Now I began to look restlessly for some sign of the high land of the Norway shore, but there was naught to be seen. Only to eastward the sky was dull and grayish, as it were with the loss of light in the sky over hill and forest. And Heidrek was gaining on us steadily if very slowly. We were very silent at this time.
Presently Gerda broke the silence.
"Friend Bertric," she said in a still voice, "how long have we?"
He glanced back at the ships, and answered her, after a moment's thought.
"Two hours--or maybe three, if the men who row tire--that is if the wind holds. If it freshens, we may beat them yet."
"I hear that you doubt that last," she said. "Now, is it still in your minds to die rather than fall into the hands of yon men?"
"Lady," said I, "we three would have no care for ourselves. We have to think of you."
"I will die, sooner," she answered, with set lips.
"Then," said Bertric simply, "it shall be as I have said. We will ram the pirate ship and sink with her."
Then Gerda rose up and looked at the three of us, and her face grew bright.