they went to our house.

There waited my mother anxiously enough, for she knew from my message
that there was somewhat new to be told, or my father had not left the
ship. Nor do I think that what was to be done was altogether a surprise
to her, for she had thought much, and knew the dangers that might crop
up. So, being very brave, she strove to make light of the trouble that
leaving her home cost her, and set about gathering the few things that
she could take.

Now on the hearth sat Withelm, tending the fire, and he heard presently
that we were all to go to sea; and that pleased him well, for he had
ever longed to sail with his father. As for Havelok, he had waked once,
and had well eaten, and now was sleeping again.

Then said Withelm, "When will the sacrifice to Aegir and Ran [5]
for luck on the swan's path be?"

"Scant time have we for that," my father said, "for tide will not wait."

"Then," said the boy, "it were well to take the stone altar with us, and
make sacrifice on board. I have heard that Aegir is wrathful and strong."

Then my father said to Leva, "The boy is right in one thing, and that
is, that if we are to make a new home beyond the sea, the blue stones
that have belonged to our family since time untold should go with us,
else will there be no luck in this flitting."

"What matter?"