"Why do you thus set these shells to sail?"

The boy looked up in surprise, and his blue eyes rested for a long
time upon the tall strange man. Then he answered:

"Because, hersir, they are my warships, setting out upon a viking
cruise."

At this Sigurd smiled.

"It may be, my boy," said he, "that you will yourself command great
ships of war in time to come."

"That is what I should wish," said the boy, "for then I might take
blood vengeance upon my enemies."

"Not often do I hear one so young thus speak of enemies," said
Sigurd. "What is your age?"

"Ten winters."

"And your name?"

The boy looked up once more into the stranger's face, and at his
large crested helmet of bronze and gold. He glanced, too, at the
man's great sword and his cloak of rich blue cloth, and guessed
rightly that he was of noble rank. There was a smile upon his lips,
and his eyes were tender and kindly, winning confidence.