"I knew well, Estein, thou wouldst come. Something told me thou wouldst not linger on my summons."
"Did you then send for me to lead me into this snare?" said
Estein, his brows knitting darkly.
"Does one eagle betray another to the kites and crows?" replied the old man loftily.
Estein burst out hotly,—
"Speak plainly, old man! Keep mysteries for Rune-carved staves and kindred tricks. What mean this message and this plot and this rescue? I have left my truest friend and twenty stout followers besides in yonder hall. I myself have had to flee for my life from a yelping pack of Jemtland dogs; and for aught I know, Ketill and the rest of my force may be drugged with drink and burned in their beds even while I talk with you. Give me some plain answer?"
Atli looked at him for a minute, and then replied gravely,—
"I have heard, indeed, that some strange change had befallen Estein Hakonson. There was a time when he who had just saved thy life would have had fairer thanks than this."
With a strong effort Estein controlled his temper and answered more quietly,—
"You are right. It was another Estein whom you saw before. Bear with me, and go on."
He sat down on a bench as he spoke and gazed into the fire.