Page:The Early Kings of Norway.djvu/44

 34 EARLY KINGS OF NORWAY. desirous of a share in Blue-tootli's kingdom as the proper finish to these sea-rovings. He even ventured one day to make publicly a distinct proposal that way to King Harald Blue-tooth himself; who flew into thunder and lightning at the mere mention of it; so that none durst speak to him for several days afterwards. Of both these Haralds Hakon was con- fidential friend; and needed all his skill to walk without immediate annihilation between such a pair of dragons, and work out Norway for himself withal. In the end he found he must take solidly to Blue- tooth's side of the question ; and that they two must provide a recipe for Gold Harald and Norway both at once. " It is as much as your life is worth to speak again of sharing this Danish kingdom/* said Hakon very privately to Gold Harald ; " but could not you, my golden friend, be content with Norway for a kingdom, if one helped you to it ? " " That could I well," answered Harald. " Then keep me those nine war-ships you have just been rigging for a new viking cruise ; have these in readiness when I lift my finger ! "