"Well met, Hersir Sigurd!" said the warrior. "And what lordly business
brings you north to the coast? 'Tis long since last we met--not
since the yuletide feast at Holmgard, two winters back, when we had
the horse fight. How fares the Flanders mare that won such glory
at that time?"

"A sickness killed her," answered Sigurd. "But I have a foal in
training that will soon beat any horse in Holmgard; ay, even in
Norway. So if you have a mind to see a good horse fight, come when
you will with the best horses you can find. I wager you that mine
will beat them all."

"If I meet not my death before the end of the cruising season,"
said the viking, "then will I engage to bring you the best horse
in all the Norseland to fight against." He looked among the crowd
of boys that still loitered near the ship, and added--"Where has
the youngster gone who stood just now upon the plank? He has in
him the makings of a good war man. Such lads as he are scarce, and
I would buy him if he be for sale."

And then the merchant spoke.

"Why," said he, addressing the viking, "'tis but six summers since
that you sold that self same boy, here on this marketplace. 'Twas
I who bought him from you, Klerkon. Have you forgotten the white
haired he goat that you got from me?"

"Life is too full for me to keep mind of such small events,"
answered Klerkon. "But since the lad is yours, what price do you