then he said eagerly, "Well, master, what is it?"

"I will tell you. But first will you swear as on the holy ring that of
what you shall do for me no man shall know hereafter?"

"What I do at your bidding none shall know, and that I swear," answered
my father slowly, as if trying to repeat the king's words.

"See here, then," said Hodulf, and I heard his armour clatter as he
dismounted.

Then the footsteps of both men shuffled together for a little while, and
once I thought I heard a strange sound as of a muffled cry, at which
Hodulf muttered under his breath. I could see that they took something
large from the saddle bow, and set it on the ground, and then they spoke
again.

"Have you a heavy anchor?" asked the king.

"A great one."

"Well, then, tie it to this sack and sink it tonight where tide will
never shift it. Then you may come to me and claim what reward you will."

"Freedom, and gold enough to buy a new boat---two new boats!" said my
father eagerly.

Hodulf laughed at that, and got on his horse again. I saw his tall form
lift itself against the dim sky as he did so.