"I could name one fair maid," said Helgi, glancing at the king, but in Estein's eye he saw a warning look.
"I have sterner things to think of, jarl," said Estein. "Five days from this I hope to be upon the sea."
As he spoke, one of his hird-men came up to the high seat and stopped close beside him.
"What ho, Kari!" cried Helgi, "you are strangely sober."
"I have a message for the king," replied the man.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE END OF THE STORY.
"A boon! a boon!" exclaimed Helgi. "Kari seeks a boon. A wife, or a farm, or a pair of pigskin trousers; which is it, Kari? Before you win it you must sing us a stave. Strike up, man!"
"No boon I seek," replied Kari. "A maiden stands without who seeks
King Estein, and will not come inside."
"Aha!" laughed Helgi. "Blows the wind that way?"