When they had arrived at the camp, there Swerker came riding towards them, threw himself from his horse, and would have held the stirrup while Sir Otto dismounted; but the latter said,--“Not so; for thou art not my squire, but my equal in rank, and shalt be my chosen comrade in the battle-field.”--“Nay,” answered Swerker, “this cannot be, for I am yet no Christian; and who knows whether in my whole life I shall ever become one?”--“On that score there need be no doubt,” said Sir Otto; “had we but a learned priest here among our troops, he would reveal to you our faith in all its divine beauty; and certainly you could not hesitate to believe in what he said.”--“Methinks,” answered the Swede, “the best of all methods, if I may venture so to speak, were, that you should yourself undertake the trouble of my conversion. It is better that one knight should always speak with another, and so, by expressing only the real feelings of our hearts, we shall at last agree well together. Should you prove to be in the right, then I am willing to become a Christian; if, on the other hand, my doctrines are better maintained, then you will join with us in our devotions to the great Odin, and the ancient gods of Valhalla.” “Agreed!” said Sir Otto; “I shall take my chance as your instructor, and to-morrow at sunrise we shall hold our first meeting for this purpose. Even now, when Heaven, in his infinite wisdom, has in one and the same day so wounded and rejoiced my heart, methinks I shall in this attempt be successful.” On the following day the two young heroes met and disputed vehemently together, whereupon Sir Otto felt strengthened in listening to the sound of his own voice, and by the self-consciousness of right which dwelt in his own heart. He felt assured, that he would ere long gain the victory; but, when evening approached, he failed not to remember his appointment, and set out alone towards the castle of Hildiridur.