It was a mad attempt, but at least had some meaning in
it which we could not understand at the time. Moreover, had it not
been for the men who came up with Dalfin it had been done.
Now Hakon made no delay. Thoralf and as strong a crew as could be
spared took charge of the Danish ship, and together the two vessels
cautiously made their way down the long reach and past the place
where Heidrek's other ship was still burning. By that time the dusk
was falling, but we were sure that all along the shores the Irish
watched us as they had watched us as we came.
The beacon fires had died down now, for their work was done, and
the fair reaches of water were still and peaceful in the evening
glow, looking even more beautiful than in the morning, for the tide
was full to the banks. Gerda came with the other ladies and sat on
deck, and spoke with Hakon of the treasure, which he promised to
seek with daylight.
"I would have you take it, King Hakon," she said. "I do not
altogether know its worth, but it may go toward the freeing of
Norway from Eric and the men who follow him."
"Nay," he answered, "I cannot take it from you."
"Once," she said, and she looked at me as I sat on the deck hard by
with Bertric, "once--it seems long ago, though it is but so few
days--I would have sent it into the deep with him who gathered it.
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