she swept on, unheeding.

At the door, Alwin paused to look back. Ne would not be denied that.
Leif still stood before his high-seat, holding Eric with his keen calm
eyes as a man holds a mad dog at bay. Never had he looked grander. Alwin
silently swore his oath of fealty anew.

That no one should accuse him of cowardice, the guardsman waited until
the door had closed upon the last one of his men. Then, slowly, with the
utmost composure, he walked out alone between the ranks of his enemies.

An involuntary murmur applauded him as he passed. Thorhild, torn as she
was between anger and pride, was quick to catch its meaning and to use
it. Whatever Leif's faith, she was still his mother. Taking her life in
her hand, she bent over and whispered in Eric's ear.

The darkness of his face became midnight blackness,--then was suddenly
rent apart as with lightning. He brought his fist down upon the table
with a mighty crash.

"Stop! When did I say anything against lodging you? Do you think to
throw shame upon my hospitality before my guests? I will have none of
your religion,--I spit upon it. You are no longer my son,--I disown you.
But you shall sleep under my roof and eat at my board so long as you
remain in Greenland, you and your following. No man shall breathe a word
against the hospitality of Eric of Brattahlid. Thorhall, light them to
sleeping rooms!" His breath, which had been growing shorter and shorter,
failed him utterly. He finished with a savage gesture, and threw himself
back in his chair.