So Robert gathered to him valiant ruffians, as many as he could find; and
when he heard of the Viking who had brought Eustace of Guisnes to reason,
it seemed to him that he was a man who would do his work. So when the
great Marquis came down to St. Omer to receive the homage of Count Eustace
of Guisnes, Robert came thither too, and saw Hereward.
"You have done us good service, Harold Naemansson, as it pleases you to be
called," said Baldwin, smiling. "But some man's son you are, if ever I saw
a gallant knight earl-born by his looks as well as his deeds."
Hereward bowed.
"And for me," said Robert, "Naemansson or earl's son, here is my Viking's
welcome to all Vikings like myself." And he held out his hand.
Hereward took it.
"You failed in Galicia, beausire, only because your foes were a hundred to
one. You will not fail where you are going, if (as I hear) they are but
ten to one."
Robert laughed, vain and gratified.
"Then you know where I have been, and where I am going?"
"Why not? As you know well, we Vikings are all brothers, and all know each
other's counsel, from ship to ship and port to port."
Then the two young men looked each other in the face, and each saw that
the other was a man who would suit him.
"Skall to the Viking!" cried Robert, aping, as was his fancy, the Norse
rovers' slang.
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