The man in charge had seen nothing of him.
"May werewolves seize him!" exclaimed Helgi. "He has had time enough to tear the long ships plank from plank."
"We have no time to wait for him; it is his fault if he be left," said Grim.
"That knowledge would doubtless comfort him," replied Estein; "but nevertheless I shall wait."
"Here they come!" cried Helgi.
"And here come those who will reach us before them," said another man.
He was right. A swarm of men were already running down the slope, and it was clear that they must reach the boat first.
Estein sprang on board.
"Push off!" he cried; "we will row along the shore to meet them."
"Well thought of," said Helgi; "'tis lucky we have one cool head with us."