“I never taste strong liquor. Its tendency is to make wise men foolish,” he said.
“Nay, then, thou wilt not refuse to eat. Here, Hilda, fetch thy friend a platter.”
“I thank thee, but, having already supped, I need no more food. I came but to bring what I deemed news.”
“Thou art churlish, old man,” exclaimed Ulf angrily; “sit down and drink, else—”
“Come, come,” interrupted Haldor, laying his hand on Ulf’s arm, “Let the old man be; he seems to think that he has something worth hearing to tell of; let him have his say out in peace.”
“Go on,” said Ulf gruffly.
“Was the token sent out a baton or a split arrow?” asked the hermit.
“A baton,” said Ulf.
“Then why,” rejoined the other, “do men come to a peaceful Thing with all their war gear on?”
“What say ye? are they armed?” exclaimed Ulf, starting up. “This must be looked to. Ho! my carles all, to arms—”