In another smaller chest, hardly more than a casket, was
gold--rings and links and chains of the sort with which men trade
by weight, and withal, some coined money from the East and from the
British land.
Jewels there were also, brooches of gold and silver and gilded
bronze, set with gems and bright with enamel, and arm rings and
torques of gold. Women's jewels there were, necklaces and
bracelets, hung with the round golden plates, coin-like, with the
face of Thor stamped on them, and written runes. Two bales there
were also of wondrous stuffs from the looms of eastern lands, gold
inwoven and shining, bought in far-off Gardariki, where the great
fair is, or won from hall and palace in the wars of Harald
Fairhair. And not the least part of the treasure lay in the arms,
which were almost beyond our pricing, so good were they, whether
mail or helm or weapon. Yet none were better than those Gerda had
given us yesterday in our need.
"It is no small treasure which you have made me keep," Gerda said
somewhat sadly, as we set the last of the chests in their hiding.
"You will find a use for it, dear lady," Dalfin said cheerfully.
"It is a great thing to have somewhat of the sort to fall back on."
She sighed a little, and turned to a big plain chest which she had
bidden us leave on deck.
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