So
the puzzle became greater, and the one thing that was clear was that
Grim was in sore danger, and Havelok also.
Then suddenly outside the dogs barked, and a voice which they obeyed
quieted them. Grim sprang for his axe, which hung on the wall, and went
to the door, whereon someone was knocking gently.
"Open, uncle; it is I, Arngeir."
"What does the boy want at this time?" said Grim, taking down the great
bar that kept the door, axe in hand, for one must be cautious in such
times as these.
Arngeir came in---a tall young man of twenty, handsome, and like Grim
in ways, for he was his brother's son.
"Lucky am I in finding you astir," he said. "I thought I should have had
to wake you all. Are you just home from sea, or just going out?"
"Not long home," answered Leva; "but what has brought you?"
"I have a guest for you, if I may bring one here at this hour."
"A friend of yours never comes at the wrong time," Grim said. "Why not
bring him in?"
"If it were a friend of mine and a man he would do well enough at my
house for the night," said Arngeir, smiling; "but the one for whom I
have come is a lady, and, I think, one in sore trouble."
"Who is she?" asked my mother, wondering much.
"From the king's town, certainly," answered Arngeir, "but I do not know
her name. Truth to tell, I forgot to ask it, for she is sorely spent;
and so I made haste to come to you.
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