A sweep of Leif’s arm swept Kark out of the path of his will.  “Who is it that is to command me how I shall choose my servants?  The Fates made Kark a cook-boy when he was born; let him go back where he belongs.  I have endured his boorishness long enough.  Am I to despise a tool that Heaven has sent me because a clod at my feet is jealous?  What kind of luck could that bring?”

Convinced or not, Valbrand was silenced.  “It shall be as you wish,” he muttered.

Alwin fell on his knee, and, not daring to kiss the chief’s hand, raised the hem of the scarlet cloak to his lips.

“Lord,” he said earnestly; then stopped because he could not find words in which to speak his gratitude.  “Lord—­” he began again, and again he was at a loss.  At last he finished bluntly, “Lord, I will serve you as only a man can serve whose whole heart is in his work.”

CHAPTER XI

THE PASSING OF THE SCAR

A ship is made for sailing,
A shield for sheltering,
A sword for striking,
A maiden for kisses. 

          Ha’vama’l

“When the sun rises tomorrow it is likely that we shall see Greenland ahead of us,” growled Egil.

With Sigurd and the Wrestler, he was lounging against the side, watching the witch-fires run along the waves through the darkness.  The new bower-man stood next to Sigurd, but Egil could not properly be said to be with him, for the two only spoke under the direst necessity.  Around them, under the awnings, in the light of flaring pine torches, the crew were sprawled over the rowing-benches killing time with drinking and riddles.

“It seems to me that it will gladden my heart to see it,” Sigurd responded.  “As I think of the matter, I recall great fun in Greenland.  There were excellent wrestling matches between the men of the East and the West settlements.  And do you remember the fine feasts Eric was wont to make?”

Rolf gently smacked his lips and laid his hands upon his stomach.  “By all means.  And remember also the seal hunting and the deer-shooting!”

Sigurd’s eyes glistened.  “Many good things may be told of Greenland.  There is no place in the world so fine to run over on skees.  By Saint Michael, I shall be glad to get there!” He struck Egil a rousing blow upon the sullen hump of his shoulders.

Unmoved, the Black One continued to stare out into the darkness, his chin upon his fists.

“Ugh!  Yes.  Very likely,” he grunted.  “Very likely it will be clear sailing for you, but it is my belief that some of us will run into a squall when we have left Leif and gone to our own homes, and it becomes known to our kinsmen that we are no longer Odin-men.  It is probable that my father will stick his knife into me.”

There was a pause while they digested the truth of this; until Rolf relieved the tension by saying quietly:  “Speak for yourself, companion.  My kinsman is no such fool.  He has been on too many trading voyages among the Christians.  Already he is baptized in both faiths; so that when Thor does not help him, he is wont to pray to the god of the Christians.  Thus is he safe either way; and not a few Greenland chiefs are of his opinion.”