Now the ring of men closed round us, staring at us, but in silence, save for the ringing of the horns that were blowing in the woods to call Hubba from his sport. And Jarl Ingvar sat still, as if carved in oak, and seemed to ponder, frowning heavily at us, though the look in his eyes went past me as it were.
Glad was I when a horseman or two rode up and reined in alongside Ingvar. I think that the foremost rider was the most goodly warrior to look on that I had ever seen, and one might know well that he was Lodbrok's son.
"Ho, brother!" he cried; "I thought you had harboured the greatest bear in all Jutland in Raud's hut. And it is naught but two strangers. What is the trouble with them?"
"Look at yon man's hand," said Ingvar.
I held out my hand, and Hubba looked at the rings, whereupon his face lit up as Halfden's had lighted, and he said:
"News of our father and brother! That is well; tell us, friend, all that you know."
"Stay," said Ingvar; "I took yon man from the boat we made for our father; he was half dead therein, and his wrists have the marks of cords on them; also when he heard my name he began to cry for mercy, and I like it not."
"This friend of our folk will tell us all," said Hubba.
"Aye," said I, "I will tell you, Jarls. But I would speak to you alone."
"Tell me," said Ingvar shortly; "came my father to your shores in yon boat alive?"