TherewasamannamedMordwhosesurnamewasFiddle；hewasthesonofSigvattheRed，andhedweltatthe“Vale“intheRangrivervales。Hewasamightychief，andagreattakerupofsuits，andsogreatalawyerthatnojudgmentswerethoughtlawfulunlesshehadahandinthem。Hehadanonlydaughter，namedUnna。Shewasafair，courteous，andgiftedwoman，andthatwasthoughtthebestmatchinalltheRangrivervales。
NowthestoryturnswestwardtotheBroadfirthdales，where，atHauskuldstede，inLaxriverdale，dweltamannamedHauskuld，whowasDalakoll\'sson，andhismother\'snamewasThorgerda。1HehadabrothernamedHrut，whodweltatHrutstede；hewasofthesamemotherasHauskuld，buthisfather\'snamewasHeriolf。Hrutwashandsome，tallandstrong，wellskilledinarms，andmildoftemper；hewasoneofthewisestofmen——sterntowardshisfoes，butagoodcounsellorongreatmatters。IthappenedoncethatHauskuldbadehisfriendstoafeast，andhisbrotherHrutwasthere，andsatnexthim。HauskuldhadadaughternamedHallgerda，whowasplayingonthefloorwithsomeothergirls。
Shewasfairoffaceandtallofgrowth，andherhairwasassoftassilk；itwassolong，too，thatitcamedowntoherwaist。
Hauskuldcalledouttoher，“Comehithertome，daughter。“Soshewentuptohim，andhetookherbythechin，andkissedher；
andafterthatshewentaway。
ThenHauskuldsaidtoHrut，“Whatdostthouthinkofthismaiden？
Isshenotfair？“Hrutheldhispeace。Hauskuldsaidthesamethingtohimasecondtime，andthenHrutanswered，“Fairenoughisthismaid，andmanywillsmartforit，butthisIknownot，whencethief\'seyeshavecomeintoourrace。“ThenHauskuldwaswroth，andforatimethebrotherssawlittleofeachother。
ENDNOTES:
1ThorgerdawasdaughterofThorsteintheRedwhowasOlaftheWhite\'sson，Ingialld\'sson，Helgi\'sson。Ingialld\'smotherwasThora，daughterofSigurdSnake-i\'-the-eye，whowasRagnarHairybreek\'sson。AndtheDeeply-wealthywasThorsteintheRed\'smother；shewasdaughterofKettleFlatnose，whowasBjornBoun\'sson，Grim\'sson，LordofSogninNorway。
2。HRUTWOOSUNNA
Ithappenedoncethatthosebrothers，HauskuldandHrut，rodetotheAlthing，andtherewasmuchpeopleatit。ThenHauskuldsaidtoHrut，“OnethingIwish，brother，andthatis，thatthouwouldstbetterthylotandwoothyselfawife。“
Hrutanswered，“Thathasbeenlongonmymind，thoughtherealwaysseemedtobetwosidestothematter；butnowIwilldoasthouwishest；whithershallweturnoureyes？“
Hauskuldanswered，“HerenowaremanychiefsattheThing，andthereisplentyofchoice，butIhavealreadysetmyeyesonaspotwhereamatchliesmadetothyhand。Thewoman\'snameisUnna，andsheisadaughterofFiddleMord，oneofthewisestofmen。HeishereattheThingandhisdaughtertoo，andthoumayestseeherifitpleasesthee。“
Nowthenextday，whenmenweregoingtotheHighCourt，theysawsomewell-dressedwomenstandingoutsidetheboothsofthemenfromtheRangrivervales。ThenHauskuldsaidtoHrut“YondernowisUnna，ofwhomIspoke；whatthinkestthouofher？“
“Well，“answeredHrut；“butyetIdonotknowwhetherweshouldgetonwelltogether。“
AfterthattheywenttotheHighCourt，whereFiddleMordwaslayingdownthelawaswashiswont，andafterhehaddonehewenthometohisbooth。
ThenHauskuldandHrutrose，andwenttoMord\'sbooth。TheywentinandfoundMordsittingintheinnermostpartofthebooth，andtheybadehim“Good-day。“Herosetomeetthem，andtookHauskuldbythehandandmadehimsitdownbyhisside，andHrutsatnexttoHauskuld。Soaftertheyhadtalkedmuchofthisandthat，atlastHauskuldsaid，“Ihaveabargaintospeaktotheeabout；Hrutwishestobecomethyson-in-law，andbuythydaughter，andI，formypart，willnotbesparinginthematter。“
Mordanswered，“Iknowthatthouartagreatchief，butthybrotherisunknowntome。“
“HeisabettermanthanI，“answeredHauskuld。
“Thouwiltneedtolaydownalargesumwithhim，forsheisheirtoallIleavebehindme，“saidMord。
“Thereisnoneed，“saidHauskuld，“towaitlongbeforethouhearestwhatIgivemywordlieshallhave。HeshallhaveKamnessandHrutstede，upasfarasThrandargil，andatrading-
shipbeside，nowonhervoyage。“
ThensaidHruttoMord，“Bearinmind，now，husband，thatmybrotherhaspraisedmemuchmorethanIdeserveforlove\'ssake；
butifafterwhatthouhastheard，thouwiltmakethematch，Iamwillingtolettheelaydownthetermsthyself。“
Mordanswered，“Ihavethoughtovertheterms；sheshallhavesixtyhundredsdown，andthissumshallbeincreasedbyathirdmoreinthinehouse，butifyetwohaveheirs，yeshallgohalvesinthegoods。“
ThensaidHrut，“Iagreetotheseterms，andnowletustakewitness。“Afterthattheystoodupandshookhands，andMordbetrothedhisdaughterUnnatoHrut，andthebridalfeastwastobeatMord\'shouse，halfamonthafterMidsummer。
NowbothsidesridehomefromtheThing，andHauskuldandHrutridewestwardbyHallbjorn\'sbeacon。ThenThiostolf，thesonofBjornGullberaofReykriverdale，rodetomeetthem，andtoldthemhowashiphadcomeoutfromNorwaytotheWhiteRiver，andhowaboardofherwasAuzurHrut\'sfather\'sbrother，andhewishedHruttocometohimassoonaseverhecould。WhenHrutheardthis，heaskedHauskuldtogowithhimtotheship，soHauskuldwentwithhisbrother，andwhentheyreachedtheship，HrutgavehiskinsmanAuzurakindandheartywelcome。Auzuraskedthemintohisboothtodrink，sotheirhorseswereunsaddled，andtheywentinanddrank，andwhiletheyweredrinking，HrutsaidtoAuzur，“Now，kinsman，thoumustridewestwithme，andstaywithmethiswinter。“
“Thatcannotbe，kinsman，forIhavetotelltheethedeathofthybrotherEyvind，andhehaslefttheehisheirattheGulaThing，andnowthyfoeswillseizethyheritage，unlessthoucomesttoclaimit。“
“What\'stobedonenow，brother？“saidHruttoHauskuld，“forthisseemsahardmatter，comingjustasIhavefixedmybridalday。“
“Thoumustridesouth，“saidHauskuld，“andseeMord，andaskhimtochangethebargainwhichyetwohavemade，andtolethisdaughtersitfortheethreewintersasthybetrothed，butIwillridehomeandbringdownthywarestotheship。“
ThensaidHrut，“Mywishisthatthoushouldesttakemealandtimber，andwhateverelsethouneedestoutofthelading。“SoHruthadhishorsesbroughtout，andherodesouth，whileHauskuldrodehomewest。HrutcameeasttotheRangrivervalestoMord，andhadagoodwelcome，andhetoldMordallhisbusiness，andaskedhisadvicewhatheshoulddo。
“Howmuchmoneyisthisheritage，“askedMord，andHrutsaiditwouldcometoahundredmarks，ifhegotitall。
“Well，“saidMord，“thatismuchwhensetagainstwhatIshallleavebehindme，andthoushaltgoforit，ifthouwilt。“
Afterthattheybroketheirbargain，andUnnawastositwaitingforHrutthreeyearsashisbetrothed。NowHrutridesbacktotheship，andstaysbyherduringthesummer，tillshewasreadytosail，andHauskuldbroughtdownallHrut\'swaresandmoneytotheship，andHrutplacedallhisotherpropertyinHauskuld\'shandstokeepforhimwhilehewasaway。ThenHauskuldrodehometohishouse，andalittlewhileaftertheygotafairwindandsailawaytosea。Theywereoutthreeweeks，andthefirstlandtheymadewasHern，nearBergen，andsosaileastwardtotheBay。
3。HRUTANDGUNNHILLDA，KING\'SMOTHER
AtthattimeHaroldGrayfellreignedinNorway；hewasthesonofEricBloodaxe，whowasthesonofHaroldFair-hair；hismother\'snamewasGunnhillda，adaughterofAuzurToti，andtheyhadtheirabodeeast，attheKing\'sCrag。Nowthenewswasspread，howashiphadcomethithereastintotheBay，andassoonasGunnhilldaheardofit，sheaskedwhatmenfromIcelandwereabroad，andtheytoldherHrutwastheman\'sname，Auzur\'sbrother\'sson。ThenGunnhilldasaid，“Iseeplainlythathemeanstoclaimhisheritage，butthereisamannamedSoti，whohaslaidhishandsonit。“
Afterthatshecalledherwaiting-man，whosenamewasAugmund，andsaid，“IamgoingtosendtheetotheBaytofindoutAuzurandHrut，andtellthemthatIaskthembothtospendthiswinterwithme。Say，too，thatIwillbetheirfriend，andifHrutwillcarryoutmycounsel，Iwillseeafterhissuit，andanythingelsehetakesinhand，andIwillspeakagoodword，too，forhimtotheking。“
Afterthathesetoffandfoundthem；andassoonastheyknewthathewasGunnhillda\'sservant，theygavehimgoodwelcome。Hetookthemasideandtoldthemhiserrand，andafterthattheytalkedovertheirplansbythemselves。ThenAuzursaidtoHrut，“Methinks，kinsman，hereislittleneedforlongtalk，ourplansarereadymadeforus；forIknowGunnhillda\'stemper；assoonaseverwesaywewillnotgotohershewilldriveusoutoftheland，andtakeallourgoodsbyforce；butifwegotoher，thenshewilldoussuchhonourasshehaspromised。“
Augmundwenthome，andwhenhesawGunnhillda，hetoldherhowhiserrandhadended，andthattheywouldcome，andGunnhilldasaid，“Itisonlywhatwastobelookedfor；forHrutissaidtobeawiseandwell-bredman；andnowdothoukeepasharplookout，andtellmeassoonasevertheycometothetown。“
HrutandAuzurwenteasttotheKing\'sCrag，andwhentheyreachedthetown，theirkinsmenandfriendswentouttomeetandwelcomethem。Theyaskedwhetherthekingwereinthetown，andtheytoldthemhewas。AfterthattheymetAugmund，andhebroughtthemagreetingfromGunnhillda，saying，thatshecouldnotaskthemtoherhousebeforetheyhadseentheking，lestmenshouldsay，“Imaketoomuchofthem。“Stillshewoulddoallshecouldforthem，andshewenton，“TellHruttobeout-spokenbeforetheking，andtoasktobemadeoneofhisbody-guard；“
“andhere，“saidAugmund，“isadressofhonourwhichshesendstothee，Hrut，andinitthoumustgoinbeforetheking。“Afterthathewentaway。
ThenextdayHrutsaid，“Letusgobeforetheking。“
“Thatmaywellbe，“answeredAuzur。
Sotheywent，twelveofthemtogether，andallofthemfriendsorkinsmen，andcameintothehallwherethekingsatoverhisdrink。Hrutwentfirstandbadetheking“Good-day，“andtheking，lookingsteadfastlyatthemanwhowaswell-dressed，askedhimhisname。Sohetoldhisname。
“ArtthouanIcelander？“saidtheking。
Heanswered，“Yes。“
“Whatdrovetheehithertoseekus？“
ThenHrutanswered，“Toseeyourstate，lord；and，besides，becauseIhaveagreatmatterofinheritancehereintheland，andIshallhaveneedofyourhelpifIamtogetmyrights。“
Thekingsaid，“IhavegivenmywordthateverymanshallhavelawfuljusticehereinNorway；buthastthouanyothererrandinseekingme？“
“Lord！“saidHrut，“Iwishyoutoletmeliveinyourcourt，andbecomeoneofyourmen。“
Atthisthekingholdshispeace，butGunnhilldasaid，“Itseemstomeasifthismanofferedyouthegreatesthonour，formethinksifthereweremanysuchmeninthebody-guard，itwouldbewellfilled。“
“Isheawiseman？“askedtheking。
“Heisbothwiseandwilling，“saidshe。
“Well，“saidtheking，“methinksmymotherwishesthatthoushouldsthavetherankforwhichthouaskest，butforthesakeofourhonourandthecustomoftheland，cometomeinhalfamonth\'stime，andthenthoushaltbemadeoneofmybody-guard。
Meantime，mymotherwilltakecareofthee，butthencometome。“
ThenGunnhilldasaidtoAugmund，“Followthemtomyhouse，andtreatthemwell。“
SoAugmundwentout，andtheywentwithhim，andhebroughtthemtoahallbuiltofstone，whichwashungwiththemostbeautifultapestry，andtheretoowasGunnhillda\'shighseat。
ThenAugmundsaidtoHrut，“NowwillbeprovedthetruthofallthatIsaidtotheefromGunnhillda。Hereisherhighseat，andinitthoushaltsit，andthisseatthoushalthold，thoughshecomesherselfintothehall。“
Afterthathemadethemgoodcheer，andtheyhadsatdownbutalittlewhilewhenGunnhilldacamein。Hrutwishedtojumpupandgreether。
“Keepthyseat！“shesays，“andkeepittooallthetimethouartmyguest。“
ThenshesatherselfdownbyHrut，andtheyfelltodrink，andatevenshesaid，“Thoushaltbeintheupperchamberwithmeto-night，andwetwotogether。“
“Youshallhaveyourway，“heanswers。
Afterthattheywenttosleep，andshelockedthedoorinside。
Sotheysleptthatnight，andinthemorningfelltodrinkingagain。Thustheyspenttheirlifeallthathalfmonth，andGunnhilldasaidtothemenwhowerethere，“YeshalllosenothingexceptyourlivesifyousaytoanyoneawordofhowHrutandI
aregoingon。“
Whenthehalf-monthwasoverHrutgaveherahundredellsofhouseholdwoollenandtwelveroughcloaks，andGunnhilldathankedhimforhisgifts。ThenHrutthankedherandgaveherakissandwentaway。Shebadehim“farewell。“Andnextdayhewentbeforethekingwiththirtymenafterhimandbadetheking“Good-day。“
Thekingsaid，“Now，Hrut，thouwiltwishmetocarryouttowardstheewhatIpromised。“
SoHrutwasmadeoneoftheking\'sbody-guard，andheasked，“WhereshallIsit？“
“Mymothershallsettlethat，“saidtheking。
Thenshegothimaseatinthehighestroom，andhespentthewinterwiththekinginmuchhonour。
4。OFHRUT\'SCRUISE
WhenthespringcameheaskedaboutSoti，andfoundouthehadgonesouthtoDenmarkwiththeinheritance。ThenHrutwenttoGunnhilldaandtellsherwhatSotihadbeenabout。Gunnhilldasaid，“Iwillgivetheetwolong-ships，fullmanned，andalongwiththemthebravestman，WolftheUnwashed，ouroverseerofguests；butstillgoandseethekingbeforethousettestoff。“
Hrutdidso；andwhenhecamebeforetheking，thenhetoldthekingofSoti\'sdoings，andhowhehadamindtoholdonafterhim。
Thekingsaid，“Whatstrengthhasmymotherhandedovertothee？“
“Twolong-shipsandWolftheUnwashedtoleadthemen，“saysHrut。
“Wellgiven，“saystheking。“NowIwillgivetheeothertwoships，andeventhenthou\'ltneedallthestrengththou\'stgot。“
AfterthathewentdownwithHruttotheship，andsaid，“faretheewell。“ThenHrutsailedawaysouthwithhiscrews。
5。ATLIARNVIDSON\'SSLAYING
TherewasamannamedAtli，sonofArnvid，EarlofEastGothland。
HehadkeptbackthetaxesfromHaconAthelstane\'sfosterchild，andbothfatherandsonhadfledawayfromJemtlandtoGothland。
Afterthat，AtliheldonwithhisfollowersoutoftheMaelarbyStockSound，andsoontowardsDenmark，andnowheliesoutinOresound。1HeisanoutlawbothoftheDane-KingandoftheSwede-King。HrutheldonsouthtotheSound，andwhenhecameintoithesawamanyshipsintheSound。ThenWolfsaid，“What\'sbesttobedonenow，Icelander？“
“Holdonourcourse，“saidHrut，“for`nothingventure，nothinghave。\'MyshipandAuzur\'sshallgofirst，butthoushaltlaythyshipwherethoulikest。“
“SeldomhaveIhadothersasashieldbeforeme，“saysWolf，andlayshisgalleysidebysidewithHrut\'sship；andsotheyholdonthroughtheSound。NowthosewhoareintheSoundseethatshipsarecominguptothem，andtheytellAtli。
Heanswered，“Thenmaybethere\'llbegaintobegot。“
Afterthatmentooktheirstandonboardeachship；“butmyship，“saysAtli，“shallbeinthemidstofthefleet。“
MeantimeHrut\'sshipsranon，andassoonaseithersidecouldheartheother\'shail，Atlistoodupandsaid，“Yefareunwarily。
Sawyenotthatwar-shipswereintheSound。Butwhat\'sthenameofyourchief？“
Hruttellshisname。
“Whosemanartthou，“saysAtli。
“OneofkingHaroldGrayfell\'sbody-guard。“
Atlisaid。“\'Tislongsinceanylovewaslostbetweenus，fatherandson，andyourNorwaykings。“
“Worseluckforthee，“saysHrut。
“Well，“saysAtli，“theupshotofourmeetingwillbe，thatthoushaltnotbeleftalivetotellthetale；“andwiththathecaughtupaspearandhurleditatHrut\'sship，andthemanwhostoodbeforeitgothisdeath。Afterthatthebattlebegan，andtheywereslowinboardingHrut\'sship。Wolf，hewentwellforward，andwithhimitwasnowcut，nowthrust。Atli\'sbowman\'snamewasAsolf；hesprunguponHrut\'sship，andwasfourmen\'sdeathbeforeHrutwasawareofhim；thenheturnedagainsthim，andwhentheymet，AsolfthrustatandthroughHrut\'sshield，butHrutcutonceatAsolf，andthatwashisdeath-blow。WolftheUnwashedsawthatstroke，andcalledout，“Truthtosay，Hrut，thoudealestbigblows，butthou\'stmuchtothankGunnhilldafor。“
“Somethingtellsme，“saysHrut，“thatthouspeakestwitha`fey\'
mouth。“
NowAtliseesabareplaceforaweapononWolf，andshotaspearthroughhimandnowthebattlegrowshot:AtlileapsuponHrut\'sship，andclearsitfastroundabout，andnowAuzurturnstomeethim，andthrustathim，butfelldownfulllengthonhisback，foranothermanthrustathim。NowHrutturnstomeetAtli:hecutatonceatHrut\'sshield，andcloveitallintwo，fromtoptopoint；justthenAtligotablowonhishandfromastone，anddownfellhissword。Hrutcaughtupthesword，andcuthisfootfromunderhim。Afterthathedealthimhisdeath-blow。Theretheytookmuchgoods，andbroughtawaywiththemtwoshipswhichwerebest，andstayedthereonlyalittlewhile。ButmeantimeSotiandhiscrewhadsailedpastthem，andheheldonhiscoursebacktoNorway，andmadethelandatLimgard\'sside。ThereSotiwentonshore，andtherehemetAugmund，Gunnhillda\'spage；heknewhimatonce，andasks，“Howlongmeanestthoutobehere？“
“Threenights，“saysSoti。
“Whitheraway，then？“saysAugmund。
“West，toEngland，“saysSoti，“andnevertocomebackagaintoNorwaywhileGunnhillda\'sruleisinNorway。“
Augmundwentaway，andgoesandfindsGunnhillda，forshewasalittlewayoff，atafeast，andGudred，herson，withher。
AugmundtoldGunnhilldawhatSotimeanttodo，andshebeggedGudredtotakehislife。SoGudredsetoffatonce，andcameunawaresonSoti，andmadethemleadhimupthecountry，andhanghimthere。Butthegoodshetook，andbroughtthemtohismother，andshegotmentocarrythemalldowntotheKing\'sCrag，andafterthatshewentthitherherself。
Hrutcamebacktowardsautumn，andhadgottengreatstoreofgoods。Hewentatoncetotheking，andhadaheartywelcome。
Hebeggedthemtotakewhatevertheypleasedofhisgoods，andthekingtookathird。GunnhilldatoldHruthowshehadgotholdoftheinheritance，andhadSotislain。Hethankedher，andgaveherhalfofallhehad。
ENDNOTES:
1Oresound，thegutbetweenDenmarkandSweden，attheentranceoftheBaltic，commonlycalledinEnglish，theSound。
6。HRUTSAILSOUTTOICELAND
Hrutstayedwiththekingthatwinteringoodcheer，butwhenspringcamehegrewverysilent。Gunnhilldafindsthatout，andsaidtohimwhentheytwowerealonetogether，“Artthousickatheart？“
“Soitis，“saidHrut，“asthesayingruns——`Illgoesitwiththosewhoarebornonabarrenland。\'“
“WiltthoutoIceland？“sheasks。
“Yes，“heanswered。
“Hastthouawifeoutthere？“sheasked；andheanswers，“No。“
“ButIamsurethatistrue，“shesays；andsotheyceasedtalkingaboutthematter。
ShortlyafterHrutwentbeforethekingandbadehimGood-day；
andthekingsaid，“Whatdostthouwantnow，Hrut？“
“Iamcometoask，lord，thatyougivemeleavetogotoIceland。“
“Willthinehonourbegreatertherethanhere？“askstheking。
“No，itwillnot，“saidHrut；“buteveryonemustwintheworkthatissetbeforehim。“
“Itispullingaropeagainstastrongman，“saidGunnhillda，“sogivehimleavetogoasbestsuitshim。“
Therewasabadharvestthatyearintheland，yetGunnhilldagaveHrutasmuchmealashechosetohave；andnowhebuskshimtosailouttoIceland，andAuzurwithhim；andwhentheywere“all-boun，“HrutwenttofindthekingandGunnhillda。Sheledhimasidetotalkalone，andsaidtohim，“HereisagoldringwhichIwillgivethee；“andwiththatsheclaspeditroundhiswrist。
“ManygoodgiftshaveIhadfromthee，“saidHrut。
Thensheputherhandsroundhisneckandkissedhim，andsaid，“IfIhaveasmuchpowerovertheeasIthink，IlaythisspellontheethatthoumaystneverhaveanypleasureinlivingwiththatwomanonwhomthyheartissetinIceland，butwithotherwomenthoumaystgetonwellenough，andnowitisliketogowellwithneitherofus；butthouhastnotbelievedwhatIhavebeensaying。“
Hrutlaughedwhenheheardthat，andwentaway；afterthathecamebeforethekingandthankedhim；andthekingspokekindlytohim，andbadehim“farewell。“Hrutwentstraighttohisship，andtheyhadafairwindallthewayuntiltheyranintoBorgarfirth。
Assoonastheshipwasmadefasttotheland，Hrutrodewesthome，butAuzurstayedbytheshiptounloadherandlayherup。
HrutrodestraighttoHauskuldstede，andHauskuldgavehimaheartywelcome，andHruttoldhimallabouthistravels。AfterthattheysendmeneastacrosstheriverstotellFiddleMordtomakereadyforthebridalfeast；butthetwobrothersrodetotheship，andonthewayHauskuldtoldHruthowhismoney-mattersstood，andhisgoodshadgainedmuchsincehewasaway。ThenHrutsaid，“Therewardislessworththanitoughttobe，butI
willgivetheeasmuchmealasthouneedstforthyhouseholdnextwinter。“
Thentheydrewtheshiponlandonrollers，andmadehersnuginhershed，butallthewaresonboardhertheycarriedawayintotheDaleswestward。HrutstayedathomeatHrutstedetillwinterwassixweeksoff，andthenthebrothersmadereadyandAuzurwiththem，toridetoHrut\'swedding。Sixtymenridewiththem，andtheyrodeeasttilltheycametoRangriverplains。Theretheyfoundacrowdofguests，andthementooktheirseatsonbenchesdownthelengthofthehall，butthewomenwereseatedonthecross-benchesonthedais，andthebridewasratherdowncast。
Sotheydrankoutthefeastanditwentoffwell。Mordpaysdownhisdaughter\'sportion，andsherideswestwithherhusbandandhistrain。Sotheyridetilltheyreachhome。Hrutgaveovereverythingintoherhandsinsidethehouse，andallwerepleasedatthat；butforallthatsheandHrutdidnotpullwelltogetherasmanandwife，andsothingswentontillspring，andwhenspringcameHruthadajourneytomaketotheWestfirths，togetinthemoneyforwhichhehadsoldhiswares；butbeforehesetoffhiswifesaystohim，“DostthoumeantobebackbeforemenridetotheThing？“
“Whydostthouask？“saidHrut。
“IwillridetotheThing，“shesaid，“tomeetmyfather。“
“Soitsballbe，“saidhe，“andIwillridetotheThingalongwiththee。“
“Wellandgood，“shesays。
AfterthatHrutrodefromhomewesttotheFirths，gotinallhismoney，andlaiditoutanew，androdehomeagain。WhenhecamehomehebuskedhimtoridetotheThing，andmadeallhisneighboursridewithhim。HisbrotherHauskuldrodeamongtherest。ThenHrutsaidtohiswife，“IfthouhastasmuchmindnowtogototheThingasthousaidstawhileago，buskthyselfandridealongwithme。“
Shewasnotslowingettingherselfready，andthentheyallrodetotheThing。Unnawenttoherfather\'sbooth，andhegaveheraheartywelcome，butsheseemedsomewhatheavy-hearted，andwhenhesawthathesaidtoher，“Ihaveseentheewithamerrierface。Hastthouanythingonthymind？“
Shebegantoweep，andanswerednothing。Thenhesaidtoheragain。“WhydidstthouridetotheThing，ifthouwiltnottellmethysecret？Dostthoudislikelivingawaythereinthewest？“
Thensheansweredhim，“IwouldgiveallIownintheworldthatIhadnevergonethither。“
“Well！“saidMord，“I\'llsoongettothebottomofthis。“ThenbesendsmentofetchHauskuldandHrut，andtheycamestraightway；andwhentheycameintoseeMord，heroseuptomeetthemandgavethemaheartywelcome，andaskedthemtositdown。Thentheytalkedalongtimeinafriendlyway，andatlastMordsaidtoHauskuld，“Whydoesmydaughterthinksoilloflifeinthewestyonder？“
“Letherspeakout，“saidHrut，“ifshehasanythingtolaytomycharge。“
Butshebroughtnochargeagainsthim。ThenHrutmadethemaskhisneighboursandhouseholdhowhetreatedher，andallborehimgoodwitness，sayingthatshedidjustasshepleasedinthehouse。
ThenMordsaid，“Homethoushaltgo，andbecontentwiththylot；
forallthewitnessgoesbetterforhimthanforthee。“
AfterthatHrutrodehomefromtheThing，andhiswifewithhim，andallwentsmoothlybetweenthemthatsummer；butwhenspringcameitwastheoldstoryoveragain，andthingsgrewworseandworseasthespringwenton。HruthadagainajourneytomakewesttotheFirths，andgaveoutthathewouldnotridetotheAlthing，butUnnahiswifesaidlittleaboutit。SoHrutwentawaywesttotheFirths。
7。UNNASEPARATESFROMHRUT
NowthetimefortheThingwascomingon。UnnaspoketoSigmund，Auzur\'sson，andaskedifhewouldridetotheThingwithher；hesaidhecouldnotrideifhiskinsmanHrutsethisfaceagainstit。
“Well！“saysshe，“IspoketotheebecauseIhavebetterrighttoaskthisfromtheethanfromanyoneelse。“
Heanswered，“Iwillmakeabargainwiththee:thoumustpromisetoridebackwestwithme，andtohavenounderhanddealingsagainstHrutormyself。“
Soshepromisedthat，andthentheyrodetotheThing。HerfatherMordwasattheThing，andwasverygladtoseeher，andaskedhertostayinhisboothwhiletheThinglasted，andshedidso。
“Now，“saidMord，“whathastthoutotellmeofthymate，Hrut？“
Thenshesunghimasong，inwhichshepraisedHrut\'sliberality，butsaidhewasnotmasterofhimself。Sheherselfwasashamedtospeakout。
Mordwassilentashorttime，andthensaid，“ThouhastnowthatonthymindIsee，daughter，whichthoudostnotwishthatanyoneshouldknowsavemyself，andthouwilttrusttomeratherthananyoneelsetohelptheeoutofthytrouble。“
Thentheywentasidetotalk，toaplacewherenonecouldoverhearwhattheysaid；andthenMordsaidtohisdaughter，“Now，tellmeallthatisbetweenyoutwo，anddon\'tmakemoreofthematterthanitisworth。“
“Soitshallbe，“sheanswered，andsangtwosongs，inwhichsherevealedthecauseoftheirmisunderstanding；andwhenMordpressedhertospeakout，shetoldhimhowsheandHrutcouldnotlivetogether，becausehewasspellbound，andthatshewishedtoleavehim。
“Thoudidstrighttotellmeallthis，“saidMord。，“andnowI
willgivetheeapieceofadvice，whichwillstandtheeingoodstead，ifthoucanstcarryitouttotheletter。Firstofall，thoumustridehomefromtheThing，andbythattimethyhusbandwillhavecomeback，andwillbegladtoseethee；thoumustbeblitheandbuxomtohim，andhewillthinkagoodchangehascomeoverthee，andthoumustshownosignsofcoldnessorill-temper，butwhenspringcomesthoumustshamsickness，andtaketothybed。Hrutwillnotlosetimeinguessingwhatthysicknesscanbe，norwillhescoldtheeatall，buthewillratherbegeveryonetotakeallthecaretheycanofthee。AfterthathewillsetoffwesttotheFirths，andSigmundwithhim，forhewillhavetoflitallhisgoodshomefromtheFirthswest，andhewillbeawaytillthesummerisfarspent。ButwhenmenridetotheThing，andafterallhaveriddenfromtheDalesthatmeantoridethither；thenthoumustrisefromthybedandsummonmentogoalongwiththeetotheThing；andwhenthouart“all-boun，“thenshaltthougotothybed，andthemenwiththeewhoaretobeartheecompany，andthoushalttakewitnessbeforethyhusband\'sbed，anddeclarethyselfseparatedfromhimbysuchalawfulseparationasmayholdgoodaccordingtothejudgmentoftheGreatThing，andthelawsoftheland；andattheman\'sdoorthemaindoorofthehouse，thoushalttakethesamewitness。Afterthatrideaway，andrideoverLaxriverdaleHeath，andsoonoverHoltbeaconHeath；fortheywilllookfortheebywayofHrutfirth。Andsorideontillthoucomesttome；thenIwillseeafterthematter。Butintohishandsthoushaltnevercomemore。“
NowsherideshomefromtheThing，andHruthadcomebackbeforeher，andmadeherheartywelcome。Sheansweredhimkindly，andwasblitheandforbearingtowardshim。Sotheylivedhappilytogetherthathalf-year；butwhenspringcameshefellsick，andkeptherbed。HrutsetoffwesttotheFirths，andbadethemtendherwellbeforehewent。Now，whenthetimefortheThingcomes，shebuskedherselftorideaway，anddidineverywayashadbeenlaiddownforher；andthensheridesawaytotheThing。
Thecountryfolklookedforher，butcouldnotfindher。Mordmadehisdaughterwelcome，andaskedherifshehadfollowedhisadvice；andshesays，“Ihavenotbrokenonetittleofit。“
ThenshewenttotheHillofLaws，anddeclaredherselfseparatedfromHrut；andmenthoughtthisstrangenews。Unnawenthomewithherfather，andneverwentwestfromthatdayforward。
8。MORDCLAIMSHISGOODSFROMHRUT
Hrutcamehome，andknithisbrowswhenheheardhiswifewasgone，butyetkepthisfeelingswellinhand，andstayedathomeallthathalf-year，andspoketonooneonthematter。NextsummerherodetotheThing，withhisbrotherHauskuld，andtheyhadagreatfellowing。ButwhenhecametotheThing，heaskedwhetherFiddleMordwereattheThing，andtheytoldhimhewas；
andallthoughttheywouldcometowordsatonceabouttheirmatter，butitwasnotso。Atlast，onedaywhenthebrothersandotherswhowereattheThingwenttotheHillofLaws，Mordtookwitnessanddeclaredthathehadamoney-suitagainstHrutforhisdaughter\'sdower，andreckonedtheamountatninetyhundredsingoods，callingonHrutatthesametimetopayandhanditovertohim，andaskingforafineofthreemarks。HelaidthesuitintheQuarterCourt，intowhichitwouldcomebylaw，andgavelawfulnotice，sothatallwhostoodontheHillofLawsmighthear。
Butwhenhehadthusspoken，Hrutsaid，“Thouhastundertakenthissuit，whichbelongstothydaughter，ratherforthegreedofgainandloveofstrifethaninkindlinessandmanliness。ButI
shallhavesomethingtosayagainstit；forthegoodswhichbelongtomearenotyetinthybands。Now，whatIhavetosayisthis，andIsayitout，sothatallwhohearmeonthishillmaybearwitness:Ichallengetheetofightontheisland；thereononesideshallbelaidallthydaughter\'sdower，andontheotherIwilllaydowngoodsworthasmuch，andwhoeverwinsthedayshallhavebothdowerandgoods；butifthouwiltnotfightwithme，thenthoushaltgiveupallclaimtothesegoods。“
ThenMordheldhispeace，andtookcounselwithhisfriendsaboutgoingtofightontheisland，andJorundthepriestgavehimananswer。
“Thereisnoneedfortheetocometoaskusforcounselinthismatter，forthouknowestifthoufightestwithHrutthouwiltlosebothlifeandgoods。Hehasagoodcause，andisbesidesmightyinhimselfandoneoftheboldestofmen。“
ThenMordspokeout，thathewouldnotfightwithHrut，andtherearoseagreatshoutandhootingonthehill，andMordgotthegreatestshamebyhissuit。
AfterthatmenridehomefromtheThing，andthosebrothersHauskuldandHrutridewesttoReykriverdale，andturnedinasguestsatLund，whereThiostolf，BjornGullbera\'sson，thendwelt。Therehadbeenmuchrainthatday，andmengotwet，solong-firesweremadedownthelengthofthehall。Thiostolf，themasterofthehouse，satbetweenHauskuldandHrut，andtwoboys，ofwhomThiostolfhadtherearing，wereplayingonthefloor，andagirlwasplayingwiththem。Theyweregreatchatterboxes，fortheyweretooyoungtoknowbetter。Sooneofthemsaid，“NowI
willbeMord，andsummontheetolosethywifebecausethouhastnotbeenagoodhusbandtoher。“
Thentheotheranswered，“IwillbeHrut，andIcallontheetogiveupallclaimtothygoods，ifthoudarestnottofightwithme。“
Thistheysaidseveraltimes，andallthehouseholdburstoutlaughing。ThenHauskuldgotwroth，andstrucktheboywhocalledhimselfMordwithaswitch，andtheblowfellonhisface，andgrazedtheskin。
“Getoutwiththee，“saidHauskuldtotheboy，“andmakenogameofus；“butHrutsaid，“Comehithertome，“andtheboydidso。
ThenHrutdrewaringfromhisfingerandgaveittohim，andsaid，“Goaway，andtrynoman\'stemperhenceforth。“
Thentheboywentawaysaying，“ThymanlinessIwillbearinmindallmylife。“
FromthismatterHrutgotgreatpraise，andafterthattheywenthome；andthatwastheendofMord\'sandHrut\'squarrel，9。THORWALDGETSHALLGERDATOWIFE
Now，itmustbetoldhowHallgerda，Hauskuld\'sdaughter，growsup，andisthefairestofwomentolookon；shewastallofstature，too，andthereforeshewascalled“Longcoat。“Shewasfair-haired，andhadsomuchofitthatshecouldhideherselfinit；butshewaslayishandhard-hearted。Herfoster-father\'snamewasThiostolf:hewasaSouthislander1bystock:hewasastrongman，wellskilledinarms，andhadslainmanymen，andmadenoatonementinmoneyforoneofthem。Itwassaid，too，thathisrearinghadnotbetteredHallgerda\'stemper。
TherewasamannamedThorwald；hewasOswif\'sson，anddweltoutonMiddlefellsstrand，undertheFell。Hewasrichandwelltodo，andownedtheislandscalledBearisles，whichlieoutinBroadfirth，whencehegotmealandstockfish。ThisThorwaldwasastrongandcourteousman，thoughsomewhathastyintemper。
Now，itfelloutonedaythatThorwaldandhisfatherweretalkingtogetherofThorwald\'smarrying，andwherehehadbestlookforawife，anditsooncameoutthathethoughttherewasn\'tamatchfitforhimfarornear。
“Well，“saidOswif，“wiltthouaskforHallgerdaLongcoat，Hauskuld\'sdaughter。“
“Yes！Iwillaskforher，“saidThorwald。
“Butthatisnotamatchthatwillsuiteitherofyou，“Oswifwentontosay，“forshehasawillofherown，andthouartstern-temperedandunyielding。“
“ForallthatIwilltrymyluckthere，“saidThorwald，“soit\'snogoodtryingtohinderme。“
“Ay！“saidOswif，“andtheriskisallthineown。“
AfterthattheysetoffonawooingjourneytoHauskuldstede，andhadaheartywelcome。TheywerenotlongintellingHauskuldtheirbusiness，andbegantowoo；thenHauskuldanswered，“Asforyou，Iknowhowyoubothstandintheworld，butformyownpartIwillusenoguiletowardsyou。Mydaughterhasahardtemper，butastoherlooksandbreedingyoucanbothseeforyourselves。“
“Laydownthetermsofthematch，“answeredThorwald，“forIwillnotlethertemperstandinthewayofourbargain。“
Thentheytalkedoverthetermsofthebargain，andHauskuldneveraskedhisdaughterwhatshethoughtofit，forhisheartwassetongivingherawayandsotheycametoanunderstandingastothetermsofthematch。AfterthatThorwaldbetrothedhimselftoHallgerda，androdeawayhomewhenthematterwassettled。
ENDNOTES:
1Thatis，hecamefromwhatwecalltheWesternIslesorHebrides。Theoldappellationstilllingersin“Sodori。e。
theSouthIslesandMan。“
10。HALLGERDA\'SWEDDING
HauskuldtoldHallgerdaofthebargainhehadmade，andshesaid，“NowthathasbeenputtotheproofwhichIhaveallalongbeenafraidof，thatthoulovestmenotsomuchasthouartalwayssaying，whenthouhastnotthoughtitworthwhiletotellmeawordofallthismatter。Besides，Idonotthinkthismatchsogoodaoneasthouhastalwayspromisedme。“
Soshewenton，andletthemknowineverywaythatshethoughtshewasthrownaway。
ThenHauskuldsaid，“Idonotsetsomuchstorebythyprideastoletitstandinthewayofmybargains；andmywill，notthine，shallcarrythedayifwefalloutonanypoint。“
“Theprideofallyoukinsfolkisgreat，“shesaid，“andsoitisnotwonderfulifIhavesomeofit。“
Withthatshewentaway，andfoundherfoster-fatherThiostolf，andtoldhimwhatwasinstoreforher，andwasveryheavy-
hearted。ThenThiostolfsaid，“Beofgoodcheer，forthouwiltbemarriedasecondtime，andthentheywillasktheewhatthouthinkestofthematch；forIwilldoinallthingsasthouwishest，exceptinwhattouchesthyfatherorHrut。“
Afterthattheyspokenomoreofthematter，andHauskuldmadereadythebridalfeast，androdeofftoaskmentoit。SohecametoHrutstedeandcalledHrutouttospeakwithhim。Hrutwentout，andtheybegantotalk，andHauskuldtoldhimthewholestoryofthebargain，andbadehimtothefeast，saying，“I
shouldbegladtoknowthatthoudostnotfeelhurtthoughIdidnottelltheewhenthebargainwasbeingmade。
“Ishouldbebetterpleased，“saidHrut“tohavenothingatalltodowithit；forthismatchwillbringluckneithertohimnortoher；butstillIwillcometothefeastifthouthinkestitwilladdanyhonourtothee。“
“OfcourseIthinkso，“saidHauskuld，androdeoffhome。
OswifandThorwaldalsoaskedmentocome，sothatnofewerthanonehundredguestswereasked。
TherewasamannamedSwan，whodweltinBearfirth，whichliesnorthfromSteingrimsfirth。ThisSwanwasagreatwizard，andhewasHallgerda\'smother\'sbrother。Hewasquarrelsome，andhardtodealwith，butHallgerdaaskedhimtothefeast，andsendsThiostolftohim；sohewent，anditsoongottofriendshipbetweenhimandSwan。
Nowmencometothefeast，andHallgerdasatuponthecross-
bench，andshewasaverymerrybride。Thiostolfwasalwaystalkingtoher，thoughhesometimesfoundtimetospeaktoSwan，andmenthoughttheirtalkingstrange。Thefeastwentoffwell，andHauskuldpaiddownHallgerda\'sportionwiththegreatestreadiness。Afterhehaddonethat，hesaidtoHrut，“ShallI
bringoutanygiftsbeside？“
“Thedaywillcome，“answeredHrut，“whenthouwilthavetowastethygoodsforHallgerda\'ssake，soholdthyhandnow。“
11。THORWALD\'SSLAYING
Throwaldrodehomefromthebridalfeast，andhiswifewithhim，andThiostolf，whorodebyherhorse\'sside，andstilltalkedtoherinalowvoice。Oswifturnedtohissonandsaid，“Artthoupleasedwiththymatch？andhowwentitwhenyetalkedtogether。“
“Well，“saidhe，“sheshowedallkindnesstome。ThoumightstseethatbythewayshelaughsateverywordIsay。“
“Idon\'tthinkherlaughtersoheartyasthoudost，“answeredOswif，“butthiswillbeputtotheproofbyandby。“
Sotheyrideontilltheycomehome，andatnightshetookherseatbyherhusband\'sside，andmaderoomforThiostolfnextherselfontheinside。ThiostolfandThorwaldhadlittletodowitheachother，andfewwordswerethrownawaybetweenthemthatwinter，andsotimewenton。Hallgerdawasprodigalandgrasping，andtherewasnothingthatanyoftheirneighbourshadthatshemustnothavetoo，andallthatshehad，nomatterwhetheritwereherownorbelongedtoothersshewasted。Butwhenthespringcametherewasascarcityinthehouse，bothofmealandstockfish，soHallgerdawentuptoThorwaldandsaid，“Thoumustnotbesittingin-doorsanylonger，forwewantforthehousebothmealandfish。
“Well，“saidThorwald，“IdidnotlayinlessforthehousethisyearthanIlaidinbefore，andthenitusedtolasttillsummer。“
“WhatcareI，“saidHallgerda，“ifthouandthyfatherhavemadeyourmoneybystarvingyourselves。“
ThenThorwaldgotangryandgaveherablowonthefaceanddrewblood，andwentawayandcalledhismenandrantheskiffdowntotheshore。ThensixofthemjumpedintoherandrowedouttotheBear-isles，andbegantoloadherwithmealandfish。
MeantimeitissaidthatHallgerdasatoutofdoorsheavyatheart。Thiostolfwentuptoherandsawthewoundonherface，andsaid，“Whohasbeenplayingtheethissorrytrick？“
“Myhusband，Thorwald，“shesaid，“andthoustoodstaloof，thoughthouwouldstnotifthouhadstcaredatallforme。“
“BecauseIknewnothingaboutit，“saidThiostolf，“butIwillavengeit。“
Thenhewentawaydowntotheshoreandranoutasix-oaredboat，andheldinhishandagreataxethathehadwithahaftoverlaidwithiron。HestepsintotheboatandrowsouttotheBear-isles，andwhenhegotthereallthemenhadrowedawaybutThorwaldandhisfollowers，andhestayedbytheskifftoloadher，whiletheybroughtthegoodsdowntohim。SoThiostolfcameupjustthenandjumpedintotheskiff，andbegantoloadwithhim，andafterawhilehesaid，“Thoucanstdobutlittleatthiswork，andthatlittlethoudostbadly。“
“Thinkstthouthoucanstdoitbetter，“saidThorwald。
“There\'sonethingtobedonewhichIcandobetterthanthou，“
saidThiostolf，andthenhewenton，“Thewomanwhoisthywifehasmadeabadmatch，andyoushallnotlivemuchlongertogether。“
ThenThorwaldsnatchedupafishing-knifethatlaybyhim，andmadeastabatThiostolf；hehadliftedhisaxetohisshoulderanddasheditdown。ItcameonThorwald\'sarmandcrushedthewrist，butdownfelltheknife。ThenThiostolflifteduphisaxeasecondtimeandgaveThorwaldablowonthehead，andhefelldeadonthespot。
12。THIOSTOLF\'SFLIGHT
Whilethiswasgoingon，Thorwald\'smencamedownwiththeirload，butThiostolfwasnotslowinhisplans。Hehewedwithbothhandsatthegunwaleoftheskiffandcutitdownabouttwoplanks；thenheleaptintohisboat，butthedarkblueseapouredintotheskiff，anddownshewentwithallherfreight。DowntoosankThorwald\'sbody，sothathismencouldnotseewhathadbeendonetohim，buttheyknewwellenoughthathewasdead。
Thiostolfrowedawayupthefirth，buttheyshoutedafterhimwishinghimillluck。Hemadethemnoanswer，butrowedontillhegothome，andrantheboatuponthebeach，andwentuptothehousewithhisaxe，allbloodyasitwas，onhisshoulder。
Hallgerdastoodoutofdoors，andsaid，“Thineaxeisbloody；
whathastthoudone？“
“Ihavedonenowwhatwillcausetheetobeweddedasecondtime。“
“ThoutellestmethenthatThorwaldisdead，“shesaid。
“Soitis，“saidhe，“andnowlookoutformysafety。“
“SoIwill，“shesaid；“IwillsendtheenorthtoBearfirth，toSwanshol，andSwan，mykinsman，willreceivetheewithopenarms。
Heissomightyamanthatnoonewillseektheethither。“
Sohesaddledahorsethatshehad，andjumpedonhisback，androdeoffnorthtoBearfirth，toSwanshol，andSwanreceivedhimwithopenarms，andsaid:“That\'swhatIcallamanwhodoesnotstickattrifles！AndnowIpromisetheeiftheyseektheehere，theyshallgetnothingbutthegreatestshame。“
Now，thestorygoesbacktoHallgerda，andhowshebehaved。ShecalledonLiottheBlack，herkinsman，togowithher，andbadehimsaddletheirhorses，forshesaid，“Iwillridehometomyfather。“
Whilehemadereadyfortheirjourney，shewenttoherchestsandunlockedthemandcalledallthemenofherhouseabouther，andgaveeachofthemsomegift；buttheyallgrievedathergoing。
Nowsherideshometoherfather；andhereceivedherwell，forasyethehadnotheardthenews。ButHrutsaidtoHallgerda，“WhydidnotThorwaldcomewiththee？“andsheanswered，“Heisdead。“
ThensaidHauskuld，“ThatwasThiostolf\'sdoing。“
“Itwas，“shesaid。
“Ah！“saidHauskuld，“Hrutwasnotfarwrongwhenhetoldmethatthisbargainwoulddrawmicklemisfortuneafterit。Butthere\'snogoodintroublingone\'sselfaboutathingthat\'sdoneandgone。“
Now，thestorymustgobacktoThorwald\'smates，howtheretheyare，andhowtheybeggedtheloanofaboattogettothemainland。Soaboatwaslentthematonce，andtheyrowedupthefirthtoReykianess，andfoundOswif，andtoldhimthesetidings。
Hesaid，“Illluckistheendofillredes，andnowIseehowithasallgone。HallgerdamusthavesentThiostolftoBearfirth，butsheherselfmusthaveriddenhometoherfather。Letusnowgatherfolkandfollowhimupthithernorth。“Sotheydidthat，andwentaboutaskingforhelp，andgottogethermanymen。AndthentheyallrodeofftoSteingrimsriver，andsoontoLiotriverdaleandSelriverdale，tilltheycametoBearfirth。
NowSwanbegantospeak，andgaspedmuch。“NowOswif\'sfetchesareseekingusout。“ThenupsprungThiostolf，butSwansaid，“Gothououtwithme，therewon\'tbeneedofmuch。“Sotheywentoutbothofthem，andSwantookagoatskinandwrappeditabouthisownhead，andsaid，“Becomemistandfog，becomefrightandwondermickletoallthosewhoseekthee。“
Now，itmustbetoldhowOswif，hisfriends，andhismenareridingalongtheridge；thencameagreatmistagainstthem，andOswifsaid，“ThisisSwan\'sdoing；\'twerewellifnothingworsefollowed。“Alittleafteramightydarknesscamebeforetheireyes，sothattheycouldseenothing，andthentheyfellofftheirhorses\'backs，andlosttheirhorses，anddroppedtheirweapons，andwentoverheadandearsintobogs，andsomewentastrayintothewood，tilltheywereonthebrinkofbodilyharm。
ThenOswifsaid，“IfIcouldonlyfindmyhorseandweapons，thenI\'dturnback；“andhehidscarcespokenthesewordsthantheysawsomewhat，andfoundtheirhorsesandweapons。Thenmanystilleggedtheothersontolookafterthechaseoncemore；andsotheydid，andatoncethesamewondersbefellthem，andsotheyfaredthrice。ThenOswifsaid，“Thoughthecoursebenotgood，letusstillturnback。Now，wewilltakecounselasecondtime，andwhatnowpleasesmymindbest，istogoandfindHauskuld，andaskatonementformyson；forthere\'snohopeofhonourwherethere\'sgoodstoreofit。“
SotheyrodethencetotheBroadfirthdales，andthereisnothingtobetoldaboutthemtilltheycametoHauskuldstede，andHrutwastherebeforethem。OswifcalledoutHauskuldandHrut，andtheybothwentoutandbadehimgoodday。Afterthattheybegantotalk。HauskuldaskedOswifwhencehecame。HesaidhehadsetouttosearchforThiostolf，butcouldn\'tfindhim。HauskuldsaidhemusthavegonenorthtoSwanshol，“andthitheritisnoteveryman\'slottogotofindhim。“
“Well，“saysOswif，“Iamcomehitherforthis，toaskatonementformysonfromthee。“
Hauskuldanswered，“Ididnotslaythyson，nordidIplothisdeath；stillitmaybeforgiventheetolookforatonementsomewhere。“
“Noseisnextofkin，brother，toeyes，“saidHrut，“anditisneedfultostopalleviltongues，andtomakehimatonementforhisson，andsomendthydaughter\'sstate，forthatwillonlybethecasewhenthissuitisdropped，andthelessthatissaidaboutitthebetteritwillbe。“
Hauskuldsaid，“Wiltthouundertaketheaward？“
“ThatIwill，“saysHrut，“norwillIshieldtheeatallinmyaward；forifthetruthmustbetoldthydaughterplannedhisdeath。“
ThenHrutheldhispeacesomelittlewhile，andafterwardshestoodup，andsaidtoOswif，“Takenowmyhandinhandselasatokenthatthoulettestthesuitdrop。“
SoOswifstoodupandsaid，“Thisisnotanatonementonequaltermswhenthybrotherutterstheaward，butstillthouspeakingtoHruthastbehavedsowellaboutitthatItrusttheethoroughlytomakeit。“ThenhestoodupandtookHauskuld\'sband，andcametoanatonementinthematter，ontheunderstandingthatHrutwastomakeuphismindanduttertheawardbeforeOswifwentaway。Afterthat，Hrutmadehisaward，andsaid，“FortheslayingofThorwaldIawardtwohundredinsilver“——thatwasthenthoughtagoodpriceforaman——“andthoushaltpayitdownatonce，brother，andpayittoowithanopenhand。“
Hauskulddidso，andthenHrutsaidtoOswif，“IwillgivetheeagoodcloakwhichIbroughtwithmefromforeignlands。“
Hethankedhimforhisgift，andwenthomewellpleasedatthewayinwhichthingshadgone。
AfterthatHauskuldandHrutcametoOswiftosharethegoods，andtheyandOswifcametoagoodagreementaboutthattoo，andtheywenthomewiththeirshareofthegoods，andOswifisnowoutofourstory。HallgerdabeggedHauskuldtolethercomebackhometohim，andhegaveherleave，andforalongtimetherewasmuchtalkaboutThorwald\'sslaying。AsforHallgerda\'sgoodstheywentongrowingtilltheywereworthagreatsum。
13。GLUM\'SWOOING
Nowthreebrothersarenamedinthestory。OnewascalledThorarin，thesecondRagi，andthethirdGlum。TheywerethesonsofOloftheHalt，andweremenofmuchworthandofgreatwealthingoods。Thorarin\'ssurnamewasRagi\'sbrother；hehadtheSpeakershipoftheLawafterRafnHeing\'sson。Hewasaverywiseman，andlivedatVarmalek，andheandGlumkepthousetogether。Glumhadbeenlongabroad；hewasatall，strong，handsomeman。Ragitheirbrotherwasagreatmanslayer。ThosebrothersownedinthesouthEngeyandLaugarness。OnedaythebrothersThorarinandGlumweretalkingtogether，andThorarinaskedGlumwhetherhemeanttogoabroad，aswashiswont？
Heanswered，“Iwasratherthinkingnowofleavingofftradingvoyages。“
“Whathastthoutheninthymind？Wiltthouwootheeawife？“
“ThatIwill，“sayshe，“ifIcouldonlygetmyselfwellmatched。“
ThenThorarintoldoffallthewomenwhowereunweddedinBorgarfirth，andaskedhimifhewouldhaveanyofthese，“Saytheword，andIwillridewiththee！“
ButGlumanswered，“Iwillhavenoneofthese。“
“Saythenthenameofherthouwishesttohave，“saysThorarin。
Glumanswered，“Ifthoumustknow，hernameisHallgerda，andsheisHauskuld\'sdaughterawaywestinthedales。“
“Well，“saysThorarin，“\'tisnotwiththeeasthesawsays，`bewarnedbyanother\'swoe\'；forshewasweddedtoaman，andsheplottedhisdeath。“
Glumsaid，“Maybesuchill-luckwillnotbefallherasecondtime，andsureIamshewillnotplotmydeath。Butnow，ifthouwiltshowmeanyhonour，ridealongwithmetowooher。“
Thorarinsaid，“There\'snogoodstrivingagainstit，forwhatmustbeissuretohappen。“GlumoftentalkedthematteroverwithThorarin，butheputitoffalongtime。Atlastitcameaboutthattheygatheredmentogetherandrodeofftenincompany，westtothedales，andcametoHauskuldstede。Hauskuldgavethemaheartywelcome，andtheystayedtherethatnight。
Butearlynextmorning，HauskuldsendsforHrut，andhecamethitheratonce:andHauskuldwasoutofdoorswhenherodeintothe“town“。ThenHauskuldtoldHrutwhatmenhadcomethither。
“Whatmayitbetheywant？“askedHrut。
“Asyet，“saysHauskuld，“theyhavenotletouttomethattheyhaveanybusiness。“
“Still，“saysHrut，“theirbusinessmustbewiththee。Theywillaskthehandofthydaughter，Hallgerda。Iftheydo，whatanswerwiltthoumake？“
“Whatdostthouadvisemetosay？“saysHauskuld。
“Thoushaltanswerwell，“saysHrut；“butstillmakeacleanbreastofallthegoodandalltheillthouknowestofthewoman。“
Butwhilethebrothersweretalkingthus，outcametheguests。
Hauskuldgreetedthemwell，andHrutbadebothThorarinandhisbrothersgoodmorning。Afterthattheyallbegantotalk，andThorarinsaid，“Iamcomehither，Hauskuld，withmybrotherGlumonthiserrand，toaskforHallgerdathydaughter，atthehandofmybrotherGlum。Thoumustknowthatheisamanofworth。“
“Iknowwell，“saysHauskuld，“thatyearebothofyoupowerfulandworthymen；butImusttellyourightout，thatIchoseahusbandforherbefore，andthatturnedoutmostunluckilyforus。“
Thorarinanswered，“Wewillnotletthatstandinthewayofthebargain；foroneoathshallnotbecomealloaths，andthismayprovetobeagoodmatch，thoughthatturnedoutill；besidesThiostolfhadmosthandinspoilingit。“
ThenHrutspoke:“NowIwillgiveyouabitofadvice——this:ifyewillnotletallthisthathasalreadyhappenedtoHallgerdastandinthewayofthematch，mindyoudonotletThiostolfgosouthwithherifthematchcomesoff，andthatheisnevertherelongerthanthreenightsatatime，unlessGlumgiveshimleave，butfallanoutlawbyGlum\'shandwithoutatonementifhestaytherelonger。Ofcourse，itshallbeinGlum\'spowertogivehimleave；buthewillnotifhetakesmyadvice。Andnowthismatchshallnotbefulfilled，astheotherwas，withoutHallgerda\'sknowledge。Sheshallnowknowthewholecourseofthisbargain，andseeGlum，andherselfsettlewhethershewillhavehimornot；andthenshewillnotbeabletolaytheblameonothersifitdoesnotturnoutwell。Andallthisshallbewithoutcraftorguile。“
ThenThorarinsaid，“Now，asalways，itwillprovebestifthyadvicebetaken。“
ThentheysentforHallgerda，andshecamethither，andtwowomenwithher。Shehadonacloakofrichbluewoof，andunderitascarletkirtle，andasilvergirdleroundherwaist，butherhaircamedownonbothsidesofherbosom，andshehadturnedthelocksupunderhergirdle。ShesatdownbetweenHrutandherfather，andshegreetedthemallwithkindwords，andspokewellandboldly，andaskedwhatwasthenews。Afterthatsheceasedspeaking。
ThenGlumsaid，“TherehasbeensometalkbetweenthyfatherandmybrotherThorarinandmyselfaboutabargain。ItwasthatI
mightgetthee，Hallgerda，ifitbethywill，asitistheirs；
andnow，ifthouartabravewoman，thouwiltsayrightoutwhetherthematchisatalltothymind；butifthouhastanythinginthyheartagainstthisbargainwithus，thenwewillnotsayanythingmoreaboutit。“
Hallgerdasaid，“Iknowwellthatyouaremenofworthandmight，yebrothers。IknowtoothatnowIshallbemuchbetterweddedthanIwasbefore；butwhatIwanttoknowis，whatyouhavesaidalreadyaboutthematch，andhowfaryouhavegivenyourwordsinthematter。ButsofarasInowseeofthee，IthinkImightlovetheewellifwecanbuthititoffastotemper。“
SoGlumhimselftoldherallaboutthebargain，andleftnothingout，andthenheaskedHauskuldandHrutwhetherhehadrepeateditright。Hauskuldsaidhehad；andthenHallgerdasaid，“Yehavedealtsowellwithmeinthismatter，myfatherandHrut，thatIwilldowhatyeadvise，andthisbargainshallbestruckasyehavesettledit。“
ThenHrutsaid，“MethinksitwerebestthatHauskuldandIshouldnamewitnesses，andthatHallgerdashouldbetrothherself，iftheLawmanthinksthatrightandlawful。
“Rightandlawfulitis，“saysThorarin。
AfterthatHallgerda\'sgoodswerevalued，andGlumwastolaydownasmuchagainstthem，andtheyweretogoshares，halfandhalf，inthewhole。ThenGlumboundhimselftoHallgerdaashisbetrothed，andtheyrodeawayhomesouth；butHauskuldwastokeepthewedding-feastathishouse。Andnowallisquiettillmenridetothewedding。
14。GLUM\'SWEDDING
Thosebrothersgatheredtogetheragreatcompany，andtheywereallpickedmen。TheyrodewesttothedalesandcametoHauskuldstede，andtheretheyfoundagreatgatheringtomeetthem。HauskuldandHrut，andtheirfriends，filledonebench，andthebridegroomtheother。Hallgerdasatuponthecrossbenchonthedais，andbehavedwell。Thiostolfwentaboutwithhisaxeraisedinair，andnooneseemedtoknowthathewasthere，andsotheweddingwentoffwell。Butwhenthefeastwasover，HallgerdawentawaysouthwithGlumandhisbrothers。SowhentheycamesouthtoVarmalek，ThorarinaskedHallgerdaifshewouldundertakethehousekeeping。“No，Iwillnot，“shesaid。
Hallgerdakepthertemperdownthatwinter，andtheylikedherwellenough。Butwhenthespringcame，thebrotherstalkedabouttheirproperty，andThorarinsaid，“IwillgiveuptoyouthehouseatVarmalek，forthatisreadiesttoyourhand，andIwillgodownsouthtoLaugarnessandlivethere，butEngeywewillhavebothofusincommon。“
Glumwaswillingenoughtodothat。SoThorarinwentdowntothesouthofthatdistrict，andGlumandhiswifestayedbehindthere，andlivedinthehouseatVarmalek。
NowHallgerdagotahouseholdabouther；shewasprodigalingiving，andgraspingingetting。Inthesummershegavebirthtoagirl。Glumaskedherwhatnameitwastohave？
“Sheshallbecalledaftermyfather\'smother，andhernameshallbeThorgerda，“forshecamedownfromSigurdFafnir\'s-baneonthefather\'sside，accordingtothefamilypedigree。
Sothemaidenwassprinkledwithwater，andhadthisnamegivenher，andthereshegrewup，andgotlikehermotherinlooksandfeature。GlumandHallgerdaagreedwelltogether，andsoitwentonforawhile。AboutthattimethesetidingswereheardfromthenorthandBearfirth，howSwanhadrowedouttofishinthespring，andagreatstormcamedownonhimfromtheeast，andhowhewasdrivenashoreatFishless，andheandhismenweretherelost。ButthefishermenwhowereatKalbackthoughttheysawSwangointothefellatKalbackshorn，andthathewasgreetedwell；butsomespokeagainstthatstory，andsaidtherewasnothinginit。Butthisallknewthathewasneverseenagaineitheraliveordead。SowhenHallgerdaheardthat，shethoughtshehadagreatlossinhermother\'sbrother。GlumbeggedThorarintochangelandswithhim，buthesaidhewouldnot；
“but，“saidhe，“ifIoutliveyou，ImeantohaveVarmalektomyself。“WhenGlumtoldthistoHallgerda，shesaid，“Thorarinhasindeedarighttoexpectthisfromus。“
15。THIOSTOLFGOESTOGLUM\'SHOUSE
ThiostolfhadbeatenoneofHauskuld\'shouse-carles，sohedrovehimaway。Hetookhishorseandweapons，andsaidtoHauskuld，“Now，Iwillgoawayandnevercomeback。“
“Allwillbegladatthat，“saysHauskuld。
ThiostolfrodetillhecametoVarmalek，andtherehegotaheartywelcomefromHallgerda，andnotabadonefromGlum。HetoldHallgerdahowherfatherhaddrivenhimaway，andbeggedhertogivehimherhelpandcountenance。SheansweredhimbytellinghimshecouldsaynothingabouthisstayingtherebeforeshehadseenGlumaboutit。
“Doesitgowellbetweenyou？“hesays。
“Yes，“shesays，“ourloverunssmoothenough。“
AfterthatshewenttospeaktoGlum，andthrewherarmsroundhisneckandsaid，“WiltthougrantmeaboonwhichIwishtoaskofthee？“
“GrantitIwill，“hesays，“ifitberightandseemly；butwhatisitthouwishesttoask？“
“Well，“shesaid，“Thiostolfhasbeendrivenawayfromthewest，andwhatIwanttheetodoistolethimstayhere；butIwillnottakeitcrosslyifitisnottothymind。“
Glumsaid，“Nowthatthoubehavestsowell，Iwillgranttheethyboon；butItellthee，ifhetakestoanyillheshallbesentoffatonce。“
ShegoesthentoThiostolfandtellshim，andheanswered，“Now，thouartstillgood，asIhadhoped。“
Afterthathewasthere，andkepthimselfdownalittlewhile，butthenitwastheoldstory，heseemedtospoilallthegoodhefound；forhegavewaytonoonesavetoHallgerdaalone，butshenevertookhissideinhisbrawlswithothers。Thorarin，Glum\'sbrother，blamedhimforlettinghimbethere，andsaidillluckwouldcomeofit，andallwouldhappenashadhappenedbeforeifhewerethere。Glumansweredhimwellandkindly，butstillkeptoninhisownway。
16。GLUM\'SSHEEPHUNT
Nowonceonatimewhenautumncame，ithappenedthatmenhadhardworktogettheirflockshome，andmanyofGlum\'swethersweremissing。ThenGlumsaidtoThiostolf，“Gothouuponthefellwithmyhouse-carlesandseeifyecannotfindoutanythingaboutthesheep。“
“\'Tisnobusinessofmine，“saysThiostolf，“tohuntupsheep，andthisonethingisquiteenoughtohinderit。Iwon\'twalkinthythralls\'footsteps。Butgothyself，andthenI\'llgowiththee。“
Aboutthistheyhadmanywords。Theweatherwasgood，andHallgerdawassittingoutofdoors。Glumwentuptoherandsaid，“NowThiostolfandIhavehadaquarrel，andweshallnotlivemuchlongertogether。“Andsohetoldherallthattheyhadbeentalkingabout。
ThenHallgerdaspokeupforThiostolf，andtheyhadmanywordsabouthim。AtlastGlumgaveherablowwithhishand，andsaid，“Iwillstrivenolongerwiththee，“andwiththathewentaway。
Nowshelovedhimmuch，andcouldnotcalmherself，butweptoutloud。Thiostolfwentuptoherandsaid，“Thisissorrysportforthee，andsoitmustnotbeoftenagain。“
“Nay，“shesaid，“butthoushaltnotavengethis，normeddleatallwhateverpassesbetweenGlumandme。“
Hewentoffwithaspitefulgrin。