If Leif had consulted his pride, it is likely that that night Greenland
would have seen the last of him. But foremost in his heart, before any
consideration for himself, was the success of his mission. After a
moment's hesitation, he accepted the offer courteously, and permitted
Thorhall's obsequious attendance.

One can imagine the amazement of his followers when he came out to them,
not only unharmed, but waited upon by the steward and a dozen
torch-bearers.

"It is because he is the Lucky One," they whispered to each other. "His
God helps him in everything. It is a faith to live and die for."

They followed him across the grassy courtyard to the foot of the steps
leading up to his sleeping-room, and would not leave him until he had
consented that Valbrand and Olver should go in with him for a bodyguard.

"And this boy also," he added, signing to Alwin.

As Alwin approached, Kark had the impudence to shoulder himself forward
also.

"Chief, are you going to turn me out to lie with the swine in the
kitchen?" he said boldly. "Remember that every time you have slept in
this room before, I have lain across your threshold."

Leif's glance pierced him through and through. "Is it sense for a man to
trust his slumbers to a dog that has bitten him once? Go lie in the
kennel. If it were not for provoking Eric, you would not wait long to
feel my blade." He turned and walked up the steps, with his hand on