“So it would seem,” said Biarne, “but it was more by good fortune than good planning, for I left you weak-handed; and if good luck had not brought us here just at the time we did, methinks there would have been heavy hearts among us.”
“A higher Power than good luck brought us hither in time,” said Karlsefin.
“That is true,” said Leif, with a nod and an earnest look at his friend.
“I doubt it not,” returned Biarne, “and the same Power doubtless led me to start off with a reinforcement in time to help you in the hour of need, Karlsefin. But it is my advice now that we go ashore and put the huts in a state of defence as quickly as may be.”
“That is just my opinion,” replied Karlsefin, “for it may be that the friendly natives will find it easier to be converted into foes than to turn our enemies into friends. What is your advice, Leif?”
“That we land and do as Biarne suggests without delay.”
“And what if these villains come down in such overwhelming numbers—as they now can easily do—that they shall carry all before them and drive us into the lake?” asked Thorward.
“Why, man,” cried Biarne, with a touch of ire, “if I did not know thee well I would say that thou wert timid.”
“Knowing me well; then, as ye say,” returned Thorward, “and reserving the matter of timidity for future discussion, what reply have ye to make to my question?”
“That we must make up our minds to be drowned, like Freydissa’s cat,” replied Biarne.