his eyes there was a great fear. But Leva wept outright, and threw
herself on her knees beside him, putting her arms round him as he sat,
speaking words of comfort.

Then Grim knelt also, and said, "Thralls of yours are we, Havelok, son
of Gunnar, and for you shall our lives be given before Hodulf shall harm
you. Nor shall he know that you live until the day comes when you can go
to him sword in hand and helm on head, with half the men of this realm
at your back, and speak to him of what he did and what he planned, and
the vengeance that shall be therefor."

So Grim took on himself to be Havelok's foster-father, and, as he ended,
the boy said with glowing eyes, "I would that I were grown up. How long
shall this be before it comes to pass?"

And then of a sudden he said, as a tired child will, "Friends, I am
sorely weary. Let me sleep."

So Leva took him in her arms and laid him in their own bed; and at once
he slept, so that she left him and came back to Grim by the fireside,
for there was much to be said.

First of all it was clear that Havelok must be hidden, and it was not to
be supposed that Hodulf would be satisfied until he had seen the thrall
to whom he had trusted such a secret come back for his reward. If he
came not he would be sought; and then he would find out to whom he had
spoken, and there would be trouble enough.

But it seemed easy to hide Havelok on board the ship, and sail with him
to England as soon as possible. A few days might well pass before a