of Edith Fairhair.

Of course the young folks of the vik were all in a thrill of
excitement. Such planning, and telling of plans, and not a little
boasting! But Ulf the Silent watched the sheep and kept apart. One
night, however, when the men were leaping, wrestling and trying other
feats, Thorolf the Strong had beaten many, when Ulf suddenly said,

"One thing, Thorolf, I would like to see done. Under yonder bark lies
a black stone. I do not think the man lives who can break it with one
blow of a hammer."

This he said craftily, for he did not know just what spirit might be
angered by the blow, and if evil came of it, it was better that it
came to the captor than the captive.

"Behold the man now!" said Thorolf, loudly, and kicked away the bark,
then looked foolish as he saw the Star, while all the men around sat
down and laughed. But Thorolf brought a hammer and struck a great
blow. Sparks flew, and that was all, except that Ulf caught his breath
and winked. He really could not help it that first time, and felt very
much ashamed. Fortunately, every one was laughing at Thorolf and did
not see him. That strong man tried again, with as little result, and
all laughed harder, even Jarl Sigurd.

This was more than Thorolf could stand. Rushing to a smithy he brought
back the largest hammer in it, swung it twice round his head, then
brought it down with a crash on one of the many lumps that studded the
Star; and this time he broke it clean off. Again and again he struck,
furiously angry, breaking off lump after lump, and when the laughter