Alwin drew away in disgust from the touch of his ill-smelling garments.
As he did so, his eye fell upon Kark, who had laid hold of Thorwald's
companion and was talking rapidly in his ear.

The new-comer was not an amiable-looking man. Above his gigantic body
was a lowering face that showed a capacity for slyness or viciousness,
whichever better served his turn. As Kark talked to him, his brow grew
blacker and he plucked savagely at his knife-hilt. It dawned upon Alwin
then that he must be Kark's father, the steward Thorhall of whom
Valbrand had spoken.

"In which case it is likely that something is about to happen," he told
himself, and tried to communicate the news to Sigurd. But Thorwald stood
between them, still pressing Leif's hand.

When the hunter had passed on down the line of the crew, Thorhall came
forward and greeted Leif with great civility. Only as he was retiring
his eye appeared to fall upon Alwin for the first time; he stopped in
pained surprise.

"What is this I see, chief? You have got another bowerman in place of my
son, whom your father gave to you? It must be that Kark has done
something which you dislike. Tell me what it is, and I will slay him
with my own hand."

Again Valbrand looked sideways at his master, as if to remind him that
he had warned him of this. Tyrker began to fumble at his beard with
shaking hands, and to blink across at Eric. This time they had attracted
the Red One's attention. His palm was curved around his ear that he
might not lose a word; his eyes were fastened upon Leif.