Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-28

some Morse robber.''
The straight brows Of the young noble
slanted into q frown. Alvin met 1t with a
black scowl.
glowering. an arrow sped out Of the thicket
a little way down the road and whizzed be-
tween them. A second shaft just grazed
Alwin's head; third carried away a tress
OF Sigurd's fair hair. Instantly after a man
crashed out Of the underbrush and came
running toward them, throwing down a bow
and drawing a sword as he ran.
Forgetting that no weapon hung there
now, Alwin's hand few to his side Young
Haraldsson. catching only the gesture,
stayed him peremptorily.
Stand back-they were aimed at mel II
Is my quarrel" He threw himself from his
saddle and his blade flashed forth like
sunbeam.
Evidently there was no need of explana-
tons between the two. The instant they
met. that instant their swords crossed. and
from the first clash their blades darted
back and forth and up and down like gov
erned lightnings. Alvin threw a quieting
arm around the neck of the startled horse,
and settled himself to watch.
Before many minutes he forgot that he
had been on the point Of quarreling with
Sigurd Haraldsson. Anything more deft or
graceful than the swfftness and ease with
which the young noble handled his weapon
had never been imagined. Admiration
crowded out every other feeling.
Il hope that he win win," he muttered
presently. by st. George, hope that he
will win!" and his soothing pats on the
horses neck became frantic slaps In his
excitement.
The archer was not a bad fighter, and
just now he was desperate fighter. Round
and round went the two. A dozen times
they changed their modes of attack and de-
Tense. At last Sigurds weapon itself be-
gan to change from one hand to the other
Without abating particle Of his swiftness,
!, 1.akk So ~ f--, l. a.
with his left Before the other could re-
cover from parrying it the weapon leaped
back to his right, darted like a kissing
make at the opening and pierced the arch
er's shoulder.
He fell snarling. and lay with sigurd's
point pricking his throat and Sigurd's foot
pressing his breast.
'T think you understand now that you
will not stand over my scalp young Har-
aldsson said, sternly. Now you have got
what you deserved. You managed to get
me banished and you shot three arrows at
me to kill me, and all because of what?
Because in last falls games shot the bet
ter Of you! 1t was in my mind that IL ever
caught you would drive knife through
you"
He Kicked him contemptuously as he took
his foot away.
"Sneaking son of a wolf," he finished. IT
despfse myself that I cannot find it in my
heart to do It now that you are at my
mercy; but I have not been wont to do
such things, and you are not worth begin
ming on. Crawl on your miserable way"
Whle the archer staggered off, clutching
mis- shoulder, Sigurd came back to his
horse, wiping his sword composedly.
1T was obliging of you to stay and hold
Highf1yer," he said, as he mounted. IF
ne ne had been frightened away, should
nave been greatly hindered. for I have
many miles before me-"
That brought them suddenly back 20
their first topic, but now Alvin handled it
with perfect courtesy.
Let me urge you again to turn back
with me. It is not easy for me to answer
your questions, for this morning is the first
time l have seen the maiden. but she Is
awaiting you at the crossroads with the
old man she calls Tyrker. and"
Tyrker!" cried Sigurd Haraldsson.
"Leifs foster-father had that name. 1t is
not possible that it Is my little foster-sister
from Greenland!'
also the name of Leif." Alvin assured him.
Sigurd smote his knee a resounding
thWack Strangest Of wonders Is the
time at which this news comesl Here have
I just been asking for Left in the guard
room OF the kings house, and because they
told me he was away on the kings busi-
ness. I was minded to ride straight out OF
the city; Catch hold Of the strap on my
saddle-girth, and we will hurry"
He wheeled Highf1yer and spurred him
forward. Alvin would not make use of the
strap. but kept his place at the horses
shoulder without much difficulty. Only the
tons, and he wished to ask a number
1t was not long. however, before most Of
his questions were asked and answered for
him. Rounding a curve, they came face to
face with the riders, who had evidently
tired of waiting at the cross roads. Tyrker,
peering anxiously ahead, uttered an ex-
clamation Of relief at the sight Of Alvin,
whom he had evidently given up as runa-
way. Helga welcomed Sigurd in de-
lighted cry.
The young northman greeted her with
frank affection, and saluted Tyrker almost
as fondly.
''This meeting gladdens me more than
tongue can tell. I do not see how 1t was
that did not recognize you as I passed
And yet those garments, Helga! By St.
Michael, you look well fitted to be the Bryn-
HID we used to hear about!'
Helga's fair face flushed, ard Alvin
smiled inwardly. He was curious to know
what the young Viking would do If the
young AMAZON boxed his ears, as he
thought likely. But it seemed that Helga
was only ungertle toward those whom she
considered beneath her friendIiness. While
she motioned Alvin with an imperious ges-
ture to hand her the rein she had dropped,
she responded good-naturedly to Sigurd:
MAY, now, my comrade, you will not be
mean enough to scold about my short kir-
tie, when 1t was you who taught me to do
the things that make short krtle neces-
sary! Have you forgotten how you used to