17。GLUM\'SSLAYING
NowGlumcalledmentofollowhim，andThiostolfgotreadyandwentwiththem。SotheywentupSouthReykiardaleandthenupalongbyBaugagilandsosouthtoCrossfell。ButsomeofhisbandhesenttotheSulafells，andtheyallfoundverymanysheep。Someofthem，too，wentbywayofScoradale，anditcameaboutatlastthatthosetwain，GlumandThiostolf，wereleftalonetogether。TheywentsouthfromCrossfellandfoundthereaflockofwildsheep，andtheywentfromthesouthtowardsthefell，andtriedtodrivethemdown；butstillthesheepgotawayfromthemuponthefell。Theneachbegantoscoldtheother，andThiostolfsaidatlastthatGlumhadnostrengthsavetotumbleaboutinHallgerda\'sarms。
ThenGlumsaid，“`Aman\'sfoesarethoseofhisownhouse。\'
ShallItakeupbraidingfromthee，runawaythrallasthouart？“
Thiostolfsaid，“ThoushaltsoonhavetoownthatIamnothrall，forIwillnotyieldaninchtothee。“
ThenGlumgotangry，andcutathimwithhishand-axe，buthethrewhisaxeintheway，andtheblowfellonthehaftwithadownwardstrokeandbitintoitaboutthebreadthoftwofingers。
Thiostolfcutathimatoncewithhisaxe，andsmotehimontheshoulder，andthestrokehewedasundertheshoulderboneandcollarbone，andthewoundbledinwards。GlumgraspedatThiostolfwithhislefthandsofast，thathefell；butGlumcouldnotholdhim，fordeathcameoverhim。ThenThiostolfcoveredhisbodywithstones，andtookoffhisgoldring。ThenhewentstraighttoVarmalek。Hallgerdawassittingoutofdoors，andsawthathisaxewasbloody。Hesaid，“Iknownotwhatthouwiltthinkofit，butItelltheeGlumisslain。“
“Thatmustbethydeed，“shesays。
“Soitis，“hesays。
Shelaughedandsaid，“Thoudostnotstandfornothinginthissport。“
“Whatthinkestthouisbesttobedonenow？“heasked。
“GotoHrut，myfather\'sbrother，“shesaid，“andlethimseeaboutthee。“
“Idonotknow，“saysThiostolf，“whetherthisisgoodadvice；
butstillIwilltakethycounselinthismatter。“
Sohetookhishorse，androdewesttoHrutstedethatnight。Hebindshishorseatthebackofthehouse，andthengoesroundtothedoor，andgivesagreatknock。Afterthathewalksroundthehouse，northabout。IthappenedthatHrutwasawake。Hesprangupatonce，andputonhisjerkinandpulledonhisshoes。Thenhetookuphissword，andwrappedacloakabouthisleftarm，upasfarastheelbow。Menwokeupjustashewentout；therehesawatallstoutmanatthebackofthehouse，andknewitwasThiostolf。Hrutaskedhimwhatnews？
“ItelltheeGlumisslain。“saysThiostolf。
“Whodidthedeed？“saysHrut。
“Islewhim，“saysThiostolf。
“Whyrodestthouhither？“saysHrut。
“Hallgerdasentmetothee，“saysThiostolf。
“Thenshehasnohandinthisdeed，“saysHrut，anddrewhissword。Thiostolfsawthat，andwouldnotbebehindhand，sohecutsatHrutatonce。Hrutgotoutofthewayofthestrokebyaquickturn，andatthesametimestruckthebackoftheaxesosmartlywithaside-longblowofhislefthand，thatitflewoutofThiostolf\'sgrasp。ThenHrutmadeablowwithhisswordinhisrighthandatThiostolf\'sleg，justabovetheknee，andcutitalmostoffsothatithungbyalittlepiece，andspranginuponhimatthesametime，andthrusthimhardback。Afterthathesmotehimonthehead，anddealthimhisdeath-blow。
Thiostolffelldownonhisbackatfulllength，andthenoutcameHrut\'smen，andsawthetokensofthedeed。HrutmadethemtakeThiostolfaway，andthrowstonesoverhisbody，andthenhewenttofindHauskuld，andtoldhimofGlum\'sslaying，andalsoofThiostolf\'s。HethoughtitharmthatGlumwasdeadandgone，butthankedhimforkillingThiostolf。Alittlewhileafter，ThorarinRagi\'sbrotherhearsofhisbrotherGlum\'sdeath，thenherideswithelevenmenbehindhimwesttoHauskuldstede，andHauskuldwelcomedhimwithbothhands，andheistherethenight。
HauskuldsentatonceforHruttocometohim，andhewentatonce，andnextdaytheyspokemuchoftheslayingofGlum，andThorarinsaid“Wiltthoumakemeanyatonementformybrother，forIhavehadagreatloss？“
Hauskuldanswered，“Ididnotslaythybrother，nordidmydaughterplothisdeath；butassoonaseverHrutknewitheslewThiostolf。“
ThenThorarinheldhispeace，andthoughtthematterhadtakenabadturn。ButHrutsaid，“Letusmakehisjourneygood；hehasindeedhadaheavyloss，andifwedothatweshallbewellspokenof。Soletusgivehimgifts，andthenhewillbeourfriendeverafterwards。“
Sotheendofitwas，thatthosebrothersgavehimgifts，andherodebacksouth。HeandHallgerdachangedhomesteadsinthespring，andshewentsouthtoLaugarnessandhetoVarmalek。AndnowThorarinisoutofthestory。
18。FIDDLEMORD\'SDEATH
NowitmustbetoldhowFiddleMordtookasicknessandbreathedhislast；andthatwasthoughtgreatscathe。HisdaughterUnnatookallthegoodsheleftbehindhim。Shewasthenstillunmarriedthesecondtime。Shewasverylayish，andunthriftyofherproperty；sothathergoodsandreadymoneywastedaway，andatlastshehadscarceanythingleftbutlandandstock。
19。GUNNARCOMESINTOTHESTORY
TherewasamanwhosenamewasGunnar。HewasoneofUnna\'skinsmen，andhismother\'snamewasRannveig1。Gunnar\'sfatherwasnamedHamond2。GunnarHamond\'ssondweltatLithend，intheFleetlithe。Hewasatallmaningrowth，andastrongman——
bestskilledinarmsofallmen。Hecouldcutorthrustorshootifhechoseaswellwithhisleftaswithhisrighthand，andhesmotesoswiftlywithhissword，thatthreeseemedtoflashthroughtheairatonce。Hewasthebestshotwiththebowofallmen，andnevermissedhismark。Hecouldleapmorethanhisownheight，withallhiswar-gear，andasfarbackwardsasforwards。Hecouldswimlikeaseal，andtherewasnogameinwhichitwasanygoodforanyonetostrivewithhim；andsoithasbeensaidthatnomanwashismatch。Hewashandsomeoffeature，andfairskinned。Hisnosewasstraight，andalittleturnedupattheend。Hewasblue-eyedandbright-eyed，andruddy-cheeked。Hishairthick，andofgoodhue，andhangingdownincomelycurls。Themostcourteousofmenwashe，ofsturdyframeandstrongwill，bountifulandgentle，afastfriend，buthardtopleasewhenmakingthem。Hewaswealthyingoods。Hisbrother\'snamewasKolskegg；hewasatallstrongman，anoblefellow，andundauntedineverything。Anotherbrother\'snamewasHjort；hewastheninhischildhood。OrmSkogarnefwasabase-
bornbrotherofGunnar\'s；hedoesnotcomeintothisstory。
ArngudawasthenameofGunnar\'ssister。Hroar，thepriestatTongue，hadhertowife3。
ENDNOTES:
1ShewasthedaughterofSigfuss，thesonofSighvattheRed；
hewasslainatSandholFerry。
2HewasthesonofGunnarBaugsson，afterwhomGunnar\'sholtiscalled。Hamond\'smother\'snamewasHrafnhilda。ShewasthedaughterofStorolfHeing\'sson。StorolfwasbrothertoHrafntheSpeakeroftheLaw，thesonofStorolfwasOrintheStrong。
3HewasthesonofUnitheUnborn，Gardar\'ssonwhofoundIceland。Arnguda\'ssonwasHamondtheHalt，whodweltatHamondstede。
20。OFNJALANDHISCHILDREN
TherewasamanwhosenamewasNjal。HewasthesonofThorgeirGelling，thesonofThorolf。Njal\'smother\'snamewasAsgerda1。NjaldweltatBergthorsknollintheland-isles；hehadanotherhomesteadonThorolfsfell。Njalwaswealthyingoods，andhandsomeofface；nobeardgrewonhischin。Hewassogreatalawyer，thathismatchwasnottobefound。Wisetoohewas，andforeknowingandforesighted2。Ofgoodcounsel，andreadytogiveit，andallthatheadvisedmenwassuretobethebestforthemtodo。Gentleandgenerous，heunravelledeveryman\'sknottypointswhocametoseehimaboutthem。Bergthorawashiswife\'sname；shewasSkarphedinn\'sdaughter，averyhigh-
spirited，brave-heartedwoman，butsomewhathard-tempered。Theyhadsixchildren，threedaughtersandthreesons，andtheyallcomeafterwardsintothisstory。
ENDNOTES:
1ShewasthedaughterofLordArtheSilent。ShehadcomeouthithertoIcelandfromNorway，andtakenlandtothewestofMarkfleet，betweenAuldastoneandSelialandsmull。
HersonwasHolt-Thorir，thefatherofThorleifCrow，fromwhomtheWood-dwellersaresprung，andofThorgrimtheTall，andSkorargeir。
2ThismeansthatNjalwasoneofthosegiftedbeingswho，accordingtothefirmbeliefofthatage，hadamorethanhumaninsightintothingsabouttohappen。ItanswersverynearlytotheScottish“secondsight。“
21。UNNAGOESTOSEEGUNNAR
NowitmustbetoldhowUnnahadlostallherreadymoney。ShemadeherwaytoLithend，andGunnargreetedhiskinswomanwell。
Shestayedtherethatnight，andthenextmorningtheysatoutofdoorsandtalked。Theendoftheirtalkwas，thatshetoldhimhowheavilyshewaspressedformoney。
“Thisisabadbusiness，“hesaid。
“Whathelpwiltthougivemeoutofmydistress？“sheasked。
Heanswered，“TakeasmuchmoneyasthouneedestfromwhatIhaveoutatinterest。“
“Nay，“shesaid，“Iwillnotwastethygoods。“
“Whatthendostthouwish？“
“IwishtheetogetbackmygoodsoutofHrut\'shands，“sheanswered。
“That，methinks，isnotlikely，“saidhe，“whenthyfathercouldnotgetthemback，andyethewasagreatlawyer，butIknowlittleaboutlaw。“
Sheanswered，“Hrutpushedthatmatterthroughratherbyboldnessthanbylaw；besides，myfatherwasold，andthatwaswhymenthoughtitbetternottodrivethingstotheuttermost。Andnowthereisnoneofmykinsmentotakethissuitupifthouhastnotdaringenough。
“Ihavecourageenough，“hereplied，“togetthesegoodsback；
butIdonotknowhowtotakethesuitup。“
“Well！“sheanswered，“goandseeNjalofBergthorsknoll，hewillknowhowtogivetheeadvice。Besides，heisagreatfriendofthine。“
“\'Tislikeenoughhewillgivemegoodadvice，ashegivesittoeveryoneelse，“saysGunnar。
Sotheendoftheirtalkwas，thatGunnarundertookhercause，andgaveherthemoneysheneededforherhousekeeping，andafterthatshewenthome。
NowGunnarridestoseeNjal，andhemadehimwelcome，andtheybegantotalkatonce。
ThenGunnarsaid，“Iamcometoseekabitofgoodadvicefromthee。“
Njalreplied，“Manyofmyfriendsareworthyofthis，butstillI
thinkIwouldtakemorepainsfornonethanforthee。“
Gunnarsaid，“IwishtolettheeknowthatIhaveundertakentogetUnna\'sgoodsbackfromHrut。“
“Averyhardsuittoundertake，“saidNjal，“andoneveryhazardoushowitwillgo；butstillIwillgetitupfortheeinthewayIthinklikeliesttosucceed，andtheendwillbegoodifthoubreakestnoneoftherulesIlaydown；ifthoudost，thylifeisindanger。“
“Neverfear；Iwillbreaknoneofthem，“saidGunnar。
ThenNjalheldhispeaceforalittlewhile，andafterthathespokeasfollows:——
22。NJAL\'SADVICE
Ihavethoughtoverthesuit，anditwilldoso。Thoushaltridefromhomewithtwomenatthyback。Overallthoushalthaveagreatroughcloak，andunderthat，arussetkirtleofcheapstuff，andunderall，thygoodclothes。Thoumusttakeasmallaxeinthyhand，andeachofyoumusthavetwohorses，onefat，theotherlean。Thoushaltcarryhardwareandsmith\'sworkwiththeehence，andyemustrideoffearlyto-morrowmorning，andwhenyearecomeacrossWhitewaterwestwards，mindandslouchthyhatwelloverthybrows。Thenmenwillaskwhoisthistallman，andthymatesshallsay，`HereisHucksterHedinntheBig，amanfromEyjafirth，whoisgoingaboutwithsmith\'sworkforsale。\'
ThisHedinnisill-temperedandachatterer——afellowwhothinkshealoneknowseverything。Veryoftenhesnatchesbackhiswares，andfliesatmenifeverythingisnotdoneashewishes。SothoushaltridewesttoBorgarfirthofferingallsortsofwaresforsale，andbesureoftentocryoffthybargains，sothatitwillbenoisedabroadthatHucksterHedinnistheworstofmentodealwith，andthatnolieshavebeentoldofhisbadbehaviour。SothoushaltridetoNorthwaterdale，andtoHrutfirth，andLaxriverdale，tillthoucomesttoHauskuldstede。Therethoumuststayanight，andsitinthelowestplace，andhangthyheaddown。HauskuldwilltellthemallnottomeddlenormakewithHucksterHedinn，sayingheisarudeunfriendlyfellow。NextmorningthoumustbeoffearlyandgotothefarmnearestHrutstede。Therethoumustofferthygoodsforsale，praisingupallthatisworst，andtinkeringupthefaults。Themasterofthehousewillpryaboutandfindoutthefaults。Thoumustsnatchthewaresawayfromhim，andspeakilltohim。Hewillsay，\'twasnottobehopedthatthouwouldstbehavewelltohim，whenthoubehavestilltoeveryoneelse。
Thenthoushaltflyathim，thoughitisnotthywont，butmindandsparethystrength，thatthoumayestnotbefoundout。ThenamanwillbesenttoHrutstedetotellHruthehadbestcomeandpartyou。Hewillcomeatonceandasktheetohishouse，andthoumustaccepthisoffer。ThoushaltgreetHrutandhewillanswerwell。AplacewillbegiventheeonthelowerbenchoveragainstHrut\'shighseat。HewillaskifthouartfromtheNorth，andthoushaltanswerthatthouartamanofEyjafirth。
Hewillgoontoaskifthereareverymanyfamousmenthere。
`Shabbyfellowsenoughandtospare，\'thoumustanswer。`DostthouknowReykiardaleandthepartsabout？\'hewillask。Towhichthoumustanswer，`IknowallIcelandbyheart。\'
“`ArethereanystoutchampionsleftinReykiardale？\'hewillask。`Thievesandscoundrels，\'thoushaltanswer。ThenHrutwillsmileandthinkitsporttolisten。YoutwowillgoontotalkofthemenintheEastfirthQuarter，andthoumustalwaysfindsomethingtosayagainstthem。AtlastyourtalkwillcomeRangrivervale，andthenthoumustsay，thereissmallchoiceofmenleftinthosepartssinceFiddleMorddied。AtthesametimesingsomestavetopleaseHrut，forIknowthouartaskald。
HrutwillaskwhatmakestheesaythereisneveramantocomeinMord\'splace？andthenthoumustanswer，thathewassowiseamanandsogoodatakerupofsuits，thathenevermadeafalsestepinupholdinghisleadership。Hewillask，`Dostthouknowhowmattersfaredbetweenmeandhim？\'
“`Iknowallaboutit，\'thoumustreply，`hetookthywifefromthee，andthouhadstnotawordtosay。\'“
ThenHrutwillask，`Dostthounotthinkitwassomedisgracetohimwhenhecouldnotgetbackhisgoods，thoughhesetthesuitonfoot？\'
“`Icananswertheethatwellenough，\'thoumustsay。`Thouchallengedsthimtosinglecombat；buthewasold，andsohisfriendsadvisedhimnottofightwiththee，andthentheyletthesuitfalltotheground。\'
“`Trueenough，\'Hrutwillsay。`Isaidso，andthatpassedforlawamongfoolishmen；butthesuitmighthavebeentakenupagainatanotherThingifhehadtheheart。\'
“`Iknowallthat，\'thoumustsay。
Thenhewillask，`Dostthouknowanythingaboutlaw？\'
“`UpintheNorthIamthoughttoknowsomethingaboutit，\'thoushaltsay。`ButstillIshouldliketheetotellmehowthissuitshouldbetakenup。\'
“`Whatsuitdostthoumean？\'hewillask。
“`Asuit，\'thoumustanswer，`whichdoesnotconcernme。IwanttoknowhowamanmustsettoworkwhowishestogetbackUnna\'sdower。\'
“ThenHrutwillsay，`InthissuitImustbesummonedsothatI
canhearthesummons，orImustbesummonedhereinmylawfulhouse。\'
“`Recitethesummons，then，\'thoumustsay，\'andIwillsayitafterthee。\'
“ThenHrutwillsummonhimself；andmindandpaygreatheedtoeverywordhesays。AfterthatHrutwillbidtheerepeatthesummons，andthoumustdoso，andsayitallwrong，sothatnomorethaneveryotherwordisright。“
ThenHrutwillsmileandnotmistrustthee，butsaythatscarceawordisright。Thoumustthrowtheblameonthycompanions，andsaytheyputtheeout，andthenthoumustaskhimtosaythewordsfirst，wordbyword，andtolettheesaythewordsafterhim。Hewillgivetheeleave，andsummonhimselfinthesuit，andthoushaltsummonafterhimthereandthen，andthistimesayeverywordright。Whenitisdone，askHrutifthatwererightlysummoned，andhewillanswer，`Thereisnoflawtobefoundinit。\'Thenthoushaltsayinaloudvoice，sothatthycompanionsmayhear，`IsummontheeinthesuitwhichUnna，Mord\'sdaughter，hasmadeovertomewithherplightedhand。\'
“Butwhenmenaresoundasleep，youshallriseandtakeyourbridlesandsaddles，andtreadsoftly，andgooutofthehouse，andputyoursaddlesonyourfathorsesinthefields，andsorideoffonthem，butleavetheothersbehindyou。Youmustrideupintothehillsawayfromthehomepasturesandstaytherethreenights，foraboutsolongwilltheyseekyou。Afterthatridehomesouth，ridingalwaysbynightandrestingbyday。Asforus，wewillthenridethissummertotheThing，andhelptheeinthysuit。“SoGunnarthankedNjal，andfirstofallrodehome。
23。HUCKSTERHEDINN。
Gunnarrodefromhometwonightsafterwards，andtwomenwithhim；theyrodealonguntiltheygotonBluewoodheathandthenmenonhorsebackmetthemandaskedwhothattallmanmightbeofwhomsolittlewasseen。ButhiscompanionssaiditwasHucksterHedinn。Thentheotherssaidaworsewasnottobelookedforbehind，whensuchamanashewentbefore。Hedinnatoncemadeasthoughhewouldhavesetuponthem，butyeteachwenttheirway。SoGunnarwentondoingeverythingasNjalhadlaiditdownforhim，andwhenhecametoHauskuldstedehestayedtherethenight，andthencehewentdownthedaletillhecametothenextfarmtoHrutstede。Thereheofferedhiswaresforsale，andHedinnfellatonceuponthefarmer。ThiswastoldtoHrut，andhesentforHedinn，andHedinnwentatoncetoseeHrut，andhadagoodwelcome。Hrutseatedhimoveragainsthimself，andtheirtalkwentprettymuchasNjalhadguessed；butwhentheycametotalkofRangrivervale，andHrutaskedaboutthementhere，Gunnarsungthisstave——
“Meninsoothareslowtofind——
Sothepeoplespeakbystealth，Oftenthishathreachedmyears——
AllthroughRangar\'srollingvales。
StillItrowthatFiddleMord，Triedhishandinfightofyore；
Surewasnevergold-bestower，Suchamanformightandwit。“
ThenHrutsaid，“Thouartaskald，Hedinn。ButhastthouneverheardhowthingswentbetweenmeandMord？“ThenHedinnsunganotherstave——
“OnceIweenIheardtherumour，HowtheLordofrings1bereftthee；
Fromthinearmsearth\'soffspring2tearing，Trickfullheandtrustfulthou。
Thenthemen，thebuckler-bearers，Beggedthemightygold-begetter，Sharpswordoftofoldhereddened，Nottostandinstrifewiththee。“
Sotheywenton，tillHrut，inanswertoldhimhowthesuitmustbetakenup，andrecitedthesummons。Hedinnrepeateditallwrong，andHrutburstoutlaughing，andhadnomistrust。Thenhesaid，Hrutmustsummononcemore，andHrutdidso。ThenHedinnrepeatedthesummonsasecondtime，andthistimeright，andcalledhiscompanionstowitnesshowhesummonedHrutinasuitwhichUnna，Mord\'sdaughter，hadmadeovertohimwithherplightedhand。Atnighthewenttosleeplikeothermen，butassoonaseverHrutwassoundasleep，theytooktheirclothesandarms，andwentoutandcametotheirhorses，androdeoffacrosstheriver，andsoupalongthebankbyHiardarholttillthedalebrokeoffamongthehills，andsotheretheyareuponthefellsbetweenLaxriverdaleandHawkdale，havinggottoaspotwherenoonecouldfindthemunlesshehadfallenonthembychance。
HauskuldwakesupthatnightatHauskuldstede，androusedallhishousehold。“Iwilltellyoumydream，“hesaid。“IthoughtI
sawagreatbeargooutofthishouse，andIknewatoncethisbeast\'smatchwasnottobefound；twocubsfollowedhim，wishingwelltothebear，andtheyallmadeforHrutstedeandwentintothehousethere。AfterthatIwoke。NowIwishtoaskifanyofyousawaughtaboutyontallman。“
Thenonemanansweredhim，“Isawhowagoldenfringeandabitofscarletclothpeepedoutathisarm，andonhisrightarmhehadaringofgold。“
Hauskuldsaid，“Thisbeastisnoman\'sfetch，butGunnar\'sofLithend，andnowmethinksIseeallaboutit。Up！letusridetoHrutstede，“Andtheydidso。Hrutlayinhislockedbed，andaskswhohavecomethere？Hauskuldtellswhoheis，andaskedwhatguestsmightbethereinthehouse？
“OnlyHucksterHedinnishere，“saysHrut。
“Abroadermanacrosstheback，itwillbe，Ifear，“saysHauskuld，“IguessheremusthavebeenGunnarofLithend。“
“Thentherehasbeenaprettytrialofcunning，“saysHrut。
“Whathashappened？“saysHauskuld。
“ItoldhimhowtotakeupUnna\'ssuit，andIsummonedmyselfandhesummonedafter，andnowhecanusethisfirststepinthesuit，anditisrightinlaw。“
“Therehas，indeed，beenagreatfallingoffofwitononeside，“
saidHauskuld，“andGunnarcannothaveplanneditallbyhimself；
Njalmustbeatthebottomofthisplot，forthereisnothismatchforwitinalltheland。“
NowtheylookforHedinn，butheisalreadyoffandaway；afterthattheygatheredfolk，andlookedforthemthreedays，butcouldnotfindthem。GunnarrodesouthfromthefelltoHawkdaleandsoeastofSkard，andnorthtoHoltbeaconheath，andsoonuntilhegothome。
ENDNOTES:
1“Lordofrings，“aperiphrasisforachief，thatis，Mord。
2“Earth\'soffspring，“aperiphrasisforwoman，thatis，Unna。
24。GUNNARANDHRUTSTRIVEATTHETHING。
GunnarrodetotheAlthing，andHrutandHauskuldrodethithertoowithaverygreatcompany。Gunnarpursueshissuit，andbeganbycallingonhisneighbourstobearwitness，butHrutandhisbrotherhaditintheirmindstomakeanonslaughtonhim，buttheymistrustedtheirstrength。
GunnarnextwenttothecourtofthemenofBroadfirth，andbadeHrutlistentohisoathanddeclarationofthecauseofthesuit，andtoalltheproofswhichhewasabouttobringforward。Afterthathetookhisoath，anddeclaredhiscase。Afterthathebroughtforwardhiswitnessesofthesummons，alongwithhiswitnessesthatthesuithadbeenhandedovertohim。AllthistimeNjalwasnotatthecourt。NowGunnarpursuedhissuittillhecalledonthedefendanttoreply。ThenHruttookwitness，andsaidthesuitwasnaught，andthattherewasaflawinthepleading；hedeclaredthatithadbrokendownbecauseGunnarhadfailedtocallthosethreewitnesseswhichoughttohavebeenbroughtbeforethecourt。Thefirst，thatwhichwastakenbeforethemarriage-bed，thesecond，beforetheman\'sdoor，thethird，attheHillofLaws。BythistimeNjalwascometothecourtandsaidthesuitandpleadingmightstillbekeptaliveiftheychosetostriveinthatway。
“No，“saysGunnar，“Iwillnothavethat；IwilldothesametoHrutashedidtoMordmykinsman；or，arethosebrothersHrutandHauskuldsonearthattheymayhearmyvoice。“
“Hearitwecan，“saysHrut。“Whatdostthouwish？“
Gunnarsaid，“Nowallmenherepresentbeear-witnesses，thatI
challengetheeHruttosinglecombat，andweshallfightto-dayontheholm，whichishereinOxwater。Butifthouwiltnotfightwithme，thenpayupallthemoneythisveryday。“
AfterthatGunnarsungastave——
“Yes，somustitbe，thismorning——
Nowmymindisfulloffire——
HrutwithmeonyonderislandRaisesroarofhelmandshield。
Allthatbearmywordsbearwitness，WarriorsgraspingWoden\'sguard，UnlessthewealthywightdownpayethDowerofwifewithflowingveil。“
AfterthatGunnarwentawayfromthecourtwithallhisfollowers。HrutandHauskuldwenthometoo，andthesuitwasneverpursuednordefendedfromthatdayforth。Hrutsaid，assoonashegotinsidethebooth，“Thishasneverhappenedtomebefore，thatanymanhasofferedmecombatandIhaveshunnedit。“
“Thenthoumustmeantofight，“saysHauskuld，“butthatshallnotbeifIhavemyway；forthoucomestnonearertoGunnarthanMordwouldhavecometothee，andwehadbetterbothofuspayupthemoneytoGunnar。“
Afterthatthebrothersaskedthehouseholdersoftheirowncountrywhattheywouldlaydown，andtheyoneandallsaidtheywouldlaydownasmuchasHrutwished。
“Letusgothen，“saysHauskuld，“toGunnar\'sbooth，andpaydownthemoneyoutofhand。“ThatwastoldtoGunnar，andhewentoutintothedoorwayofthebooth，andHauskuldsaid，“Nowitisthinetotakethemoney。“
Gunnarsaid，“Payitdown，then，forIamreadytotakeit。“
Sotheypaiddownthemoneytrulyoutofhand，andthenHauskuldsaid，“Enjoyitnow，asthouhastgottenit。“ThenGunnarsanganotherstave:——
“MenwhowieldthebladeofbattleHoardedwealthmaywellenjoy，Guilelessgottenthisatleast，GoldenmeedIfearlesstake；
Butifweforwoman\'squarrel，Warriorsborntobrandishsword，Glutthewolfwithmanlygore，Worsethelotofbothwouldbe。“
Hrutanswered，“IIIwillbethymeedforthis。“
“Bethatasitmay，“saysGunnar。
ThenHauskuldandhisbrotherwenthometotheirbooth，andhehadmuchuponhismind，andsaidtoHrut，“WillthisunfairnessofGunnar\'sneverbeavenged？“
“Notso，“saysHrut；“\'twillbeavengedonhimsureenough，butweshallhavenosharenorprofitinthatvengeance。Andafterallitismostlikelythathewillturntoourstocktoseekforfriends。“
Afterthattheyleftoffspeakingofthematter。GunnarshowedNjalthemoney，andhesaid，“Thesuithasgoneoffwell。“
“Ay，“saysGunnar，“butitwasallthydoing。“
NowmenrodehomefromtheThing，andGunnargotverygreathonourfromthesuit。GunnarhandedoverallthemoneytoUnna，andwouldhavenoneofit，butsaidhethoughtheoughttolookmoreforhelpfromherandherkinhereafterthanfromothermen。
Shesaid，soitshouldbe。
25。UNNA\'SSECONDWEDDING
TherewasamannamedValgard，hekepthouseatHofbyRangriver，hewasthesonofJorundthePriest，andhisbrotherwasWolfAurpriest1。Thosebrothers，WolfAurpriest，andValgardtheGuileful，setofftowooUnna，andshegaveherselfawaytoValgardwithouttheadviceofanyofherkinsfolk。ButGunnarandNjal，andmanyothersthoughtillofthat，forhewasacross-grainedmanandhadfewfriends。Theybegotbetweenthemason，whosenamewasMord，andheislonginthisstory。Whenhewasgrowntoman\'sestate，heworkedilltohiskinsfolkbutworstofalltoGunnar。Hewasacraftymaninhistemper，butspitefulinhiscounsels。
NowwewillnameNjal\'ssons。Skarphedinnwastheeldestofthem。Hewasatallmaningrowth，andstrongwithal；agoodswordsman；hecouldswimlikeaseal，theswiftest-lootedofmen，andboldanddauntless；hehadagreatflowofwordsandquickutterance；agoodskaldtoo；butstillforthemostparthekepthimselfwellinhand；hishairwasdarkbrown，withcrispcurlylocks；hehadgoodeyes；hisfeaturesweresharp，andhisfaceashenpale，hisnoseturnedupandhisfrontteethstuckout，andhismouthwasveryugly。Stillhewasthemostsoldierlikeofmen。
GrimwasthenameofNjal\'ssecondson。Hewasfairoffaceandworehishairlong。Hishairwasdark，andhewascomeliertolookonthanSkarphedinn。Atallstrongman。
HelgiwasthenameofNjal\'sthirdson。Hetoowasfairoffaceandhadfinehair。Hewasastrongmanandwell-skilledinarms。
Hewasamanofsenseandknewwellhowtobehave。Theywereallunweddedatthattime，Njal\'ssons。
HauskuldwasthefourthofNjal\'ssons。Hewasbaseborn。HismotherwasRodny，andshewasHauskuld\'sdaughter，thesisterofIngialldoftheSprings。
NjalaskedSkarphedinnonedayifhewouldtaketohimselfawife。Hebadehisfathersettlethematter。ThenNjalaskedforhishandThorhilda，thedaughterofRanvirofThorolfsfell，andthatwaswhytheyhadanotherhomesteadthereafterthat。
SkarphedinngotThorhilda，buthestayedstillwithhisfathertotheend。GrimwooedAstridofDeepback；shewasawidowandverywealthy。Grimgothertowife，andyetlivedonwithNjal。
ENDNOTES:
1ThesonofRanveigtheSilly，thesonofValgard，thesonofAefar，thesonofVemundWordstopper，thesonofThorolfHooknose，thesonofThrandtheOld，thesonofHaroldHilditann，thesonofHraereckRingscatterer。ThemotherofHaroldHilditann，wasAudthedaughterofIvarWidefathom，thesonofHalfdantheClever。ThebrotherofValgardtheGuilefulwasWolfAurpriest——fromwhomthePointdwellerssprung——WolfAurpriestwasthefatherofSwart，thefatherofLodmund，thefatherofSigfus，thefatherofSaemundtheWise。ButfromValgardissprungKolbeintheYoung。
26。OFASGRIMANDHISCHILDREN
TherewasamannamedAsgrim1。HewasEllidagrim\'sson。ThebrotherofAsgrimEllidagrim\'ssonwasSigfus2。GaukTrandil\'ssonwasAsgrim\'sfoster-brother，whoissaidtohavebeenthefairestmanofhisday，andbestskilledinallthings；
butmatterswentillwiththem，forAsgrimslewGauk。
Asgrimhadtwosons，andeachofthemwasnamedThorhall。Theywerebothhopefulmen。GrimwasthenameofanotherofAsgrim\'ssons，andThorhallawashisdaughter\'sname。Shewasthefairestofwomen，andwellbehaved。
NjalcametotalkwithhissonHelgi，andsaid，“Ihavethoughtofamatchforthee，ifthouwiltfollowmyadvice。“
“ThatIwillsurely，“sayshe，“forIknowthatthoubothmeanestmewell，andcanstdowellforme；butwhitherhastthouturnedthineeyes。“
“WewillgoandwooAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson\'sdaughter，forthatisthebestchoicewecanmake。“
ENDNOTES:
1EllidagrimwasAsgrim\'sson，AundottheCrow\'sson。Hismother\'snamewasJorunn，andshewasthedaughterofTeit，thesonofKettlebjorntheOldofMossfell。ThemotherofTeitwasHelga，daughterofThordSkeggi\'sson，Hrapp\'sson，Bjorn\'ssontheRoughfooted，Grim\'sson，theLordofSogninNorway。ThemotherofJorunnwasOlofHarvest-heal，daughterofBodvar，Viking-Kari\'sson。
2HisdaughterwasThorgerda，motherofSigfus，thefatherofSaemundtheLearned。
27。HELGINJAL\'SSON\'SWOOING
AlittleaftertheyrodeoutacrossThursowater，andfaredtilltheycameintoTongue。Asgrimwasathome，andgavethemaheartywelcome；andtheyweretherethatnight。Nextmorningtheybegantotalk，andthenNjalraisedthequestionofthewooing，andaskedforThorhallaforhissonHelgi\'shand。Asgrimansweredthatwell，andsaidtherewerenomenwithwhomhewouldbemorewillingtomakethisbargainthanwiththem。Theyfella-talkingthenaboutterms，andtheendofitwasthatAsgrimbetrothedhisdaughtertoHelgi，andthebridaldaywasnamed。
Gunnarwasatthatfeast，andmanyotherofthebestmen。AfterthefeastNjalofferedtofosterinhishouseThorhall，Asgrim\'sson，andhewaswithNjallongafter。HelovedNjalmorethanhisownfather。Njaltaughthimlaw，sothathebecamethegreatestlawyerinIcelandinthosedays。
28。HALLVARDCOMESOUTTOICELAND
TherecameashipoutfromNorway，andranintoArnbael\'sOyce1，andthemasteroftheshipwasHallvardtheWhite，amanfromtheBay2。HewenttostayatLithend，andwaswithGunnarthatwinter，andwasalwaysaskinghimtofareabroadwithhim。Gunnarspokelittleaboutit，butyetsaidmoreunlikelythingsmighthappen；andaboutspringhewentovertoBergthorsknolltofindoutfromNjalwhetherhethoughtitawisestepinhimtogoabroad。
“Ithinkitiswise，“saysNjal；“theywillthinktheethereanhonourableman，asthouart。“
“WiltthouperhapstakemygoodsintothykeepingwhileIamaway，forIwishmybrotherKolskeggtofarewithme；butIwouldthatthoushouldstseeaftermyhouseholdalongwithmymother。“
“Iwillnotthrowanythinginthewayofthat，“saysNjal；“leanonmeinthisthingasmuchasthoulikest。“
“Goodgowiththeeforthywords，“saysGunnar，andheridesthenhome。
TheEasterling3fellagaintotalkwithGunnarthatheshouldfareabroad。Gunnaraskedifhehadeversailedtootherlands？
HesaidhehadsailedtoeveryoneofthemthatlaybetweenNorwayandRussia，andso，too，IhavesailedtoBiarmaland4。
“Wiltthousailwithmeeastwardho？“saysGunnar。
“ThatIwillofasurety，“sayshe。
ThenGunnarmadeuphismindtosailabroadwithhim。NjaltookallGunnar\'sgoodsintohiskeeping。
ENDNOTES:
1“Oyce，“anorthcountrywordforthemouthofariver，fromtheIcelandic。
2“TheBay“comp。ch。ii。，andotherpassages，thenamegiventothegreatbayintheeastofNorway，theentranceofwhichfromtheNorthSeaistheCattegat，andattheendofwhichistheChristianiaFirth。ThenamealsoappliestothelandroundtheBay，whichthusformedadistrict，theboundaryofwhich，ontheoneside，wasthepromontorycalledLindesnaes，ortheNaze，andontheother，theGota-Elf，theriveronwhichtheSwedishtownofGottenburgstands，andoffthemouthofwhichliestheislandofHisingen，mentionedshortlyafter。
3Easterling，i。e。，theNorsemanHallvard。
4Permia，thecountryonecomestoafterdoublingtheNorthCape。
29。GUNNARGOESABROAD
SoGunnarfaredabroad，andKolskeggwithhim。TheysailedfirsttoTonsberg1，andweretherethatwinter。TherehadthenbeenashiftofrulersinNorway。HaroldGrayfellwasthendead，andsowasGunnhillda。EarlHacontheBad，Sigurd\'sson，Hacon\'sson，Gritgarth\'sson，thenruledtherealm。ThemotherofHaconwasBergliot，thedaughterofEarlThorir。HermotherwasOlofHarvest-heal。ShewasHaroldFair-hair\'sdaughter。
HallvardasksGunnarifhewouldmakeuphismindtogotoEarlHacon？
“No；Iwillnotdothat，“saysGunnar。“Hastthoueveralong-
ship？“
“Ihavetwo，“hesays。
“ThenIwouldthatwetwowentonwarfare；andletusgetmentogowithus。“
“Iwilldothat，“saysHallvard。
AfterthattheywenttotheBay，andtookwiththemtwoships，andfittedthemoutthence。Theyhadgoodchoiceofmen，formuchpraisewassaidofGunnar。
“Whitherwiltthoufirstfare？“saysGunnar。
“Iwishtogosouth-easttoHisingen，toseemykinsmanOliver，“
saysHallvard。
“Whatdostthouwantofhim？“saysGunnar。
Heanswered，“Heisafinebravefellow，andhewillbesuretogetussomemorestrengthforourvoyage。“
“Thenletusgothither，“saysGunnar。
So，assoonastheywere“boun，“theyheldoneasttoHisingen，andhadthereaheartywelcome。GunnarhadonlybeenthereashorttimeereOlivermademuchofhim。Oliverasksabouthisvoyage，andHallvardsaysthatGunnarwishestogoa-warfaringtogathergoodsforhimself。
“There\'snousethinkingofthat，“saysOliver，“whenyehavenoforce。“
“Well“saysHallvard，“thenyoumayaddtoit。“
“SoIdomeantostrengthenGunnarsomewhat，“saysOliver；“andthoughthoureckonestthyselfmykithandkin，Ithinkthereismoregoodinhim。“
“Whatforce，now，wiltthouaddtoours？“heasks。
“Twolong-ships，onewithtwenty，andtheotherwiththirtyseatsforrowers。“
“Whoshallmanthem？“asksHallvard。
“Iwillmanoneofthemwithmyownhouse-carles，andthefreemenaroundshallmantheother。ButstillIhavefoundoutthatstrifehascomeintotheriver，andIknownotwhetheryetwowillbeabletogetaway；fortheyareintheriver。“
“Who？“saysHallvard。
“Brotherstwain，“saysOliver；“one\'snameisVandil，andtheother\'sKarli，sonsofSjolftheOld，eastawayoutofGothland。“
HallvardtoldGunnarthatOliverhadaddedsomeshipstotheirs，andGunnarwasgladatthat。Theybuskedthemfortheirvoyagethence，tilltheywere“allboun。“ThenGunnarandHallvardwentbeforeOliver，andthankedhim；hebadethemfarewarilyforthesakeofthosebrothers。
ENDNOTES:
1AtownatthemouthoftheChristianiaFirth。Itwasagreatplacefortrafficinearlytimes，andwaslongtheonlymartinthesouth-eastofNorway。
30。GUNNARGOESA-SEA-ROVING
SoGunnarheldonoutoftheriver，andheandKolskeggwerebothonboardoneship。ButHallvardwasonboardanother。Now，theyseetheshipsbeforethem，andthenGunnarspoke，andsaid，“Letusbereadyforanythingiftheyturntowardsus！butelseletushavenothingtodowiththem。“
Sotheydidthat，andmadeallreadyonboardtheirships。Theotherspartedtheirshipsasunder，andmadeafarewaybetweentheships。Gunnarfaredstraightonbetweentheships，butVandilcaughtupagrappling-iron，andcastitbetweentheirshipsandGunnar\'sship，andbeganatoncetodragittowardshim。
OliverhadgivenGunnaragoodsword；Gunnarnowdrewit，andhadnotyetputonhishelm。HeleaptatonceontheforecastleofVandil\'sship，andgaveonemanhisdeath-blow。KarliranhisshipalongsidetheothersideofGunnar\'sship，andhurledaspearathwartthedeck，andaimedathimaboutthewaist。Gunnarseesthis，andturnedhimaboutsoquicklythatnoeyecouldfollowhim，andcaughtthespearwithhislefthand，andhurleditbackatKarli\'sship，andthatmangothisdeathwhostoodbeforeit。KolskeggsnatchedupagrapnelandcastitatKarli\'sship，andtheflukefellinsidethehold，andwentoutthroughoneoftheplanksandinrushedthecoal-bluesea，andallthemensprangonboardotherships。
NowGunnarleaptbacktohisownship，andthenHallvardcameup，andnowagreatbattlearose。Theysawnowthattheirleaderwasunflinching，andeverymandidaswellashecould。SometimesGunnarsmotewiththesword，andsometimeshehurledthespear，andmanyamanhadhisbaneathishand。Kolskeggbackedhimwell。AsforKarli，hehastenedinashiptohisbrotherVandil，andthencetheyfoughtthatday。DuringthedayKolskeggtookarestonGunnar\'sship，andGunnarseesthat。Thenhesungasong——
“Fortheeagleravine-eager，Ravenofmyrace，to-dayBettersurelyhastthoucatered，Lordofgold，thanforthyself；
HerethemorncomegreedyravensManyanyarillofwolf1tosup，Buttheeburningthirstdown-beareth，Princeofbattle\'sParliament！“
AfterthatKolskeggtookabeakerfullofmead，anddrankitoff，andwentonfightingafterwards；andsoitcameaboutthatthosebrotherssprangupontheshipofVandilandhisbrother，andKolskeggwentononeside，andGunnarontheother。AgainstGunnarcameVandil，andsmoteatonceathimwithhissword，andtheblowfellonhisshield。Gunnargavetheshieldatwistastheswordpiercedit，andbrokeitshortoffatthehilt。ThenGunnarsmotebackatVandil，andthreeswordsseemedtobealoft，andVandilcouldnotseehowtoshuntheblow。ThenGunnarcutbothhislegsfromunderhim，andatthesametimeKolskeggranKarlithroughwithaspear。Afterthattheytookgreatwarspoil。
ThencetheyheldonsouthtoDenmark，andthenceeasttoSmoland，2andhadvictorywherevertheywent。Theydidnotcomebackinautumn。ThenextsummertheyheldontoReval，andfellintherewithsea-rovers，andfoughtatonce，andwonthefight。
AfterthattheysteeredeasttoOsel，3andlaytheresomewhileunderaness。Theretheysawamancomingdownfromthenessabovethem；Gunnarwentonshoretomeettheman，andtheyhadatalk。Gunnaraskedhimhisname，andhesaiditwasTofi。
Gunnaraskedagainwhathewanted。
“TheeIwanttosee，“saystheman。“Twowarshipslieontheothersideundertheness，andIwilltelltheewhocommandthem:
twobrothersarethecaptains——one\'snameisHallgrim，andtheother\'sKolskegg。Iknowthemtobemightymenofwar；andI
knowtoothattheyhavesuchgoodweaponsthatthelikearenottobehad。Hallgrimhasabillwhichhehadmadebyseething-
spells；andthisiswhatthespellssay，thatnoweaponshallgivehimhisdeath-blowsavethatbill。Thatthingfollowsittoothatitisknownatoncewhenamanistobeslainwiththatbill，forsomethingsingsinitsoloudlythatitmaybeheardalongwayoff——suchastrongnaturehasthatbillinit。“
ThenGunnarsangasong——
“SoonshallIthatspearheadseize，Andtheboldsea-roverslay，Himwhoseblowsonheadpiecering，Heaperupofpilesofdead。
ThenonEndil\'scourser4bounding，O\'erthesea-depthsIwillride，Whilethewretchwhospellsabuseth，LifeshallloseinSigar\'sstorm。“5
“Kolskegghasashortsword；thatisalsothebestofweapons。
Force，too，theyhave——athirdmorethanye。Theyhavealsomuchgoods，andhavestowedthemawayonland，andIknowclearlywheretheyare。Buttheyhavesentaspy-shipofftheness，andtheyknowallaboutyou。Nowtheyaregettingthemselvesreadyasfastastheycan；andassoonastheyare`boun，\'theymeantorunoutagainstyou。Nowyouhaveeithertorowawayatonce，ortobuskyourselvesasquicklyasyecan；butifyewinthedaythenIwillleadyoutoalltheirstoreofgoods。“
Gunnargavehimagoldenfinger-ring，andwentafterwardstohismenandtoldthemthatwar-shipslayontheothersideoftheness，“andtheyknowallaboutus；soletustaketoourarmsandbuskuswell，fornowthereisgaintobegot。“
Thentheybuskedthem；andjustwhentheywere`boun\'theyseeshipscominguptothem。Andnowafightsprungupbetweenthem，andtheyfoughtlong，andmanymenfell。Gunnarslewmanyaman。
HallgrimandhismenleaptonboardGunnar\'sship。Gunnarturnstomeethim，andHallgrimthrustathimwithhisbill。Therewasaboomathwarttheship，andGunnarleaptnimblybackoverit。
Gunnar\'sshieldwasjustbeforetheboom，andHallgrimthrusthisbillintoit，andthroughit，andsoonintotheboom。GunnarcutatHallgrim\'sarmhard，andlamedtheforearm，buttheswordwouldnotbite。Thendownfellthebill，andGunnarseizedthebill，andthrustHallgrimthrough，andthensangasong——
“Slainishewhospoiledthepeople，Lashingthemwithflashingsteel；
HeardhaveIhowHallgrim\'smagicHelm-rodforgedinforeignland；
Allmenknow，ofheart-stringsdoughty，Howthisbillhathcometome，Deftinfight，thewolf\'sdearfeeder，Deathaloneustwoshallpart。“
AndthatvowGunnarkept，inthatheborethebillwhilehelived。ThosenamesakesthetwoKolskeggsfoughttogether，anditwasanearthingwhichwouldgetthebetterofit。ThenGunnarcameup，andgavetheotherKolskegghisdeath-blow。
Afterthatthesea-roversbeggedformercy。Gunnarletthemhavethatchoice，andheletthemalsocounttheslain，andtakethegoodswhichthedeadmenowned，buthegavetheotherswhomhesparedtheirarmsandtheirclothing，andbadethembeofftothelandsthatfosteredthem。Sotheywentoff，andGunnartookallthegoodsthatwereleftbehind。
ToficametoGunnerafterthebattle，andofferedtoleadhimtothatstoreofgoodswhichthesea-rovershadstowedaway，andsaidthatitwasbothbetterandlargerthanthatwhichtheyhadalreadygot。
Gunnarsaidhewaswillingtogo，andsohewentashore，andTofibeforehim，toawood，andGunnarbehindhim。Theycametoaplacewhereagreatheapofwoodwaspiledtogether。Tofisaysthegoodswereunderthere，thentheytossedoffthewood，andfoundunderitbothgoldandsilver，clothes，andgoodweapons。
Theyborethosegoodstotheships，andGunnarasksTofiinwhatwayhewishedhimtorepayhim。
Tofianswered，“IamaDanskmanbyrace，andIwishthouwouldstbringmetomykinsfolk。“
Gunnaraskswhyhewasthereawayeast？
“Iwastakenbysea-rovers，“saysTofi，“andtheyputmeonlandhereinOsel，andhereIhavebeeneversince。“
ENDNOTES:
1Rillofwolf——streamofblood。
2AprovinceofSweden。
3AnislandintheBaltic，offthecoastofEsthonia。
4“Endil\'scourser“——periphrasisforaship。
5“Sigar\'sstorm“——periphrasisforasea-fight。
31。GUNNARGOESTOKINGHAROLDGORM\'SSONANDEARLHACON
GunnartookTofionboard，andsaidtoKolskeggandHallvard，“Nowwewillholdourcourseforthenorthlands。“
Theywerewellpleasedatthat，andbadehimhavehisway。SoGunnarsailedfromtheeastwithmuchgoods。Hehadtenships，andraninwiththemtoHeidarbyinDenmark。KingHaroldGorm\'ssonwasthereupthecountry，andhewastoldaboutGunnar，andhowtoothattherewasnomanhismatchinallIceland。Hesentmentohimtoaskhimtocometohim，andGunnarwentatoncetoseetheking，andthekingmadehimaheartywelcome，andsathimdownnexttohimself。Gunnarwastherehalfamonth。ThekingmadehimselfsportbylettingGunnarprovehimselfindiversfeatsofstrengthagainsthismen，andtherewerenonethatwerehismatcheveninonefeat。
ThenthekingsaidtoGunnar，“Itseemstomeasthoughthypeerisnottobefoundfarornear，“andthekingofferedtogetGunnarawife，andtoraisehimtogreatpowerifhewouldsettledownthere。
Gunnarthankedthekingforhisofferandsaid，“IwillfirstofallsailbacktoIcelandtoseemyfriendsandkinsfolk。“
“Thenthouwiltnevercomebacktous，“saystheking。
“Fatewillsettlethat，lord，“saysGunnar。
Gunnargavethekingagoodlong-ship，andmuchgoodsbesides，andthekinggavehimarobeofhonour，andgolden-seamedgloves，andafilletwithaknotofgoldonit，andaRussianhat。
ThenGunnarfarednorthtoHisingen。Oliverwelcomedhimwithbothhands，andhegavebacktoOliverhisships，withtheirlading，andsaidthatwashisshareofthespoil。Olivertookthegoods，andsaidGunnarwasagoodmanandtrue，andbadehimstaywithhimsomewhile。HallvardaskedGunnarifhehadamindtogotoseeEarlHacon。Gunnarsaidthatwasnearhisheart，“fornowIamsomewhatproved，butthenIwasnottriedatallwhenthoubadestmedothisbefore。“
AfterthattheyfarednorthtoDrontheimtoseeEarlHacon，andhegaveGunnaraheartywelcome，andbadehimstaywithhimthatwinter，andGunnartookthatoffer，andeverymanthoughthimamanofgreatworth。AtYuletheEarlgavehimagoldring。
GunnarsethisheartonBergliota，theEarl\'skinswoman，anditwasoftentobeseenfromtheEarl\'sway，thathewouldhavegivenhertohimtowifeifGunnarhadsaidanythingaboutthat。
32。GUNNARCOMESOUTTOICELAND
Whenthespringcame，theEarlasksGunnarwhatcoursehemeanttotake。HesaidhewouldgotoIceland。TheEarlsaidthathadbeenabadyearforgrain，“andtherewillbelittlesailingouttoIceland，butstillthoushalthavemealandtimberbothinthyship。“
Gunnarfittedouthisshipasearlyashecould，andHallvardfaredoutwithhimandKolskegg。Theycameoutearlyinthesummer，andmadeArnbael\'sOycebeforetheThingmet。
Gunnarrodehomefromtheship，butgotmentostripherandlayherup。Butwhentheycamehomeallmenweregladtoseethem。
Theywereblitheandmerrytotheirhousehold，norhadtheirhaughtinessgrownwhiletheywereaway。
GunnarasksifNjalwereathome；andhewastoldthathewasathome；thenheletthemsaddlehishorse，andthosebrothersrodeovertoBergthorsknoll。
Njalwasgladattheircoming，andbeggedthemtostaytherethatnight，andGunnartoldhimofhisvoyages。
Njalsaidhewasamanofthegreatestmark，“andthouhastbeenmuchproved；butstillthouwiltbemoretriedhereafter；formanywillenvythee。“
“WithallmenIwouldwishtostandwell，“saysGunnar。
“Muchbadwillhappen，“saidNjal，“andthouwiltalwayshavesomequarreltowardoff。“
“Sobeit，then，“saysGunnar，“sothatIhaveagoodgroundonmyside。“
“Sowillitbetoo，“saysNjaI，“ifthouhastnottosmartforothers。“
NjalaskedGunnarifhewouldridetotheThing。Gunnarsaidhewasgoingtoridethither，andasksNjalwhetherheweregoingtoride；buthesaidhewouldnotridethither，“andifIhadmywillthouwouldstdothelike。“
Gunnarrodehome，andgaveNjalgoodgifts，andthankedhimforthecarehehadtakenofhisgoods。KolskeggurgedhimonmuchtoridetotheThing，saying，“Therethyhonourwillgrow，formanywillflocktoseetheethere。“
“Thathasbeenlittletomymind，“saysGunnar，“tomakeashowofmyself；butIthinkitgoodandrighttomeetgoodandworthymen。“
Hallvardbythistimewasalsocomethither，andofferedtoridetothethingwiththem。
33。GUNNAR\'SWOOING
SoGunnarrode，andtheyallrode。ButwhentheycametotheThingtheyweresowellarrayedthatnonecouldmatchtheminbravery；andmencameoutofeveryboothtowonderatthem。
GunnarrodetotheboothsofthemenofRangriver，andwastherewithhiskinsmen。ManymencametoseeGunnar，andasktidingsofhim；andhewaseasyandmerrytoallmen，andtoldthemalltheywishedtohear。
IthappenedonedaythatGunnarwentawayfromtheHillofLaws，andpassedbytheboothsofthemenfromMossfell；thenhesawawomancomingtomeethim，andshewasingoodlyattire；butwhentheymetshespoketoGunnaratonce。Hetookhergreetingwell，andaskswhatwomanshemightbe。ShetoldhimhernamewasHallgerda，andsaidshewasHauskuld\'sdaughter，Dalakoll\'sson。
Shespokeupboldlytohim，andbadehimtellherofhisvoyages；
buthesaidhewouldnotgainsayheratalk。Thentheysatthemdownandtalked。Shewassocladthatshehadonaredkirtle，andhadthrownoverherascarletcloaktrimmedwithneedleworkdowntothewaist。Herhaircamedowntoherbosom，andwasbothfairandfull。GunnarwascladinthescarletclotheswhichKingHaroldGorm\'ssonhadgivenhim；hehadalsothegoldringonhisarmwhichEarlHaconhadgivenhim。
Sotheytalkedlongoutloud，andatlastitcameaboutthatheaskedwhethershewereunmarried。Shesaid，soitwas，“andtherearenotmanywhowouldruntheriskofthat。“
“Thinkestthounonegoodenoughforthee？“
“Notthat，“shesays，“butIamsaidtobehardtopleaseinhusbands。“
“Howwouldstthouanswer，wereItoaskforthee？“
“Thatcannotbeinthymind，“shesays。
“Itisthough，“sayshe。
“Ifthouhastanymindthatway，goandseemyfather。“
Afterthattheybrokeofftheirtalk。
GunnarwentstraightwaytotheDalesmen\'sbooths，andmetamanoutsidethedoorway，andaskswhetherHauskuldwereinsidethebooth？
Themansaysthathewas。ThenGunnarwentin，andHauskuldandHrutmadehimwelcome。Hesatdownbetweenthem，andnoonecouldfindoutfromtheirtalkthattherehadeverbeenanymisunderstandingbetweenthem。AtlastGunnar\'sspeechturnedthither；howthesebrotherswouldanswerifheaskedforHallgerda？
“Well，“saysHauskuld，“ifthatisindeedthymind。“
Gunnarsaysthatheisinearnest，“butwesopartedlasttime，thatmanywouldthinkitunlikelythatweshouldeverbeboundtogether。“
“Howthinkestthou，kinsmanHrut？“saysHauskuld。
Hrutanswered，“Methinksthisisnoevenmatch。“
“Howdostthoumakethatout？“saysGunnar。
Hrutspoke，“InthiswisewillIanswertheeaboutthismatter，asistheverytruth。Thouartabriskbravemanwelltodo，andunblemished；butsheismuchmixedupwithillreport，andIwillnotcheattheeinanything。“
“Goodgowiththeeforthywords，“saysGunnar，“butstillI
shallholdthatfortrue，thattheoldfeudweighswithye，ifyewillnotletmemakethismatch。“
“Notso，“saysHrut，“\'tismorebecauseIseethatthouartunabletohelpthyself；butthoughwemakenobargain，wewouldstillbethyfriends。“
“Ihavetalkedtoheraboutit，“saysGunnar，“anditisnotfarfromhermind。“
Hrutsays，“Iknowthatyouhavebothsetyourheartsonthismatch；and，besides，yetwoarethosewhorunthemostriskastohowitturnsout。“
HruttoldGunnarunaskedallaboutHallgerda\'stemper，andGunnaratfirstthoughtthattherewasmorethanenoughthatwaswanting；butatlastitcameaboutthattheystruckabargain。
ThenHallgerdawassentfor，andtheytalkedoverthebusinesswhenshewasby，andnow，asbefore，theymadeherbetrothherself。ThebridalfeastwastobeatLithend，andatfirsttheyweretosetaboutitsecretly；buttheendafterallwasthateveryoneknewofit。
GunnarrodehomefromtheThing，andcametoBergthorsknoll，andtoldNjalofthebargainhehadmade。Hetookitheavily。
GunnarasksNjalwhyhethoughtthissounwise？
“Becausefromher，“saysNjal，“willariseallkindofillifshecomeshithereast。“
“Nevershallshespoilourfriendship，“saysGunnar。
“Ah！butyetthatmaycomeverynear，“saysNjal；“and，besides，thouwilthavealwaystomakeatonementforher。“
GunnaraskedNjaltothewedding，andallthoseaswellwhomhewishedshouldbeatitfromNjal\'shouse。
Njalpromisedtogo；andafterthatGunnarrodehome，andthenrodeaboutthedistricttobidmentohiswedding。
34。OFTHRAINSIGFUS\'SON
TherewasamannamedThrain，hewasthesonofSigfus，thesonofSighvattheRed。HekepthouseatGritwateronFleetlithe。
HewasGunnar\'skinsman，andamanofgreatmark。HehadtowifeThorhilldaSkaldwife；shehadasharptongueofherown，andwasgiventojeering。Thrainlovedherlittle。Heandhiswifewerebiddentothewedding，andsheandBergthora，Skarphedinn\'sdaughter，Njal\'swife，waitedontheguestswithmeatanddrink。
KettlewasthenameofthesecondsonofSigfus；hekepthouseintheMark，eastofMarkfleet。HehadtowifeThorgerda，Njal\'sdaughter。ThorkellwasthenameofthethirdsonofSigfus；thefourth\'snamewasMord；thefifth\'sLambi；thesixth\'sSigmund；
theseventh\'sSigurd。ThesewereallGunnar\'skinsmen，andgreatchampions。Gunnarbadethemalltothewedding。
GunnarhadalsobiddenValgardtheGuileful，andWolfAurpriest，andtheirsonsRunolfandMord。
HauskuldandHrutcametotheweddingwithaverygreatcompany，andthesonsofHauskuld，Thorleik，andOlof，werethere；thebride，too，camealongwiththem，andherdaughterThorgerdacamealso，andshewasoneofthefairestofwomen；shewasthenfourteenwintersold。Manyotherwomenwerewithher，andbesidestherewereThorkatlaAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson\'sdaughter，andNjal\'stwodaughters，ThorgerdaandHelga。
Gunnarhadalreadymanygueststomeetthem，andhethusarrangedhismen。Hesatonthemiddleofthebench，andontheinside，awayfromhim，ThrainSigfus\'son，thenWolfAurpriest，thenValgardtheGuileful，thenMordandRunolf，thentheothersonsofSigfus，Lambisatoutermostofthem。
NexttoGunnarontheoutside，awayfromhim，satNjal，thenSkarphedinn，thenHelgi，thenGrim，thenHauskuldNjal\'sson，thenHafrtheWise，thenIngialldfromtheSprings，thenthesonsofThorirfromHoltawayeast。Thorirwouldsitoutermostofthemenofmark，foreveryonewaspleasedwiththeseathegot。
Hauskuld，thebride\'sfather，satonthemiddleofthebenchoveragainstGunnar，buthissonssatontheinsideawayfromhim；
HrutsatontheoutsideawayfromHauskuld，butitisnotsaidhowtheotherswereplaced。Thebridesatinthemiddleofthecrossbenchonthedais；butononehandofhersatherdaughterThorgerda，andontheotherThorkatlaAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson\'sdaughter。
Thorhilldawentaboutwaitingontheguests，andBergthoraborethemeatontheboard。
NowThrainSigfus\'sonkeptstaringatThorgerdaGlum\'sdaughter；
hiswifeThorhilldasawthis，andshegotwroth，andmadeacoupletuponhim。
“Thrain，“shesays，“Gapingmouthsarenowisegood，Goggleeyneareinthyhead。“
Heroseatonceupfromtheboard，andsaidhewouldputThorhilldaaway。“Iwillnotbearherjibesandjeersanylonger；“andhewassoquarrelsomeaboutthis，thathewouldnotbeatthefeastunlesssheweredrivenaway。Andsoitwas，thatshewentaway；andnoweachmansatinhisplace，andtheydrankandwereglad。
ThenThrainbegantospeak，“Iwillnotwhisperaboutthatwhichisinmymind。ThisIwillaskthee，HauskuldDalakoll\'sson，wiltthougivemetowifeThorgerda，thykinswoman？“
“Idonotknowthat，“saysHauskuld；“methinksthouartillpartedfromtheonethouhadstbefore。Butwhatkindofmanishe，Gunnar？“
Gunnaranswers，“Iwillnotsayaughtabouttheman，becauseheisnearofkin；butsaythouabouthim，Njal，“saysGunnar，“forallmenwillbelieveit。“
Njalspoke，andsaid，“Thatistobesaidofthisman，thatthemaniswelltodoforwealth，andapropermaninallthings。A
man，too，ofthegreatestmark；sothatyemaywellmakethismatchwithhim。“
ThenHauskuldspoke，“Whatthinkestthouweoughttodo，kinsmanHrut？“
“Thoumaystmakethematch，becauseitisanevenoneforher，“
saysHrut。
Thentheytalkaboutthetermsofthebargain，andaresoonofonemindonallpoints。
ThenGunnarstandsup，andThraintoo，andtheygotothecrossbench。Gunnaraskedthatmotheranddaughterwhethertheywouldsayyestothisbargain。Theysaidtheywouldfindnofaultwithit，andHallgerdabetrothedherdaughter。Thentheplacesofthewomenwereshiftedagain，andnowThorhallasatebetweenthebrides。Andnowthefeastspedonwell，andwhenitwasover，Hauskuldandhiscompanyridewest，butthemenofRangriverrodetotheirownabode。Gunnargavemanymengifts，andthatmadehimmuchliked。
Hallgerdatookthehousekeepingunderher，andstoodupforherrightsinwordanddeed。ThorgerdatooktohousekeepingatGritwater，andwasagoodhousewife。
35。THEVISITTOBERGTHORSKNOLL
NowitwasthecustombetweenGunnarandNjal，thateachmadetheotherafeast，winterandwinterabout，forfriendship\'ssake；
anditwasGunnar\'sturntogotofeastatNjal\'s。SoGunnarandHallgerdasetoffforBergthorsknoll，andwhentheygotthereHelgiandhiswifewerenotathome。NjalgaveGunnarandhiswifeaheartywelcome，andwhentheyhadbeentherealittlewhile，HelgicamehomewithThorhallahiswife。ThenBergthorawentuptothecrossbench，andThorhallawithher，andBergthorasaidtoHallgerda，“Thoushaltgiveplacetothiswoman。“
Sheanswered，“TonoonewillIgiveplace，forIwillnotbedrivenintothecornerforanyone。“
“Ishallrulehere，“saidBergthora。AfterthatThorhallasatdown，andBergthorawentroundthetablewithwatertowashtheguests\'hands。ThenHallgerdatookholdofBergthora\'shand，andsaid，“There\'snotmuchtochoose，though，betweenyoutwo。Thouhasthangnailsoneveryfinger，andNjalisbeardless。“
“That\'strue，“saysBergthora，“yetneitherofusfindsfaultwiththeotherforit；butThorwald，thyhusband，wasnotbeardless，andyetthouplottedsthisdeath。“
ThenHallgerdasaid，“ItstandsmeinlittlesteadtohavethebravestmaninIcelandifthoudostnotavengethis，Gunnar！“
Hesprangupandstrodeacrossawayfromtheboard，andsaid，“HomeIwillgo，anditweremoreseemlythatthoushouldestwranglewiththoseofthineownhousehold，andnotunderothermen\'sroofs；butasforNjaI，Iamhisdebtorformuchhonour，andneverwillIbeeggedonbytheelikeafool。“
Afterthattheysetoffhome。
“MindthisBergthora，“saidHallgerda，“thatweshallmeetagain。“
Bergthorasaidsheshouldnotbebetteroffforthat。Gunnarsaidnothingatall，butwenthometoLithend，andwasthereathomeallthewinter。AndnowthesummerwasrunningontowardstheGreatThing。
36。KOLSLEWSWART
GunnarrodeawaytotheThing，butbeforeherodefromhomehesaidtoHallgerda，“BegoodnowwhileIamaway，andshownoneofthineilltemperinanythingwithwhichmyfriendshavetodo。“
“Thetrollstakethyfriends，“saysHallgerda。
SoGunnarrodetotheThing，andsawitwasnotgoodtocometowordswithher。NjalrodetotheThingtoo，andallhissonswithhim。
Nowitmustbetoldofwhattidingshappenedathome。NjalandGunnarownedawoodincommonatRedslip；theyhadnotsharedthewood，buteachwaswonttohewinitasheneeded，andneithersaidawordtotheotheraboutthat。Hallgerda\'sgrieve\'s1
namewasKol；hehadbeenwithherlong，andwasoneoftheworstofmen。TherewasamannamedSwart；hewasNjal\'sandBergthora\'shousecarle；theywereveryfondofhim。NowBergthoratoldhimthathemustgoupintoRedslipandhewwood；
butshesaid，“Iwillgetmentodrawhomethewood。“
Hesaidhewoulddotheworkshesethimtowin；andsohewentupintoRedslip，andwastobethereaweek。
SomegangrelmencametoLithendfromtheeastacrossMarkfleet，andsaidthatSwarthadbeeninRedslip，andhewnwood，anddoneadealofwork。
“So，“saysHallgerda，“Bergthoramustmeantorobmeinmanythings，butI\'lltakecarethathedoesnothewagain。“
Rannveig，Gunnar\'smother，heardthat，andsaid，“Therehavebeengoodhousewivesbeforenow，thoughtheyneversettheirheartsonmanslaughter。“
Nowthenightworeaway，andearlynextmorningHallgerdacametospeaktoKol，andsaid，“Ihavethoughtofsomeworkforthee；“
andwiththatsheputweaponsintohishands，andwentontosay——“FarethoutoRedslip；therewiltthoufindSwart。“