Fortunately, Alwin was not obliged to commit himself.  At that moment the headwoman or housekeeper, who was also mistress of ceremonies in the absence of the steward, came bustling through the crowd, and divided the men from the women, indicating to every one his place according to the strictest interpretation of the laws of precedence.

If there had been more time for preparation there would have been a larger company to greet the returned guardsman.  Yet the messengers Thorhild had hastily despatched had brought back nearly a score of chiefs and their families; and what with their additional attendants, and Leif’s band of followers, and Eric’s own household, there were few empty places along the walls.

According to custom, Eric sat in his high-seat between two lofty carved pillars midway the northern length of the hall.  Thorhild sat in the seat with him; the high-born men were placed upon his right; the high-born women were upon her left.  Opposite them, as became the guest of honor and his father’s eldest son, Leif was established in the other high-seat.  Tyrker, weazened and blinking, and swaddled in furs, sat on one side of him; Jarl Harald’s son was on the other, merry-eyed, fresh-faced, and dressed like a prince.  On either hand, like beads on a necklace, the crew of the “Sea-Deer” were strung along.  Kark came the very last of the line, in the lowest seat by the door.  Alwin had fresh cause to be grateful to the fate that had changed their stations.  His place was on the foot-stool before Leif’s high-seat, guarding the chief’s cup.  It was an honorable place, and one from which he could see and hear, and even speak with Sigurd when anything happened that was too interesting to keep to himself.

Among Leif’s men there were many temptations to consult together.  Not one but was waiting in tense expectancy for the move that should disclose the guardsman’s mission.  They had sternest commands from Leif to take no step without his order.  They had equally positive word from Valbrand to defend their chief at all hazards.  Between the two, they sat breathless and strained, even while they swallowed the delicacies before them.

When the towels and hand-basins had gone quite around, and all the food had been put upon the table, and the feast was well under way, three musicians were brought in bearing fiddles and a harp.  Their performance formed a cover under which the guests could relieve their minds.

“Do you observe that he has let his crucifix slide around under his cloak where it is not likely to be noticed?” one whispered to another.  “It is my belief that he wishes to put off the evil hour.”

“When the horse-flesh is passed to him he will be obliged to refuse, and that will betray him,” the other answered.

But Eric did not see when Leif shook his head at the bearer of the forbidden meat; and that danger passed.

Rolf murmured approvingly in Sigurd’s ear:  “He is wise to lie low as long as possible.  It is a great thing to get a good foothold before the whirlwind overtakes one.”