[130] This cape was evidently, not Point Gilbert, but the terminus of Cape Cod, known as Race Point, a dangerous place for navigation. It would seem that this was the place referred to, for the reason that the next place mentioned is the east shore, meaning the shore near Plymouth, which is readily seen from the end of Cape Cod in a clear day. It was undoubtedly the vicinity of Race Point that they called Kialarness, or Keel Cape. [131] Here the version in _Antiquitates Americanæ_, p. 42, is followed, instead of Peringskiold, whose version does not mention the point of land. This place is regarded as Point Alderton, below Boston Harbor. Thorvald evidently sailed along the shore to this point, which is the most remarkable on the east coast. [132] These screens were made of planks which could be quickly arranged above the bulwarks, thus affording additional protection against arrows and stones. [133] These people are sometimes called Smællingar, or small men. Others deduce their name from _skræla_, to dry, alluding to their shriveled aspect; and others from _skrækia_ to _shout_. It is evident from the accounts of Egede and Crantz, that they formerly inhabited this part of the country, but were gradually obliged to go northward. It is well known that in other parts of America, these migrations were common. And these people were more likely to take a refuge in Greenland than the Northmen themselves. [134] The conduct of Thorvald indicates magnanimity of character, thinking first of his men, and afterwards of himself. [135] Christianity was introduced by Leif, Thorvald's brother, in 1001-2. [136] This is evidently an error, for Christianity was introduced by Leif, _before_ he sailed on his voyage to Vinland. Errors like this abound in all early annals, and why should the Icelandic chronicles be free from them? Every such case will be impartially pointed out. The treatment of this passage by Smith, in his _Dialogues on the Northmen_, p. 127, is far from being candid. He translates the passage thus: "But Eric the Red had died without professing Christianity," and refers the English reader to the Saga of Thorfinn Karlsefne, _Antiquitates Americanæ_, pp. 119-20, as if he would there find a reason for his rendering of the text, which is unequivocal, and is translated literally above. On turning to the authority in question, we find nothing more said than that "Eric was slow to give up his [pagan] religion," and that the affair caused a separation between him and his wife. That he was _slow_ to give up his pagan belief, would seem to indicate that he _did_ give it up eventually. Moreover, we have the direct statement that he was baptized. Second Narrative of Leif, p. 38. [137] Norway lay east of Iceland, and hence the people of that country were sometimes called Eastmen. [138] Winter began October 17. See p. 32, note 6. [139] They probably had diminutive horses in Greenland, like this of Iceland to-day.