Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-19

heard, laughed and turned back to their
amusements. Then he drew Rolf further
into the room, laid hand over his mouth,
and pointed to the farthest corner where
barrels and piled-up bales made a screen
half way across the bow.
Hair long and yellow there was, as the
simpleton had said; but 1t was not the
vengeful Ran who looked out from under
1t. Tumbled and disheveled, paling and
flushing, short kirtled and desperate-eyed,
Helga the Fair stood before them.
Behold how prudent shield maiden
helps matters that are already in a snarl"
the jarls son said, dryly.
The Wrestler started back in consterna-
tion. Helga dropped her eyes guilty.
II cannot blame you for being angry"
she murmured. Il have become a. great
hindrance to you"
ut is an unheard-of misfortune!' gasped
Rolf. I'm flying from Gilli you have broken
the Norwegian law; and by causing Left
to aid you in your flight you have made
him an accomplish. A bad result is GER
tain"
Helga's head bent lower. Then suddenly
she flung out her hands in passionate en-
treaty.
yet could not help 1t, comrades! AS
live, could not help it! How could have
the heart to remain in safety, without
knowing whether Alvin lived or died2 How
could spend my days decking myself In
fine clothes. while my best friend fought
for his life? Was 1t to be expected that
could help coming?" She spoke softly.
half crOuch1ng In her hiding place, but her
heart was in every word.
Her judges could not stand against her.
Rolf swore that she would have been I'M
worthy the name Of shield maiden had she
I acted otherwise. And Sgurd pressed her
| hand with brotherly tenderness.
You should know that l am not blam-
| Ing you In earnest, my foster sister, be-
cause grumble a little when cannot see
my way cut Of the tangle." He bent over
Kark to make sure that he was really as
| a q no no
| his voice nervously. What makes it q
great mishap is that your presence dou-
| bles Alwin's risk, and because one can
never be altogether sure to what lengths
Eric's son will go-even with one whom
| he loves as well as he loves you. If
| could find some good way in which to
! break the news to him before he sees
YOU
| Helga sprang out Of her niche and stood,
straight and rigid, before them. You shall
| not endanger yourself to shield me. You
will feel 1t enough for what you have al
ready done. The first burst of his anger
| I will bear myself, as Is my right"
Before they had even guessed her inten-
tion she slipped past them. leaped lightly
\ over Kark's motionless body, and deliv-
cred herself into the light of the torches.
| In another instant a roar Of amazement
| and delight had gone up from the benches,
and the men were dropping their games
| and knocking over their goblets to crowd
around her.
"she has got out of her wits" Rolf said
! wonderingly.
He will kill her." Sigurd answered, be-
| tween his teeth. For half as much cause
| Olaf Trygvasson struck queen in the
| face"
They followed her aft, like men walking
| in dream: but between the rings of broad
| shoulders they soon lost sight of her. All
| they could see was the Norman's dark face
! as he stepped upon bench and silently
| watched the approaching apparition.
'.The Troll take him! II he cannot keer