Sigurd. "But if you will shake my hand and tell me that you will
not run away, then I will take off your chain and you shall ride
in front of me on my horse. You are King Triggvi's son, and I know
that, once spoken, your word will be sacred."

Now, Olaf had never taken any man's hand since he swore foster
brotherhood with Thorgils Thoralf son. He looked upon handshaking
as a most solemn covenant, only to be made when great matters were
at stake. Also, he had never yet told or acted a lie, or been false
to anyone. He answered promptly:

"No, I will not take your hand. Neither will I give you my word
that I shall not escape from you very soon. You may keep the chain
about my neck. It is more easily broken than my promise."

Sigurd looked at the lad and smiled.

"I think," he said, "that I would admire you even more if you were a
little cleaner. Here is a stream of water. Get in and wash yourself."

"I cannot take off my clothes without removing the chain," said
Olaf, "and if the chain be removed I shall run away to where even
your horse cannot follow me. But if you will give me one boon I
will promise you that I will wash myself clean and then come back
to the chain."

"What is your boon?" asked Sigurd.

"It is," said Olaf, "that since I am now your lawful thrall, and
must go with you wheresoever you wish, you will go to Biorn the