Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-11
7. STORY LATER NOW.

tianity two winters ago, and I tell you truly
that I was never so well helped as 1 have
been since then. And not only am 1 a
Christian, but every man who calls him
self mine is also one, and will let blood
eagles be cut in his back rather than
change his faith
No sound came from Eric but his mouth
was half open, as though his rage were
choking him, and his face was purple and
twitched with passion. He had picked up
the ugly little bronze battle ak that leaned
against his chair, and was netting it and
lingering 1t and shifting 1t from hand to
hand. Gradually the eyes of all the COM
pany conferred upon the cleaning wedge,
following it up and down and back and
forth, expecting, dreading.
II he does not wish to go so far as to
STAY his own SON, he has yet easy mark
in me-" Alvin murmured, his eyes follow
ing the motions like snake-charming birds.
IF he raises it again like that, 1 think 1
shall dodge" Out of the corners of his,
eyes he could see many movements of I'M
easiness among Leifs men.
Only Left went on quietly: You have
always known that your gods must die, so
it would not surprise you to be told now
that they are dead, and it should gladden.
your hearts to know THAT one has been
found who Is both ever living and willing
to help. Therefore King Olaf has sent me
to lay before you that If you will accept
| this faith as the men of Trondhiem have
done"
Helga sprang aside with shrek of warn
With a below of rage he leaped to his
feet and hurled the ak at his sons head.
simultaneously came an oath from VAL
brand and a roar from his crew; then
laundering blow, as the ak, missing the
Lucky One by ever so small a space, buried
itself deep in the wall behind him.
Instantly every man Of the crew was on
his feet, and there was clashing of weap-
ons and a tlHnult of angry voices. Erics
men were not behind hand, and many OF
| the guests drew swords to protect them
selves. They were on the verge of bloody
scene, when again Leif's voice sounded
above the uproar. He had drawn no
weapon, nor swerved nor moved from his
| first position.
Put up your swords!" he said to his
men.
Those who caught the under note in his
voice FASTENED to obey, even while they
protested.
He turned again to his father. and into
his manner came that strange new gentle
ness that is known as courtesy, which set
| him above the raging Red One as a man
| is above a beast.
1T seems strange to me that the one
who taught me the laws of hospitality
should be the one to break them with mt.
Nevertheless, now that l have been frank
with you, will not anger you by speaking
| further Of my mission. And since you 90
not wish to lodge US, l and my men Will
go back to my ship and sleep there until
| my errand is accomplished. Vaibraud 40
you go first, that the others may follow
you in ORDER
The old warrior hesitated as he wheeled.
ut Is You who should go first, my chief.
| The heathens will murder you. We
You will do as command Left inter-
rupted him distinctly, and after one glance
| at his face they obeyed.
Nothing like this had ever been seen be-
! fore. A hush Of awe fell upon Eric's men
and Erics guests. One by one the crew
| fled out. with rumbling threats and scowi-
Ing faces, but wordless and empty handed.