Then came the sharp, mocking cry of a diver, that rang strangely; and at once, without order. Thord dug his oar blade into the water and swung the boat round, and when once Kolgrim's back was towards that he feared, he held water strongly and then the boat was about, and we were flying from the place towards the ships, before we knew what was being done, panic stricken. But Einar said never a word, and the two rowers slackened their pace only when the bend of the firth hid the mound from our sight. Then said I, finding that Einar spoke not: "What are we flying from? there was nought to harm us." For I began to be ashamed. Thereat Kolgrim stopped rowing, and Thord must needs do likewise, though he said: "It is ill for us to stay here. The dead jarl is very wroth." "I saw nought to fray us; the cry we heard was but that of a loon." But Thord shook his head. The silence of the place had made all things seem strange, with the dull light that was over us, and the great heat among the towering hills. "The mound was freshly opened," he said. "I saw earth crumbling even yet from the broken side. The blow we felt was that which Sigurd struck when he broke free." Then at last Einar spoke, and his voice was strange: "I have left my brother unhonoured, and he is angry. What must be done?" Now I cannot tell what hardiness took hold of me, but it seemed that I must needs go back and see more of this. I was drawn to do so, as a thing they fear will make some men long to face it and know its worst, not as if they dared so much as when they must. "I think we should have waited to ask Sigurd that," I said; and Einar looked strangely at me. "Would you have us return?" he asked. "Why not?" said I. "If the great jarl has called us as it seems, needs must that we know what he wills." Then said Thord: "I helped to lay him in that place, and I mind how he looked at that time. Somewhat we left undone, doubtless. I dare not go back." Einar looked at the hills, leaning his chin on his hand, and said slowly, when Thord had done: "That is the first time Thord has said 'I dare not.' Now I would that I had stayed to fight Harald and fall under his sword before. I too must say the same. I have left my brother unhonoured, and I dare not go back." Pale and drawn the jarl's face was, and I knew he meant what he said. Nevertheless it seemed to me that some one must know what Sigurd willed. "Jarl Einar," I said, "this is a strange business, and one cannot tell what it means. Now Sigurd was my father's close friend, and I have had nought to do with him. I will go back, therefore, and learn what I can of him. I think he will not harm me, for he has no reason to do so. Moreover if he does, none will learn what he needs." "I have heard," said Thord, "that a good warrior may ask what he will of a dead hero, so that he shows no fear and is a friend. If his courage fails, however, then he will be surely destroyed." Then I said: