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On board the ship. [Points towards the background, to the right.] Scarce shalt thou know the boy again, so stout and strong and fair has he grown. He will be a mighty warrior, Sigurd; one day he will equal thee. [Smiling.] I see it is now as ever: Thorolf stands nearest thy heart. He is the youngest, and like his mother; therefore it is. But tell me—thy errand to Gunnar—thinkest thou to-day? Rather to-day than to-morrow. Fair amends will content me; should Gunnar say me nay, then must he abide what may follow. enters hastily from the right; he is clad in a grey frieze cloak and low-brimmed felt hat; he carries in his hand a broken fence-rail.

Well met, Vikings!

Vikings are seldom well met.

If ye be honourable men, ye will grant me refuge among you; Gunnar Headman's house-carls are hunting me to slay me.