"I know these spells, Estein; they have been cast on men by other
maids before now. Better take your sorceress with you. It is
unlucky to break such spells so rudely."

"Laugh not, Helgi," said Estein, taking his arm and hurrying him
down to the shore. "This spell has meant more to me than you can
guess."

"By the hammer of Thor!" exclaimed Helgi, stopping suddenly,
"there surely is the witch herself."

Estein looked round, and standing against the sky he saw the
slender form he knew so well.

"Wait for me, Helgi," he said, "the spell is on me still," and
starting away suddenly he ran up the bank again.

"Osla!" he cried, and stopped abruptly.

"What means this, Vandrad?" she asked.

Her eyes were wide open with troubled surprise, and looking into
her upturned face he thought she never was so fair before.

"They have come for me, Osla, and I must go. Farewell! remember me
not."

"Do you leave us in this way--without saying farewell, or telling
us you were going?"