over old for a thrall, and could not see any work in him, so he
cruelly slew him before our eyes and cast his body into the sea.
But he had us two lads away with him, and he sold us here in the
marketplace in exchange for a white goat. Then, being companions
in our misfortune, Thorgils and I swore foster brotherhood, and
we took an oath in handshaking that when we grew strong enough we
would go out upon the sea and take vengeance upon the man who had
slain old faithful Thoralf."

Sigurd pointed outward to the ship that was afar off upon the dim
horizon.

"Jarl Klerkon, of whom you speak," said he, "is now upon yonder
ship."

"And well do I know it," returned Olaf. "Today when I stood upon
the vessel's gangplank I saw him standing on the lypting; and I
knew him by the token that his nose was flat against his face. I
had a mind to throw one of my knives at him, but there were over
many of his men around, who would soon have overpowered me had
I been so rash. And now," the boy added, as he glanced up at the
darkening sky, "it is time that I go back to the hills to gather
my master's sheep into the fold, for the night will be dark, and
wolves will be about. Too long already have I tarried here."

And before Sigurd could put out his hand to detain him Olaf had
bounded up the rocks, and was soon lost to sight.