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

nod and a smile Helga turned away, and
there was nothing for him but to go for
ward to meet the steersmap.
The old warrior regarded the young IA
vorite with his usual apathy. 1T is the
wish of Left that you attend upon him
directly
rs he in his sleeping room?"
1t occurred to Alvin to wonder at this
summons. His usual hour for reading came
after Left had retired for the night. II the
chief had overheard the dispute with Thor
hall! He fingered. meditating question,
but a second glance at Valbrand's battered
face dissuaded him. He turned sharply on
his heel and strobe across to the storehouse
that had become I.eif's headquarters.
A loft that could be reached only by
ladder-like outer stairway, and was without
fireplace or stove or means of heating, does
not appear inviting. But one has keener
sense Of appreciation when he considers
that the other alternative was bed in the
great hall. where the air was foul as 1t
was warm. and the room was shared with
drunken men and spilled beer and bones
and scraps left from feasting. Alvin had
no inclination to hold his nose high in re-
gard to his masters new lodgings. England
itself offered nothing more comfortable.
When he had come up the long flight OF
steps and swung open the heavy door, he
had even an impulse of admiration. This
the state guest-chamber. was not without
softening details. 1t was large and high
and weather proof. and beasted three win
doWs. The box-like. straW-filled beds, that
were QUILT against the wall, were spread
with snowy linen and covers of eiderdoWn
Inc long brass-bound chests that stood on
either side the door were piled with furs
until they offered the softest and warmest
OF resting places. A score of Leif's rich
dresses hanging from row of nails, COW
cred the bare walls as with a gorgeous
tapestry. The table was provided with grace
ful bronze water pitchers and wash basins
OF silver, and was Uttered over with silver
scissors and gold-mounted combs and
bright-hilted knives and medley Of costly
trinkets. Near the table stood a great
carved arm chair. !"
At the sight of the man who leaned
against It's flaming red cushions Of elder
down Alvin forgot his admiration. The
CHIEFS eyebrows made bushy line across
his nose The young bowerman knew,
without words, why he had been sent for.
He stopped where he was. a pace within
the door, angry and embarrassed.
After while Left said, ,sterniy: You
are very silent now. but IT appears to me
that heard your voice loud enough in the
hall last night"
1T was only that was accusing Thor
hall of trick that he tried to put upon me.
He allowed me to go up to the loft above
the provision house without telling me that
the hooring had been taken up SO that they
might pour the new mead into the vat In
the room below. In one more step should
have fallen through the opening and been
drowned. 1t Is plain he did 1t to avenge
Kark. should have burst IL I had not
told him so. 81
II have commanded that my men shall
not hold speech with the men of Eric on
friendly matters; that they shall avoid a
quarrel as they would avoid DEATH"
His tone of quiet authority had begun to
nave It's usual effect upon gnis young fol-
lower; AiW1n's head had bent before him.
But suddenly he looked up with daring
FASH