“Speak not so loud, rat, lest hound’s fang worry thee!” growled Skallagrim.
But Eric laughed aloud and cried—
“Words must be said, and perchance men shall die, ere ever I leave this hall, Björn!”
CHAPTER XXIV
HOW THE FEAST WENT
“Hearken all men!” said Eric.
“Thrust him out!” quoth Björn.
“Nay, cut him down!” said Ospakar, “he is an outlawed man.”
“Words first, then deeds,” answered Skallagrim. “Thou shalt have thy fill of both, Blacktooth, before day is done.”
“Let Eric say his say,” said Gudruda, lifting her head. “He has been doomed unheard, and it is my will that he shall say his say.”
“What hast thou to do with Eric?” snarled Ospakar.