"It is in my mind that I know which is the right way up of the writing, but I am not sure." So I laughed, and asked aloud if any man present could read.

There were a good many thanes and franklins present to feast in our honour.
Then rose up a man, in a long brown hooded habit girt with a cord, from below the salt where he sat among the servants.

He had a long beard, but was very bald.

His hair grew in a thick ring round his head; which was strange, for he seemed young.
"I am here, ealdorman," he said to Odda; "I will read for King Ranald." Now all eyes turned to see who spoke, and in a moment Odda rose up hastily and went down the long room till he came to where the man stood.

Then I was amazed, for the ealdorman went on one knee before him, and said: "Good my lord, I knew not that you were here among the crowd.