Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-14

had been uncomfortable before he was in
wretched plight now, drenched to the skin
with ice and water.
''If you also get in this condition we shall
both perish" he chartered when he had
managed to Chamber out again by the for
tunate accident of his stairs falling cross
wise over the hole. II will continue to go
first, and do you hoard your strength to
save us both when get too stiff to move"
It proved wise precaution, for in few
minutes he broke through again, and 1t
took all his companions exertions to pull
him out. Before they reached the opposite
shore he had been in four times, and was so
benumbed with cold that Sigurd was obliged
to drag him up the bank and into the hut
OF Aran BoW-Bender.
One low room was all there was of It.,
and that was smoky and dirty, the air thick
with the smells of stale cooking and musty
fur garments. Dogs were lying about. and
there was a goat pen in the corner, but q
fire roared in the center, ring of steaming
hot drinks stood around it. and behind them
sat circle of jovial-hearted sportsmen,
who seemed to ask no greater pleasure than
to pull Off q strangers drenched garments,
rub him to tingle and pour him full Of
hot spicy liquids.
To return that night was out of the
question. Alvin was too exhausted even
to think of it, beyond sleepy wonder as to
whether scolding or hogging would be
the penalty of his involuntary truancy. He
even forgot the existence of the man he had
come to see, though the round, red-faced
sailor dozed in corner directly opposite
him.
Sigurd, however, was less muddled, and
he had, besides, a strong objection to re-
turning the next morning to be laughed at
for his weather foolishneSs.
IF we do not want to be made fun Of 1t
would be advisable for US to take some one
back with US to distract peoples attention."
he reasoned, and laid plans accordingly.
The next day, as they began buckllng up
their various outer garments preparatory
to departure, he suddenly struck into the
conversation with reference to the festivi-
ties at Brattahlid.
In moment the sailor mans eyes opened
like two round windows above his fat
cheeks.
The Silver Tongue spoke on concerning
the products of the Brattahlid kitchen, the
fat beeves that were slaughtered each week,
the gammons and fitches that were taken
from the larder and the barrels of ale that
were tapped.
AS he settled his boots with a final stamp.
and stretched out his hand toward the door,
Grettir. the sailor, arose in his corner.
Hold on, Jarl's son." he said thickly.
IF 1t Is not against your wish, I will go
with you" He made propitiatory ges-
ture to the group around the fire. You
will not take 1t Ill, shipmates, II I leave
you now, with many thanks for a-good en-
tertainment The truth is that it has al
ways been in my mind to visit this renown-
ed Eric. II ever I should be In this part OF
Greenland; and now that some one is go
ing that way to guide me. think 1t would
be unadvisable to lose the chance"
The matter shall be as you have fixed
1t, Grettir," Sigurd said politely. IF you
are able to run on sltees with u.s."
Grettir laughed In q joyial roar, as he
helped himself to a pair of runners that
rested on antiers against the wall. you
have sly wit. Sigurd Jarlson. You think
because I am round I am wont to roll like
a barrel. will show you.'
And 1t proved that for all his bulk he was
as light on his feet as either Of them. In
those days, when every landlubber could
handle boat like a seaman. every sailor
knew at least something about farming and
could ride horse like Jockey. All the
way back he kept them going at a pace
that took their breath.
In the excitement OF welcoming so re-
nowned character to Brattahlid, repri-