Once a handsome, frowning chief came past us at a gallop on his swift horse.  He was glittering with gold, but the steed had neither saddle nor bridle.  Its only harness was a halter, but the man rode as if he were part of the horse, so that it was a pleasure to watch him.  It was more than either Bertric or I could have managed.

The Danish ship was afloat when we reached the waterside, for the tide had risen swiftly in these upper waters, and the Irish had helped to get her off, after plundering her.  There were a dozen or more of Hakon’s men on board at this time, making her decks shipshape again.  But below the bend rose a black cloud of smoke, for the other ship was on fire, and Hakon had sent a boat to see that all was well with the ship he had left there.

There was no surprise at the message from Dalfin.  Thoralf only laughed, and Hakon said he would wait for half an hour in case the supplies came.  As for the men, he would take them willingly.  There was no need to arm them, and they would take their spell at the oars.

Presently Irish came to the beach holding up spoils—­helms and mail shirts, and the Danish swords they did not know how to use.  Hakon bought them for silver pennies easily, and the folk thought themselves well paid.  So an hour passed, and then the hapless Danes were driven down in a string to the water’s edge, and we sent a boat for them.  One had a hasty message from Dalfin to say that in no wise were we to wait for aught else.  The Dane told me that there was strife up at the camp, and the young prince had had difficulty in getting them away.

Hakon spoke to the men, when they came on board, kindly, and bade them take service with him if they would, as had Asbiorn, and, as may be supposed, they were only too willing.  And then I asked for our courtman, telling Hakon how it came about that he was with these pirates, and he turned him over to me at once as my special follower.  Nor need it be said how Sidroc greeted me after that escape.  He said that Heidrek’s men had thrust a spear into his hand and hustled him over the bows to take his chance with the rest, unarmed save with that.

Thereafter, Hakon found mail and helm and sword for him, which had come from the spoils, and he was happy.  Nor was I any the less comfortable on board for having him to tend myself and Bertric.  But that is of course.

From him we learned two things—­one which Asbiorn had not yet told us, and the other which he also would learn.  Heidrek had fled from us thinking that the ships could be only those of Sigtryg, the Dublin king, with whom he had some deadly feud.  I minded that when Dalfin had offered ransom for both of us how Asbiorn had said that the Irish shore was not open to him.  Then, when he was thus pent up by us, Heidrek had tried to cut his way to the camp and take Myrkiartan prisoner, that he might hold him as hostage for safe departure.  It was a mad attempt, but at least had some meaning in it which we could not understand at the time.  Moreover, had it not been for the men who came up with Dalfin it had been done.