The Glenwood post., 1904-07-02
her, shouting. did the words reacn

her, shouting. did the words reacn
home.
Look at the warrior comrades."
Hail, Berserker!" "Scamper, cub. or
your nurse will catch you." "Tic
some of your hair on your chin, little
one."
AS the sound of hoof-beats died
away. and the nag settled back to his
steady jog-trot, the girl unclenched
her hands and drew a long breath
Though it seems strange wonder
that they should not know me for
woman, think l need give myself no
further uneasiness. 1t must be that
l am very like Fridtjof in looks. 1t
may be that it would not be unadvis-
able now for me to ask advice of the
next person how l can come to the
camp"
The asking had become at matter
OF necessity by the time she found
any one capable of answering the
question. Three foreign merchants
whom she overlook near noon could
give her no information, and she COW
cred the next five miles without see
ing living creature; then it was only
a beggar, who crawled out of the
bushes to offer to sell the child be-
side him for crust of bread. The
petition brought back to Randalin her
own famished condition so sharply
that her answer was unnecessarily
petulant, and the man disappeared
before the question could even be put
to him. Two miles more, and nothing
was in front of her but flock of rag
Sed blackbirds circling over tram
pied wheat-field. Already the suns
round chin rested on the crest of the
farthest hill. In desperation, she
turned aside and galloped after a
mailed horseman who was trotting
down clover-sweet lane with a rat
tie and clank that frightened the rob-
ins from the hedges. He reined in
with guffaw when he saw what met
tie of blade it was that had acosted
him.
is it your intention to join the
army?' he inquired. "Canute will con-
slider himself in great luck"
81 am desirous toto tell him some
thing" Red Cloak faltered.
His grin vanishing, the man lean
ed forward alertly. at is war news?
OF Edric Jarl's men,"
Before her tongue could move, Ran
dalin's surprised face had answered.
The warrior smote his thigh resound-
ingly.
You will be able to tell us tidings
we wish to know. Since the fight this
morning we have been allowed to do
no more than growl at the English
dogs across the plain, because it was
held unadvisable to make an onset
until the Jarl's men should increase
our strength. 1t is to be hoped that
they are not far behind?"
You make mistake" Randalin be-
gan hesitatingly. My news does not
concern the doings of Edric Jarl, but
the actions of his man Norman"
A blow across her lips silenced her.
Hold your tongue until you come
in to the Chief" the man admonished
her, with good -humored severity.
Have you not learned that babbling
turns to ill. you sprouting twig? And
waste no more time upon the road
either. Yonder is your shortest way
up that lane between the barley.
When you come to a burned barn, do
you turn to the left and ride straight
toward the woods; it should happen
that an old beech stock stands where
you come out. Take then the path
that winds uphill, and it will bring
you to the war booths before you can
open your foolish mouth thrice. Trollsl
what cub to send a message by!
But get along, now, you will suffer
from their temper if they think it
likely that you have kept them wait.
ing He gave the horse a stinginG
slap upon the flank. that sent him for.
ward like a shaft from a bow.
ITO be continued)