dressed him in such fine clothes, and who even go so far as to teach
him the reading of runes, surely know him to be of noble birth.
Who is he, I say?"

This question, coming so directly and from the queen herself, whom
he dared not disobey, brought the guilty blood to Sigurd's brow.
But Allogia did not observe his confusion. Her large dark eyes were
gazing full upon Olaf, as though in admiration of the boy's silky
gold hair and firm, well knit figure.

"I bought the lad in North Esthonia," Sigurd answered after a
moment's pause. "I bought him from a bonder in Rathsdale, and the
price I paid for him was two silver marks. It may be that he is some
viking's son, I cannot tell. He is quick witted and very clever at
all games, and that is why it pleases me to teach him many things."

There was a look of doubt in Allogia's eyes, as though she knew
that the steward was telling her but a half truth. He saw her doubt
and made a sign to Olaf to draw nearer. The boy obeyed, and stood
before the queen with bowed head.

"Of what parentage are you, boy?" demanded Sigurd. "Who is your
mother, and what is her condition of life?"

Olaf answered promptly, as he looked calmly into his master's face:

"My mother is a poor bondswoman, hersir," he said. "The vikings
brought her into Esthonia from west over sea. I have not had tidings
of her since I was a little child."