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

Alvin took advantage of his close attend
ance to be the last to CO. but finally even
he was forced to leave. Helga marched out
besides him, her head held very high her
eyes dealing sharper stabs than her dagger,
Leifs scarlet colors flying in her cheeks.
Thorhild called to her, but she swept on,
unheedfng.
At the door. Alvin paused to look back
He would not be denied that. Left still
stood before his high seat, holding Eric
with his keen calm eyes as man holds q.
mad dog at bay. Never had he looked
grander. alvin silently swore his oath Of
fealty anew.
That no one should accuse hdm of coward,
Ice, the guard IAN waited until the door
had closed upon the last one of his men.
Then slowly, wiki the utmost composure,
he walked out assae between the ranks OF
his enemies.
An involuntary nlurmur applauded him
as he passed. Thorhild. torn she was
between anger and pride, was quick to
catch its meaning and to use It. What
ever Leifs faith, she was still his mother.
Taking her life in her hand, she bent over
and whispered in Eric's ear.
The darkness OF his face became midnight
blackness-then was suddenly rent apart as
with lightning. He brought his first down
upon the table with a mighty crash.
stop! When did l say anything against
lodging you? Do you think to throw shame
upon my hospitality before my guests? I
will have none of your religion-I spit upon
IT. You are no longer my son-I dfsown
you. But you shall sleep under my roof
and eat at my board so long you remain
in Greenland you ana your following. No
man shall breathe a word against the hos
pitality of Eric of Brattahlid. Thorhall,
light them to sleeping rooms!' His breath,
which had been growing shorter and short
err failed him utterly. He finished with a
savage gesture. and threw himself back in
his chair.
If Left had consulted his pride, it is like
ly that that night Greenland would have
seen the last of him But foremost in his
heart, before any consideration for himself,
was the success OF his mission After
moments hesitation. he accepted the oner
courteously, and permitted ThorhalIs OBJ
SequiouS attendance
One can imagine the anazement OF his
followers when he came out to them, not
only unframed, but waited upon by the
steward and dozen torch-bearerS.
1T is because he is the Lucky One. they
whispered to each other. His God helps
him in everything. 1t is a faith to live and
die for"
They followed him across the grassy
courtyard to the foot of the steps Leading
I'D to his sleeping room, and would not
leave him until he had consented that VAL
brand and oliver should go in with him for
a bodyguard.
"And this boy also" he added. signing to
Alvin.
AS Alvin approached Kark had the I'M
pudence to shoulder himself forward also.
"Chef, are you going to turn out to /;
lie with the swine IN the Kitchen" he said |
boldly. Remember that every time you
have slept in this room before I have lain
across your threshold"
Leifs glance pierced him through and ,
through. rs it sense for man to trust I
his slumbers to dog that has bitten him i
once? Go lie in the kennel. If 1t were not .
long to feel my blade" He turned and
walked up the steps. with his hand on Al
wins shoulder.
(To be continued tomorroWl