Over Estein came the greatest change.  As the fog lifted, the light returned to his eye, and he turned eagerly to Grim.

“Where are we now?  Have we yet time to catch Liot at his feast?”

The pilot shook his head.

“It will take us full two hours to reach the bay where Liot dwells, and the feast, I fear, will have ended even now, for the hour is late.”

Helgi’s face fell, and he muttered a deep imprecation as he turned to Estein.

“What think you?” he asked; “shall we run for some distant bay, and return to-morrow night?”

“I have come to meet Liot to-night,” Estein replied, and turning away he paced the deck in deep thought.

Helgi’s cheerfulness returned in an instant.  He hummed an air, and leaning against the bulwark awaited the march of events with his usual careless philosophy.

“The men were right,” he thought; “it was a magic mist.  The spell has lifted with the fog.  It wants but a brisk fight now to cure him.”

A grim smile stole over Estein’s face, and presently he stopped beside Grim, and said,—­

“Know you where Liot sleeps in this hall of his?”

“Ay; I was forced to follow him for two years, and I know well his sleeping chamber.”

“Can you lead us to it in the dark?”

Grim looked at him doubtfully before answering.

“I think so,” he said at length.

“But are you sure?”

The pilot looked round him.

“The night is light,” said he, “and there will still be some fire in the hall.  But it will be a dangerous venture.”

Estein turned impatiently.

“Methinks you have little feud with Liot,” he said, and went over to where Helgi stood.

“Well?” asked Helgi.

“I have a plan.”

“Have you resolved on a burning?  This cursed fog has made me cold, and a fire would like me well.”

“You have heard my rede on burnings, Helgi.  My scheme is to carry off Liot in his sleep.  They will keep no watch.  The very dogs will be drunk, and I think it will not be so difficult as it seems.  Will you come with me into Liot’s hall?”

Helgi’s blue eyes opened wide, and he laughed as he said,—­

“There has never been your match for enterprise in the north, Estein.  Your plans seem all so chosen that your foes may have the greatest chance to slay you.  Are we to leave you in Liot’s place?”

“I asked if you would follow me.”

“You know the answer to that already.  But why trouble with Liot’s carcass?  Surely it were easier to slay him where he lies.”

“I like not a midnight murder, and Liot and I have not yet decided who is the better man.  That is a trial which I would fain make, and then we can see what the gods would do with me.”

“To fight an enemy and capture him afterwards is common enough, but to capture him first and then fight him seems the act of a madman,” answered Helgi.