Out in the blithe spring sunshine, the men stood around in little groups, making hilarious plans for the day’s sport.  The preparations for the departure being completed, a day of untrammelled freedom lay before them; and what pastime is so dull that it is not given a zest and a relish by the thought that it is engaged in for the last time?  In uproarious good spirits, they whetted their knives for a last hunt, and called friendly challenges across to each other.  Inviting them to a wrestling bout, Rolf’s voice rose loudest of all; but though much laughter and some gibing came in response, there were no acceptances.

When the Norman came out of the booth, the Wrestler ceased his proclamations and strolled to meet his friend with a welcoming smile.  “Now I think Leif has behaved well,” he said, heartily, “to remember that the last day in such a place as Vinland the Good is far too precious to be wasted on monkish tasks.  Sigurd will get angry with himself that he did not wait longer for your coming.”

A shade of disappointment fell over the Norman’s face.

“Where has Sigurd gone?” he asked.  “He swam out to an island in the bay where he has a favorite fishing-place he cannot bear to leave without another visit.”

“And Helga?  Where is she?”

The Wrestler looked at him in surprise.  “She has gone into the woods somewhere, with Tyrker; but surely you would not be so mad as to accost her, even were she before you.”

Alwin answered with an odd smile.  “A man who is about to die will do many things that would be madness in a man who has life before him,” he said.  His eyes gazed into his friend’s eyes with sombre meaning.  “I finished the records this morning.”

“You finished the records this morning?” Rolf repeated incredulously.

A note of impatience sharpened the other’s voice.  “I fail to understand what there is in that which surprises you.  Certainly you must have heard Leif say, last night, that a hundred words more would end the work.  And it was your own judgment that Kark would wait no longer than its completion—­”

Rolf struck the tree they leaned against, with sudden vehemence.  “The snake!” he cried.  “That, then, is why he showed his fangs at me this morning in such a jeering smile.  Yet, how could I believe that a man of your wit would allow such a thing to come to pass?  With a mouthful of words you could have persuaded Leif that there was a host of things which he had forgotten.  You could have prolonged the task—­”

Alwin shook his head with stern though quiet decision.

“No, I have had enough of lying,” he said.  “Not for my life, nor for Helga’s love, will I carry this deceit further.  Such a smothering fog has it become around me, that I can neither see nor breathe through its choking folds...  But let us leave off this talk.  Since it is likely that my limbs will have a long rest after to-night, let us spend to-day roving about in search of what sport we can find.  If I may not pass my last day with the man and woman that I hold dearest, still you are next in my love; you will accompany me, will you not?”