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

mands and curiosity were alike forgotten
By the time they had him anchored behind
an ale-horn on the bench in the hall, he
held the households undivided attention.
Good-natured with feasting and reused by
the babel around him, he began yarn-spin-
ming at the first hint. ..--
The western shore? No man living can
tell you more of the wonders of that than
mot Biorn Herjulfsson himself!' he de-
clared. And forthwith he related the whole
adventure, from Biorn's rash setting out
into unknown seas to his final arrival ON
the Greenland coast.
To hear of these strange half-mythical
shores from one who had seen them with
his own eyes, was more than interesting.
The jarls' sons listened breathlessly while
he reeled out his tale between swallows
And the fair winds ceased and northern
winds with fog blew continually, so that for
many days we did not know even in what
direction we were sailing. Then the sun
came into sight, and We could distinguish
the quarters Of heaven. We hoisted sail
and sailed all day before we saw land, but
when we came to 1t we knew no more
what 1t was than this horn here. Biorn
said he did not think it was Greenland, but
he wished to go near 1t. 1t had no noun
tains but low hills, and was forest-clad.
We kept the land on our left and sailed for
two days before We came to other land.
This time it was fiat and covered with
woods. Biorn said that he did not think
this was Greenland for very large glaciers
were said to be there. We wished to 60
and the fair wind had fallen. There were
some cross words when Biorn would not,
but gave orders to turn the prov seward.
This time we sailed three days, with a
southwest wind, and more land came in
view. which rose high with mountains and
glacier. Biorn said this had an inhospi.
table look. and he would not allow that we
should land here either. But we sailed
along the shore, and saw that 1t was an
island. After this we had no more chances
for the fourth land we saw was Greenland
A buzz Of comment rose from all sides.
rs that all that you made of such a
chance as that?'-''Certainly the gods waste
their favors on such as Biorn HerjuIfsson."
is he coward, or what does he lack?'
He is as duh as wooden sword"
Now, whether or no all this coincided
with the private opinion of Grettir the Fat
has nothing to do with the matter Biorn
Herjulfsson had been his chief. The sailor
rose suddenly to mis- feet, with his hand on
his knife and an angry look on his red
face.
"Biorn Herjulfsson is no cowardr' he
shouted fiercely; Il will avenge it in blood
on the head of him who says So"
Eric was not there to keep order; a dozen
mouths opened to take up the challenge.
But before any sound could come out Of
them Left had risen to his feet. Are you
such mannerless churls that must remind
you Of what is due to guest?, he said.
sternly. Learn to be quicker with your
hospitality and slower with your Judgment
OF every act you cannot understand. Grei-
tir, invite you to sit here by me and tell
me more concerning your chiefs voyage"
When Grettir had gone proudly up TO
take his seat of honor. and the others had
returned to their backgammon and ale.@
Sigurd looked at Alvin with comical
grimace.
NOW. 1 wonder If my clsverness in bring
ing this fellow here has happened to over
shoot the marki Left is eager to get re-
nown; suppose he takes it into his head to
make this voyage himselfg'
Alvin sank his voice to a whisper: The
idea came to me as soon as he called Gret-
tir to him. But 1t was not your doing
Now the saying Is proved true that things
that are fated take place Do you re-
member the prophecy-that when / stand
on that ground l shall stand there by the
side of Left Ericsson?"
Go be continued Nonday)