So he called the housecarl from outside the door, and when he came he
said, "Pass the word that when one who calls himself David comes and
asks for the princess, he is to be admitted to her."
So that was made easy, and the nurse thanked him and withdrew; and when
he was alone, Alsi grinned evilly and rubbed his hands.
"Now is East Anglia mine in truth," he said; and with that he bade the
housecarl fetch Curan, the cook's porter, to him. And then he sent one
to Ragnar with such a message that he rode out that night and away to
Norwich.
CHAPTER XV. THE FORTUNE OF CURAN THE PORTER.
While the nurse told Withelm to fetch the priest when Alsi was in the
hall that evening, the housecarl came for Havelok; and much wondering,
he followed the man to the king, and presently stood before him and saluted.
"Where did you get that salute?" said Alsi sharply, seeing at once that
it was not English; and, indeed, it was that of Gunnar's courtmen.
"I cannot tell," answered my brother. "It seems to be there when needed."
"Well, it is not that used here. Get the housecarls to teach you better
manners."
Then Havelok bowed a little, in token that he would do so; and when Alsi
spoke to him next it was in Welsh.
"You are a marshman, as I hear?"
Now Havelok had learned fairly well from the poor folk who loved him,
but carelessly, so that when he answered Alsi frowned at his way of
speaking.
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