“’Twas well done, and a lucky venture,” observed Solve Klofe.
Alric appeared to meditate for a few minutes, and then said with a smile—
“If Christian the hermit were here he would say it was ill done, and an unlucky venture for the men of the castle.”
“The hermit is a fool,” said Solve.
“That he is not,” cried the boy, reddening. “A braver and better man never drew bow. But he has queer thoughts in his head.”
“That may be so. It matters naught to me,” retorted Solve, rising and going forward to the high prow of the ship, whence he looked out upon the island-studded sea.—“Come, lads, change hands again, and pull with a will. Methinks a breeze will fill our sails after we pass yonder point, and if so, we shall sleep to-night in Horlingdal.”