortimer. With the old
men he discussed Norwegian politics; with
the young ones he talked of the famous
champions Of King Olafs guard. To the
women who wished to know concerning the
kings house, and the queen, he answered
with the utmost patience. He described
everything, from weddings to burials, with
the skill of minstrel and the weight of an
authority. and always with the tact Of a
courtier.
Gradually whispers of praise circled
around the board, whispers that fell like
sweetest music on the Jealous ears OF Leifs