restless and unruly of late. Many times the lad had disappointed
him and caused him trouble, but never so much as today, when his
wilfulness threatened to bring about very serious consequences.
Had Olaf taken the advice that had been given him in the morning,
the coming of Klerkon might have been a matter of small moment;
but the thoughtless boy had boldly shown himself before the tent,
and had never striven to hide himself from the quick eyes of the
shipmen. He had been recognized--as how would one so distinguished
from all other youths fail to be?--and now Klerkon would not rest
until he had safely secured his coveted prize.

Very different now was Olaf from what he had seemed on that day
when he stood near the viking ship in the guise of a poor slave.
In the year that had passed Sigurd had grown to love the lad with
the love of a father, had taught him many useful arts and handicrafts,
had given him fine clothes to wear, and had so improved his bodily
condition and moulded his mind that no king's son could ever hope
to excel him either in physical beauty or in skill of arms, in manly
prowess or moral goodness. Never once had Olaf done anything that
was mean or unworthy; never once had he told an untruth or gone
back from his promise. At any time when Sigurd had told him to do
what was not to his liking the boy had simply shaken his golden
curls and said, "I will not promise"; but always when he had given
his word he held to it firmly and faithfully. He could be trusted
in all things. But for all this he had lately become most wilful,
and the trouble he was now causing made his uncle very anxious.

Sigurd knew full well that Olaf loved him, and that all the possible
glory of being a viking would not lead him away from Holmgard of
his own free will. But in the present case he might not be able to