ENDNOTES:
1ThemainlandofOrkney，nowPomona。
2NowStroma，inthePentlandFirth。
85。THEBATTLEWITHTHEEARLS
Afterthattheearlsetoutsouthwithhishost，andKariwentwithhim，andNjal\'ssonstoo。TheycamesouthtoCaithness。
TheearlhadtheserealmsinScotland，RossandMoray，Sutherland，andtheDales。Therecametomeetthemmenfromthoserealms，andsaidthattheearlswereashortwayoffwithagreathost。ThenEarlSigurdturnshishostthither，andthenameofthatplaceisDuncansnessabovewhichtheymet，anditcametoagreatbattlebetweenthem。NowtheScotshadletsomeoftheirhostgofreefromthemainbattle，andthesetooktheearl\'smeninflank，andmanymenfelltheretillNjal\'ssonsturnedagainstthefoe，andfoughtwiththemandputthemtoflight；butstillitwasahardfight，andthenNjal\'ssonsturnedbacktothefrontbytheearl\'sstandard，andfoughtwell。
NowKariturnstomeetEarlMelsnati，andMelsnatihurledaspearathim，butKaricaughtthespearandthrewitbackandthroughtheearl。ThenEarlHundifled，buttheychasedthefleersuntiltheylearntthatMalcolmwasgatheringahostatDuncansby。Thentheearltookcounselwithhismen，anditseemedtoallthebestplantoturnback，andnottofightwithsuchamightylandforce；sotheyturnedback。ButwhentheearlcametoStaumeytheysharedthebattle-spoil。AfterthathewentnorthtoHrossey，andNjal\'ssonsandKarifollowedhim。Thentheearlmadeagreatfeast，andatthatfeasthegaveKariagoodsword，andaspearinlaidwithgold；buthegaveHelgiagoldringandamantle，andGrimashieldandsword。AfterthathetookHelgiandGrimintohisbody-guard，andthankedthemfortheirgoodhelp。Theywerewiththeearlthatwinterandthesummerafter，tillKariwentsea-roving；thentheywentwithhim，andharriedfarandwidethatsummer，andeverywherewonthevictory。TheyfoughtagainstGodred，KingofMan，andconqueredhim；andafterthattheyfaredback，andhadgottenmuchgoods。Nextwintertheywerestillwiththeearl，andwhenthespringcameNjal\'ssonsaskedleavetogotoNorway。Theearlsaidtheyshouldgoornotastheypleased，andhegavethemagoodshipandsmartmen。AsforKari，hesaidhemustcomethatsummertoNorwaywithEarlHacon\'sscatts，andthentheywouldmeet；andsoitfelloutthattheygaveeachothertheirwordtomeet。AfterthatNjal\'ssonsputouttoseaandsailedforNorway，andmadethelandnorthnearDrontheim。
86。HRAPP\'SVOYAGEFROMICELAND
TherewasamannamedKolbein，andhissurnamewasArnljot\'sson；
hewasamanfromDrontheim；hesailedouttoIcelandthatsamesummerinwhichKolskeggandNjal\'ssonswentabroad。HewasthatwintereastinBroaddale；butthespringafter，hemadehisshipreadyforseainGautawick；andwhenmenwerealmost“boun，“
amanroweduptotheminaboat，andmadetheboatfasttotheship，andafterwardshewentonboardtheshiptoseeKolbein。
Kolbeinaskedthatmanforhisname。
“MynameisHrapp，“sayshe。
“Whatwiltthouwithme？“saysKolbein。
“IwishtoasktheetoputmeacrosstheIcelandmain。“
“Whosesonartthou？“asksKolbein。
“IamasonofAurgunleid，thesonofGeirolftheFighter。“
“Whatneedliesonthee，“askedKolbein，“todrivetheeabroad？“
“Ihaveslainaman，“saysHrapp。
“Whatmanslaughterwasthat，“saysKolbein，“andwhatmenhavetheblood-feud？“
“ThemenofWeaponfirth，“saysHrapp，“butthemanIslewwasAurlyg，thesonofAurlyg，thesonofRogertheWhite。“
“Iguessthis，“saysKolbein，“thathewillhavetheworstofitwhobearstheeabroad。“
“Iamthefriendofmyfriend，“saidHrapp，“butwhenillisdonetomeIrepayit。NoramIshortofmoneytolaydownformypassage。“
ThenKolbeintookHrapponboard，andalittlewhileafterafairbreezesprungup，andtheysailedawayonthesea。
Hrappranshortoffoodatseaandthenhesatehimdownatthemessofthosewhowerenearesttohim。Theysprangupwithillwords，andsoitwasthattheycametoblows，andHrapp，inatrice，hastwomenunderhim。
ThenKolbeinwastold，andhebadeHrapptocomeandsharehismess，andheacceptedthat。
Nowtheycomeoffthesea，andlieoutsideoffAgdirness。
ThenKolbeinaskedwherethatmoneywaswhichhehadofferedtopayforhisfare？
“ItisoutinIceland，“answersHrapp。
“Thouwiltbeguilemorementhanme，Ifear，“saysKolbein；“butnowIwillforgivetheeallthefare。“
Hrappbadehimhavethanksforthat。“ButwhatcounseldostthougiveastowhatIoughttodo？“
“Thatfirstofall，“hesays，“thatthougoestfromtheshipassoonaseverthoucanst，forallEasterlingswillbeartheebadwitness；butthereisyetanotherbitofgoodcounselwhichI
willgivethee，andthatis，nevertocheatthymaster。“
ThenHrappwentonshorewithhisweapons，andhehadagreataxewithaniron-boundhaftinhishand。
HefaresonandontillhecomestoGudbrandoftheDale。HewasthegreatestfriendofEarlHacon。Theytwohadashrinebetweenthem，anditwasneveropenedbutwhentheearlcamethither。
ThatwasthesecondgreatestshrineinNorway，buttheotherwasatHlada。
ThrandwasthenameofGudbrand\'sson，buthisdaughter\'snamewasGudruna。
HrappwentinbeforeGudbrand，andhailedhimwell。
Heaskedwhencehecameandwhatwashisname。Hrapptoldhimabouthimself，andhowhehadsailedabroadfromIceland。
AfterthatheasksGudbrandtotakehimintohishouseholdasaguest。
“Itdoesnotseem，“saidGudbrand，“tolookonthee，asthouwertamantobringgoodluck。“
“Methinks，then，“saysHrapp，“thatallIhaveheardabouttheehasbeengreatlies；foritissaidthatthoutakesteveryoneintothyhousethatasksthee；andthatnomanisthymatchforgoodnessandkindness，farornear；butnowIshallhavetospeakagainstthatsaying，ifthoudostnottakemein。“
“Well，thoushaltstayhere，“saidGudbrand。
“Towhatseatwiltthoushewme？“saysHrapp。
“Tooneonthelowerbench，overagainstmyhighseat。“
ThenHrappwentandtookhisseat。Hewasabletotellofmanythings，andsoitwasatfirstthatGudbrandandmanythoughtitsporttolistentohim；butstillitcameaboutthatmostmenthoughthimtoomuchgiventomocking，andtheendofitwasthathetooktotalkingalonewithGudruna，sothatmanysaidthathemeanttobeguileher。
ButwhenGudbrandwasawareofthat，hescoldedhermuchfordaringtotalkalonewithhim，andbadeherbewareofspeakingaughttohimifthewholehouseholddidnothearit。Shegaveherwordtobegoodatfirst，butstillitwassoontheoldstoryoveragainastotheirtalk。ThenGudbrandgotAsvard，hisoverseer，togoaboutwithher，outofdoorsandin，andtobewithherwherevershewent。Onedayithappenedthatshebeggedforleavetogointothenutwoodforapastime，andAsvardwentalongwithher。Hrappgoestoseekforthemandfoundthem，andtookherbythehand，andledherawayalone。
ThenAsvardwenttolookforher，andfoundthembothtogetherstretchedonthegrassinathicket。
Herushesatthem，axeinair，andsmoteatHrapp\'sleg，butHrappgavehimselfasuddenturn，andhemissedhim。Hrappspringsonhisfeetasquickashecan，andcaughtuphisaxe。
ThenAsvardwishedtoturnandgetaway，butHrapphewedasunderhisback-bone。
ThenGudrunasaid，“Nowhastthoudonethatdeedwhichwillhinderthystayanylongerwithmyfather；butstillthereissomethingbehindwhichhewilllikestillless，forIgowithchild。“
“Heshallnotlearnthisfromothers，“saysHrapp，“butIwillgohomeandtellhimboththesetidings。“
“Then，“shesays，“thouwiltnotcomeawaywiththylife。“
“Iwillruntheriskofthat，“hesays。
Afterthatheseesherbacktotheotherwomen，buthewenthome。
Gudbrandsatinhishighseat，andtherewerefewmenintheroom。
Hrappwentinbeforehim，andborehisaxehigh。
“Whyisthineaxebloody？“asksGudbrand。
“ImadeitsobydoingapieceofworkonthyoverseerAsvard\'sback，“saysHrapp。
“Thatcanbenogoodwork，“saysGudbrand；“thoumusthaveslainhim。“
“Soitis，besure，“saysHrapp。
“Whatdidyefalloutabout？“asksGudbrand。
“Oh！“saysHrapp，“whatyouwouldthinksmallcauseenough。Hewantedtohewoffmyleg。“
“Whathadstthoudonefirst？“askedGudbrand。
“Whathehadnorighttomeddlewith，“saysHrapp。
“Stillthouwilttellmewhatitwas。“
“Well！“saidHrapp，“ifthoumustknow，Ilaybythydaughter\'sside，andhethoughtthatbad。“
“Upmen！“criedGudbrand，“andtakehim。Heshallbeslainoutofhand。“
“Verylittlegoodwiltthouletmereapofmyson-in-lawship，“
saysHrapp，“butthouhastnotsomanymenatthybackastodothatspeedily。“
Uptheyrose，buthesprangoutofdoors。Theyrunafterhim，buthegotawaytothewood，andtheycouldnotlayholdofhim。
ThenGudbrandgatherspeople，andletsthewoodbesearched；buttheyfindhimnot，forthewoodwasgreatandthick。
Hrappfaresthroughthewoodtillhecametoaclearing；therehefoundahouse，andsawamanoutsidecleavingwood。
Heaskedthatmanforhisname，andhesaidhisnamewasTofi。
Tofiaskedhimforhisnameinturn，andHrapptoldhimhistruename。
Hrappaskedwhythehouseholderhadsetuphisabodesofarfromothermen？
“Forthathere，“hesays，“IthinkIamlesslikelytohavebrawlswithothermen。“
“Itisstrangehowwebeataboutthebushinourtalk，“saysHrapp，“butIwillfirsttelltheewhoIam。IhavebeenwithGudbrandoftheDale，butIranawaythencebecauseIslewhisoverseer；butnowIknowthatwearebothofusbadmen；forthouwouldstnothavecomehitherawayfromothermenunlessthouwertsomeman\'soutlaw。AndnowIgivetheetwochoices，eitherthatIwilltellwherethouart，orthatwetwohavebetweenus，shareandsharealike，allthatishere。“
“Thisisevenasthousavest，“saidthehouseholder；“Iseizedandcarriedoffthiswomanwhoisherewithme，andmanymenhavesoughtforme。“
ThenheledHrappinwithhim；therewasasmallhousethere，butwellbuilt。
ThemasterofthehousetoldhismistressthathehadtakenHrappintohiscompany。
“Mostmenwillgetillluckfromthisman，“shesays；“butthouwilthavethyway。“
SoHrappwasthereafterthat。Hewasagreatwanderer，andwasneverathome。HestillbringsaboutmeetingswithGudruna；herfatherandbrother，ThrandandGudbrand，layinwaitforhim，buttheycouldnevergetnighhim，andsoallthatyearpassedaway。
GudbrandsentandtoldEarlHaconwhattroublehehadhadwithHrapp，andtheearllethimbemadeanoutlaw，andlaidapriceuponhishead。Hesaid，too，thathewouldgohimselftolookafterhim；butthatpassedoff，andtheearlthoughtiteasyenoughforthemtocatchhimwhenhewentaboutsounwarily。
87。THRAINTOOKTOHRAPP
ThatsamesummerNjal\'ssonsfaredtoNorwayfromtheOrkneys，aswasbeforewritten，andtheywerethereatthefairduringthesummer。ThenThrainSigfus\'sonbuskedhisshipforIceland，andwasallbut“boun。“AtthattimeEarlHaconwenttoafeastatGudbrand\'shouse。ThatnightKilling-HrappcametotheshrineofEarlHaconandGudbrand，andhewentinsidethehouse，andtherehesawThorgerdaShrinebridesitting，andshewasastallasafullgrownman。Shehadagreatgoldringonherarm，andawimpleonherhead；hestripsherofherwimple，andtakesthegoldringfromoffher。ThenheseesThor\'scar，andtakesfromhimasecondgoldring；athirdhetookfromIrpa；andthendraggedthemallout，andspoiledthemofalltheirgear。
Afterthathelaidfiretotheshrine，andburntitdown，andthenhegoesawayjustasitbegantodawn。Hewalksacrossaploughedfield，andtheresixmensprangupwithweapons，andfalluponhimatonce；buthemadeastoutdefence，andtheendofthebusinesswasthatheslaysthreemen，butwoundsThrandtothedeath，anddrivestwotothewoods，sothattheycouldbearnonewstotheearl。HethenwentuptoThrandandsaid，“ItisnowinmypowertoslaytheeifIwill，butIwillnotdothat；
andnowIwillsetmorestorebythetiesthatarebetweenusthanyehaveshowntome。“
NowHrappmeanstoturnbacktothewood，butnowheseesthatmenhavecomebetweenhimandthewood，sohedaresnotventuretoturnthither，butlayshimdowninathicket，andsoliesthereawhile。
EarlHaconandGudbrandwentthatmorningearlytotheshrineandfounditburntdown；butthethreegodswereoutside，strippedofalltheirbravery。
ThenGudbrandbegantospeak，andsaid，“Muchmightisgiventoourgods，whenheretheyhavewalkedofthemselvesoutofthefire！“
“Thegodscanhavenaughttodowithit，“saystheearl；“amanmusthaveburnttheshrine，andbornethegodsout；butthegodsdonotavengeeverythingonthespot。ThatmanwhohasdonethiswillnodoubtbedrivenawayoutofValhalla，andnevercomeinthither。“
Justthenupranfouroftheearl\'smen，andtoldthemilltidingsfortheysaidtheyhadfoundthreemenslaininthefield，andThrandwoundedtothedeath。
“Whocanhavedonethis？“saystheearl。
“Killing-Hrapp，“theysay。
“Thenhemusthaveburntdowntheshrine，“saystheearl。
Theysaidtheythoughthewaslikeenoughtohavedoneit。
“Andwheremayhebenow？“saystheearl。
TheysaidthatThrandhadtoldthemthathehadlaindowninathicket。
Theearlgoesthithertolookforhim，butHrappwasoffandaway。Thentheearlsethismentosearchforhim，butstilltheycouldnotfindhim。Sotheearlwasinthehueandcryhimself，butfirsthebadethemrestawhile。
Thentheearlwentasidebyhimself，awayfromothermen，andbadethatnomanshouldfollowhim，andsohestaysawhile。Hefelldownonbothhisknees，andheldhishandsbeforehiseyes；
afterthathewentbacktothem，andthenhesaidtothem，“Comewithme。“
Sotheywentalongwithhim。Heturnsshortawayfromthepathonwhichtheyhadwalkedbefore，andtheycametoadell。ThereupsprangHrappbeforethem，andthereitwasthathehadhiddenhimselfatfirst。
Theearlurgesonhismentorunafterhim，butHrappwassoswift-footedthattheynevercamenearhim。HrappmadeforHlada。TherebothThrainandNjal\'ssonslay“boun“forseaatthesametime。HrapprunstowhereNjal\'ssonsare。
“Helpme，likegoodmenandtrue，“hesaid，“fortheearlwillslayme。“
Helgilookedathim，andsaid，“Thoulookestlikeanunluckyman，andthemanwhowillnottaketheeinwillhavethebestofit。“
“Wouldthattheworstmightbefallyoufromme，“saysHrapp。
“Iamtheman，“saysHelgi，“toavengemeontheeforthisastimerollson。“
ThenHrappturnedtoThrainSigfus\'son，andbadehimshelterhim。
“Whathastthouonthyhand？“saysThrain。
“Ihaveburntashrineundertheearl\'seyes，andslainsomemen，andnowhewillbeherespeedily，forhehasjoinedinthehueandcryhimself。“
“Ithardlybeseemsmetodothis，“saysThrain，“whentheearlhasdonemesomuchgood。“
ThenheshewedThrainthepreciousthingswhichhehadborneoutoftheshrine，andofferedtogivehimthegoods，butThrainsaidhecouldnottakethemunlesshegavehimothergoodsofthesameworthforthem。
“Then，“saidHrapp，“herewillItakemystand，andhereshallIbeslainbeforethineeyes，andthenthouwilthavetoabidebyeveryman\'sblame。“
Thentheyseetheearlandhisbandofmencoming，andthenThraintookHrappunderhissafeguard，andletthemshoveofftheboat，andputouttohisship。
ThenThrainsaid，“Nowthiswillbethybesthidingplace，toknockoutthebottomsoftwocasks，andthenthoushaltgetintothem。“
Soitwasdone，andhegotintothecasks，andthentheywerelashedtogether，andloweredoverboard。
ThencomestheearlwithhisbandtoNjal\'ssons，andaskedifHrapphadcomethere。
Theysaidthathehadcome。
Theearlaskedwhitherhehadgonethence？
Theysaidtheyhadnotkepteyesonhim，andcouldnotsay。
“He，“saidtheearl，“shouldhavegreathonourfrommewhowouldtellmewhereHrappwas。“
ThenGrimsaidsoftlytoHelgi，“Whyshouldwenotsay，WhatknowIwhetherThrainwillrepayuswithanygood？“
“Weshouldnottellawhitmoreforthat，“saysHelgi，“whenhislifeliesatstake。“
“Maybe，“saidGrim，“theearlwillturnhisvengeanceonus，forheissowroththatsomeonewillhavetofallbeforehim。“
“Thatmustnotmoveus，“saysHelgi，“butstillwewillpullourshipout，andsoawaytoseaassoonaseverwegetawind。“
Sotheyrowedoutunderanislethatlaythere，andwaitthereforafairbreeze。
Theearlwentaboutamongthesailors，andtriedthemall，butthey，oneandall，deniedthattheyknewaughtofHrapp。
Thentheearlsaid，“NowwewillgotoThrain，mybrotherinarms，andhewillgiveHrappup，ifheknowsanythingofhim。“
Afterthattheytookalong-shipandwentofftothemerchantship。
Thrainseestheearlcoming，andstandsupandgreetshimkindly。
Theearltookhisgreetingwellandspokethus，——“WeareseekingforamanwhosenameisHrapp，andheisanIcelander。
Hehasdoneusallkindofill；andnowwewillaskyoutobegoodenoughtogivehimup，ortotelluswhereheis。“
“Yeknow，lord，“saidThrain，“thatIslewyouroutlaw，andthenputmyfifeinperil，andforthatIhadofyougreathonour。“
“Morehonourshaltthounowhave，“saystheearl。
NowThrainthoughtwithinhimself，andcouldnotmakeuphismindhowtheearlwouldtakeit，sohedeniesthatHrappishere，andbadetheearltolookforhim。Hespentlittletimeonthat，andwentonlandalone，awayfromothermen，andwasthenverywroth，sothatnomandaredtospeaktohim。
“ShewmetoNjal\'ssons，“saidtheearl，“andIwillforcethemtotellmethetruth。“
Thenhewastoldthattheyhadputoutoftheharbour。
“Thenthereisnohelpforit，“saystheearl，“butstillthereweretwowater-casksalongsideofThrain\'sship，andinthemamanmaywellhavebeenhid，andifThrainhasbiddenhim，therehemustbe；andnowwewillgoasecondtimetoseeThrain。“
Thrainseesthattheearlmeanstoputoffagainandsaid，“Howeverwroththeearlwaslasttime，nowhewillbehalfaswrothagain，andnowthelifeofeverymanonboardtheshipliesatstake。“
Theyallgavetheirwordstohidethematter，fortheywereallsoreafraid。Thentheytooksomesacksoutofthelading，andputHrappdownintotheholdintheirstead，andothersacksthatwerelightwerelaidoverhim。
Nowcomestheearl，justastheyweredonestowingHrappaway。
Thraingreetedtheearlwell。Theearlwasratherslowtoreturnit，andtheysawthattheearlwasverywroth。
ThensaidtheearltoThrain，“GivethouupHrapp，forIamquitesurethatthouhasthiddenhim。“
“WhereshallIhavehiddenhim，Lord？“saysThrain。
“Thatthouknowestbest，“saystheearl；“butifImustguess，thenIthinkthatthouhiddesthiminthewater-casksawhileago。“
“Well！“saysThrain，“Iwouldrathernotbetakenforaliar，farsoonerwouldIthatyeshouldsearchtheship。“
Thentheearlwentonboardtheshipandhuntedandhunted，butfoundhimnot。
“Dostthouspeakmefreenow？“saysThrain。
“Farfromit，“saystheearl，“andyetIcannottellwhywecannotfindhim，butmethinksIseethroughitallwhenIcomeonshore，butwhenIcomehere，Icanseenothing。“
Withthathemadethemrowhimashore。Hewassowroththattherewasnospeakingtohim。HissonSweynwastherewithhim，andhesaid，“Astrangeturnofmindthistoletguiltlessmensmartforone\'swrath！“
Thentheearlwentawayaloneasidefromothermen，andafterthathewentbacktothematonce，andsaid，“Letusrowouttothemagain，“andtheydidso。
“Wherecanhehavebeenhidden？“saysSweyn。
“There\'snotmuchgoodinknowingthat，“saystheearl，“fornowhewillbeawaythence；twosackslaytherebytherestofthelading，andHrappmusthavecomeintotheladingintheirplace。“
ThenThrainbegantospeak，andsaid，“Theyarerunningofftheshipagain，andtheymustmeantopayusanothervisit。Nowwewilltakehimoutofthelading，andstowotherthingsinhisstead，butletthesacksstilllieloose。Theydidso，andthenThrainspoke:“NowletusfoldHrappinthesail。“
Itwasthenbraileduptotheyard，andtheydidso。
ThentheearlcomestoThrainandhismen，andhewasverywroth，andsaid，“Wiltthounowgiveuptheman，Thrain？“andheisworsenowthanbefore。
“Iwouldhavegivenhimuplongago，“answersThrain，“ifhehadbeeninmykeeping，orwherecanhehavebeen？“
“Inthelading，“saystheearl。
“Thenwhydidyenotseekhimthere？“saysThrain。
“Thatnevercameintoourmind，“saystheearl。
Afterthattheysoughthimoveralltheship，andfoundhimnot。
“Willyounowholdmefree？“saysThrain。
“Surelynot，“saystheearl，“forIknowthatthouhasthiddenawaytheman，thoughIfindhimnot；butIwouldratherthatthoushouldstbeadastardtomethanItothee，“saystheearl，andthentheywentonshore。
“Now，“saystheearl，“IseemtoseethatThrainhashiddenawayHrappinthesail。“
Justthen，upsprungafairbreeze，andThrainandhismensailedouttosea。Hethenspokethesewordswhichhavelongbeenheldinmindsince——
“LetusmaketheVulturefly，NothingnowgarsThrainflinch。“
ButwhentheearlheardofThrain\'swords，thenhesaid，“\'Tisnotmywantofforesightwhichcausedthis，butrathertheirill-fellowship，whichwilldragthembothtodeath。“
Thrainwasashorttimeoutonthesea，andsocametoIceland，andfaredhometohishouse。HrappwentalongwithThrain，andwaswithhimthatyear；butthespringafter，ThraingothimahomesteadatHrappstede，andhedweltthere；butyethespentmostofhistimeatGritwater。Hewasthoughttospoileverythingthere，andsomemenevensaidthathewastoogoodfriendswithHallgerda，andthatheledherastray，butsomespokeagainstthat。
ThraingavetheVulturetohiskinsman，MordtheReckless；thatMordslewOddiHaldor\'sson，eastinGautawickbyBerufirth。
AllThrain\'skinsmenlookedonhimasachief。
88。EARLHACONFIGHTSWITHNJAL\'SSONS。
Nowwemusttakeupthestory，andsayhow，whenEarlHaconmissedThrain，hespoketoSweynhisson，andsaid，“Letustakefourlong-ships，andletusfareagainstNjal\'ssonsandslaythem，fortheymusthaveknownallaboutitwithThrain。“
“\'Tisnotgoodcounsel，“saysSweyn，“tothrowtheblameonguiltlessmen，buttolethimescapewhoisguilty。“
“Ishallhavemywayinthis，“saystheearl。
NowtheyholdonafterNjal\'ssons，andseekforthem，andfindthemunderanisland。
Grimfirstsawtheearl\'sshipsandsaidtoHelgi，“Herearewarshipssailingup，andIseethathereistheearl，andhecanmeantoofferusnopeace。“
“Itissaid，“saidHelgi，“thatheistheboldestmanwhoholdshisownagainstallcomers，andsowewilldefendourselves。“
Theyallbadehimtakethecoursehethoughtbest，andthentheytooktotheirarms。
Nowtheearlcomesupandcalledouttothem，andbadethemgivethemselvesup。
Helgisaidthattheywoulddefendthemselvessolongastheycould。
ThentheearlofferedpeaceandquartertoallwhowouldneitherdefendthemselvesnorHelgi；butHelgiwassomuchbelovedthatallsaidtheywouldratherdiewithhim。
Thentheearlandhismenfallonthem，buttheydefendedthemselveswell，andNjal\'ssonswereeverwheretherewasmostneed。Theearloftenofferedpeace，buttheyallmadethesameanswer，andsaidtheywouldneveryield。
ThenAslakofLongislepressedthemhardandcameonboardtheirshipthrice。ThenGrimsaid，“Thoupressestonhard，and\'twerewellthatthougettestwhatthouseekest；“andwiththathesnatchedupaspearandhurleditathim，andhithimunderthechin，andAslakgothisdeathwoundthereandthen。
Alittleafter，HelgislewEgiltheearl\'sbanner-bearer。
ThenSweyn，EarlHacon\'sson，fellonthem，andmademenhemtheminandbearthemdownwithshields，andsotheyweretakencaptive。
Theearlwasforlettingthemallbeslainatonce，butSweynsaidthatshouldnotbe，andsaidtoothatitwasnight。
Thentheearlsaid，“Well，then，slaythemto-morrow，butbindthemfastto-night。“
“So，Iween，itmustbe，“saysSweyn；“butneveryethaveImetbriskermenthanthese，andIcallitthegreatestmanscathetotaketheirlives。“
“Theyhaveslaintwoofourbriskestmen，“saidtheearl，“andforthattheyshallbeslain。“
“Becausetheywerebriskermenthemselves，“saysSweyn；“butstillinthisitmustbedoneasthouwillest。“
Sotheywereboundandfettered。
Afterthattheearlfellasleep；butwhenallmenslept，GrimspoketoHelgi，andsaid，“AwaywouldIgetifIcould。“
“Letustrysometrickthen，“saysHelgi。
Grimseesthatthereliesanaxeedgeup，soGrimcrawledthither，andgetsthebowstringwhichboundhimcutasunderagainsttheaxe，butstillhegotgreatwoundsonhisarms。
ThenhesetHelgiloose，andafterthattheycrawledovertheship\'sside，andgotonshore，sothatneitherHaconnorhismenwerewareofthem。Thentheybrokeofftheirfetters，andwalkedawaytotheothersideoftheisland。Bythattimeitbegantodawn。Theretheyfoundaship，andknewthattherewascomeKariSolmund\'sson。Theywentatoncetomeethim，andtoldhimoftheirwrongsandhardships，andshowedhimtheirwounds，andsaidtheearlwouldbethenasleep。
“Illisit，“saidKari，“thatyeshouldsuffersuchwrongsforwickedmen；butwhatnowwouldbemosttoyourminds？“
“Tofallontheearl，“theysay，“andslay，him。“
“Thiswillnotbefated，“saysKari；“butstillyedonotlackheart，butwewillfirstknowwhetherheistherenow。“
Afterthattheyfaredthither，andthentheearlwasupandaway。
ThenKarisailedintoHladatomeettheearl，andbroughthimtheOrkneyscatts，sotheearlsaid，“HastthoutakenNjal\'ssonsintothykeeping？“
“Soitis，sureenough，“saysKari。
“WiltthouhandNjal\'ssonsovertome？“askstheearl。
“No，Iwillnot，“saidKari。
“Wiltthouswearthis，“saystheearl，“thatthouwiltnotfallonmewithNjal\'ssons？“
ThenEric，theearl\'sson，spokeandsaid，“Suchthingsoughtnottobeasked。Karihasalwaysbeenourfriend，andthingsshouldnothavegoneastheyhave，hadIbeenby。Njal\'ssonsshouldhavebeensetfreefromallblame，buttheyshouldhavehadchastisementwhohadwroughtforit。MethinksnowitwouldbemoreseemlytogiveNjal\'ssonsgoodgiftsforthehardshipsandwrongswhichhavebeenputuponthem，andthewoundstheyhavegot。“
“Soitoughttobe，sureenough，“saystheearl，“butIknownotwhethertheywilltakeanatonement。“
ThentheearlsaidthatKarishouldtrythefeelingofNjal\'ssonsastoanatonement。
AfterthatKarispoketoHelgi，andaskedwhetherhewouldtakeanyamendsfromtheearlornot。
“Iwilltakethem，“saidHelgi，“fromhissonEric，butIwillhavenothingtodowiththeearl。“
ThenKaritoldErictheiranswer。
“Soitshallbe。“saysEric。“Heshalltaketheamendsfrommeifhethinksitbetter；andtellthemthistoo，thatIbidthemtomyhouse，andmyfathershalldothemnoharm。“
Thisbiddingtheytook，andwenttoEric\'shouse，andwerewithhimtillKariwasreadytosailwestacrosstheseatomeetEarlSigurd。
ThenEricmadeafeastforKari，andgavehimgifts，andNjal\'ssonsgiftstoo。AfterthatKarifaredwestacrossthesea，andmetEarlSigurd，andhegreetedthemverywell，andtheywerewiththeearlthatwinter。
Butwhenthespringcame，KariaskedNjal\'ssonstogoonwarfarewithhim，butGrimsaidtheywouldonlydosoifhewouldfarewiththemafterwardsouttoIceland。Karigavehiswordtodothat，andthentheyfaredwithhima-searoving。TheyharriedsouthaboutAngleseaandalltheSouthernisles。ThencetheyheldontoCantyre，andlandedthere，andfoughtwiththelandsmen，andgotthencemuchgoods，andsofaredtotheirships。
ThencetheyfaredsouthtoWales，andharriedthere。ThentheyheldonforAlan，andtheretheymetGodred，andfoughtwithhim，andgotthevictory，andslewDungaltheking\'sson。Theretheytookgreatspoil。ThencetheyheldonnorthtoColl，andfoundEarlGillithere，andhegreetedthemwellandtheretheystayedwithhimawhile。TheearlfaredwiththemtotheOrkneystomeetEarlSigurd，butnextspringEarlSigurdgaveawayhissisterNereidatoEarlGilli，andthenhefaredbacktotheSouthernisles。
89。NJAL\'SSONSANDKARICOMEOUTTOICELAND
ThatsummerKariandNjal\'ssonsbuskedthemforIceland，andwhentheywere“all-boun“theywenttoseetheearl。Theearlgavethemgoodgifts，andtheypartedwithgreatfriendship。
Nowtheyputtoseaandhaveashortpassage，andtheygotafinefairbreeze，andmadethelandatEyrar。ThentheygotthemhorsesandridefromtheshiptoBergthorsknoll，butwhentheycamehomeallmenweregladtoseethem。Theyflittedhometheirgoodsandlaiduptheship，andKariwastherethatwinterwithNjal。
Butthespringafter，KariaskedforNjal\'sdaughter，Helga，towife，andHelgiandGrimbackedhissuit；andsotheendofitwasthatshewasbetrothedtoKariandthedayforthewedding-
feastwasfixed，andthefeastwasheldhalfamonthbeforemid-summer，andtheywerethatwinterwithNjal。
ThenKariboughthimlandatDyrholms，eastawaybyMydale，andsetupafarmthere；theyputinthereagrieveandhousekeepertoseeafterthefarm，buttheythemselveswereeverwithNjal。
90。THEQUARRELOFNJAL\'SSONSWITHTHRAINSIGFUS\'SON
HrappownedafarmatHrappstede，butforallthathewasalwaysatGritwater，andhewasthoughttospoileverythingthere。
Thrainwasgoodtohim。
OnceonatimeithappenedthatKettleoftheMarkwasatBergthorsknoll；thenNjal\'ssonstoldhimoftheirwrongsandhardships，andsaidtheyhadmuchtolayatThrainSigfusson\'sdoor，whenevertheychosetospeakaboutit。
NjaIsaiditwouldbebestthatKettleshouldtalkwithhisbrotherThrainaboutit，andhegavehiswordtodoso。
SotheygaveKettlebreathing-timetotalktoThrain。
AlittleaftertheyspokeofthematteragaintoKettle，buthesaidthatbewouldrepeatfewofthewordsthathadpassedbetweenthem，“ForitwasprettyplainthatThrainthoughtIsettoogreatstoreonbeingyourbrother-in-law。“
Thentheydroppedtalkingaboutit，andthoughttheysawthatthingslookedugly，andsotheyaskedtheirfatherforhiscounselastowhatwastobedone，buttheytoldhimtheywouldnotletthingsrestastheythenstood。
“Suchthings，“saidNjal，“arenotsostrange。Itwillbethoughtthattheyareslainwithoutacause，iftheyareslainnow，andmycounselis，thatasmanymenasmaybeshouldbebroughttotalkwiththemaboutthesethings，andthusasmanyaswecanfindmaybeear-witnessesiftheyanswerillastothesethings。ThenKarishalltalkaboutthemtoo，forheisjustthemanwiththerightturnofmindforthis；thenthedislikebetweenyouwillgrowandgrow，fortheywillheapbadwordsonbadwordswhenmenbringthematterforward，fortheyarefoolishmen。Itmayalsowellbethatitmaybesaidthatmysonsareslowtotakeupaquarrel，butyeshallbearthatforthesakeofgainingtime，fortherearetwosidestoeverythingthatisdone，andyecanalwayspickaquarrel；butstillyeshallletsomuchofyourpurposeout，astosaythatifanywrongbeputuponyouthatyedomeansomething。Butifyehadtakencounselfrommeatfirst，thenthesethingsshouldneverhavebeenspokenaboutatall，andthenyewouldhavegottennodisgracefromthem；butnowyehavethegreatestriskofit，andsoitwillgoonevergrowingandgrowingwithyourdisgrace，thatyewillnevergetridofituntilyebringyourselvesintoastrait，andhavetofightyourwayoutwithweapons；butinthatthereisalongandwearynightinwhichyewillhavetogropeyourway。“
Afterthattheyceasedspeakingaboutit；butthematterbecamethedailytalkofmanymen。
OnedayithappenedthatthosebrothersspoketoKariandbadehimgotoGritwater。Karisaidhethoughthemightgoelsewhitheronabetterjourney，butstillhewouldgoifthatwereNjal\'scounsel。SoafterthatKarifarestomeetThrain，andthentheytalkoverthematter，andtheydidnoteachlookatitinthesameway。
Karicomeshome，andNjal\'ssonsaskhowthingshadgonebetweenThrainandhim。Karisaidhewouldrathernotrepeatthewordsthathadpassed，“But，“hewenton，“itistobelookedforthatthelikewordswillbespokenwhenyeyourselvescanhearthem。“
Thrainhadfifteenhouse-carlestrainedtoarmsinhishouse，andeightofthemrodewithhimwhithersoeverhewent。Thrainwasveryfondofshowanddress，andalwaysrodeinabluecloak，andhadonagildedhelm，andthespear——theearl\'sgift——inhisband，andafairshield，andaswordathisbelt。AlongwithhimalwayswentGunnarLambi\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson，andGraniGunnarofLithend\'sson。ButnearestofalltohimwentKilling-
Hrapp。Lodinnwasthenameofhisserving-man，hetoowentwithThrainwhenhejourneyed；TjorviwasthenameofLodinn\'sbrother，andhetoowasoneofThrain\'sband。Theworstofall，intheirwordsagainstNjal\'ssons，wereHrappandGrani；anditwasmostlytheirdoingthatnoatonementwasofferedtothem。
Njal\'ssonsoftenspoketoKarithatheshouldridewiththem；
anditcametothatatlast，forhesaiditwouldbewellthattheyheardThrain\'sanswer。
Thentheybuskedthem，fourofNjal\'ssons，andKarithefifth，andsotheyfaretoGritwater。
Therewasawideporchinthehomesteadthere，sothatmanymenmightstandinitsidebyside。Therewasawomanoutofdoors，andshesawtheircoming，andtoldThrainofit；hebadethemtogooutintotheporch，andtaketheirarms，andtheydidso。
Thrainstoodinmid-door，butKilling-HrappandGraniGunnar\'ssonstoodoneitherhandofhim；thennextstoodGunnarLambi\'sson，thenLodinnandTjorvi，thenLambiSigurd\'sson；theneachoftheotherstookhisplacerightandleft；forthehouse-carleswereallathome。
Skarphedinnandhismenwalkupfrombelow，andhewentfirst，thenKari，thenHauskuld，thenGrim，thenHelgi。Butwhentheyhadcomeuptothedoor，thennotawordofwelcomepassedthelipsofthosewhostoodbeforethem。
“Mayweallbewelcomehere？“saidSkarphedinn。
Hallgerdastoodintheporch，andhadbeentalkinglowtoHrapp，thenshespokeoutloud:“Noneofthosewhoareherewillsaythatyearewelcome。“
ThenSkarphedinnsangasong:
“Propofsea-waves\'fire1，thyfrettingCannotcastaweightonus，Warriorswight；yes，wolfandeagleWillinglyIfeedto-day；
Carlinethrustintotheingle，Oratrampingwhore，artthou；
Lordofskatesthatskimthesea-belt2，Odin\'smockingcup3Imix“
“Thywords，“saidSkarphedinn，“willnotbeworthmuch，forthouarteitherahag，onlyfittositintheingle，oraharlot。“
“Thesewordsofthinethoushaltpayfor，“shesays，“erethoufaresthome。“
“TheeamIcometosee，Thrain，“saidHelgi，“andtoknowifthouwiltmakemeanyamendsforthosewrongsandhardshipswhichbefellmeforthysakeinNorway。“
“Ineverknew，“saidThrain，“thatyetwobrotherswerewonttomeasureyourmanhoodbymoney；or，howlongshallsuchaclaimforamendsstandover？“
“Manywillsay，“saysHelgi，“thatthououghtesttoofferusatonement，sincethylifewasatstake。“
ThenHrappsaid，“\'Twasjustluckthatswayedthebalance，whenhegotstripeswhooughttobearthem；andshedraggedyouunderdisgraceandhardships，butusawayfromthem。“
“Littlegoodluckwasthereinthat，“saysHelgi，“tobreakfaithwiththeearl，andtotaketotheeinstead。“
“Thinkestthounotthatthouhastsomeamendstoseekfromme，“
saysHrapp。“Iwillatonetheeinawaythat，methinks，werefitting。“
“Theonlydealingsweshallhave，“saysHelgi，“willbethosewhichwillnotstandtheeingoodstead。“
“Don\'tbandywordswithHrapp，“saidSkarphedinn，“butgivehimaredskinforagrey。“4
“Holdthytongue，Skarphedinn，“saidHrapp，“orIwillnotsparetobringmyaxeonthyhead。“
“\'Twillbeprovedsoonenough，Idaresay，“saysSkarphedinn，“whichofusistoscattergravelovertheother\'shead。“
“Awaywithyouhome，ye`Dungbeardlings！\'“saysHallgerda，“andsowewillcallyoualwaysfromthisdayforth；butyourfatherwewillcall`theBeardlessCarle。\'“
Theydidnotfarehomebeforeallwhoweretherehadmadethemselvesguiltyofutteringthosewords，saveThrain；heforbadementoutterthem。
ThenNjal\'ssonswentaway，andfaredtilltheycamehome，thentheytoldtheirfather。
“Didyecallanymentowitnessofthosewords？“saysNjal。
“Wecallednone，“saysSkarphedinn；“wedonotmeantofollowthatsuitupexceptonthebattle-field。“
“Noonewillnowthink，“saysBergthora，“thatyehavethehearttoliftyourweapons。“
“Sparethytongue，mistress！“saysKari，“ineggingonthysons，fortheywillbequiteeagerenough。“
Afterthattheyalltalklonginsecret，Njalandhissons，andKariSolmund\'sson，theirbrother-in-law。
ENDNOTES:
l“Propofsea-waves\'fire，“aperiphrasisforwomanthatbearsgoldonherarm。
2“Skatesthatskim。“etc……aperiphrasisforships。
3“Odin\'smockingcup，“mockingsongs。
4AnallusiontotheBeastEpic，wherethecunningfoxlaughsattheflayedconditionofhisstupidfoes，thewolfandbear。Weshouldsay，“Don\'tstoptospeakwithhim，butratherbeathimblackandblue。“
91。THRAINSIGFUS\'SON\'SSLAYING
Nowtherewasgreattalkaboutthisquarreloftheirs，andallseemedtoknowthatitwouldnotsettledownpeacefully。
Runolf，thesonofWolfAurpriest，eastintheDale，wasagreatfriendofThrain\'s，andhadaskedThraintocomeandseehim，anditwassettledthatheshouldcomeeastwhenaboutthreeweeksoramonthwerewantingtowinter。
ThrainbadeHrapp，andGrani，andGunnarLambi\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson，andLodinn，andTjorvi，eightoftheminall，togoonthisjourneywithhim。HallgerdaandThorgerdaweretogotoo。AtthesametimeThraingaveitoutthathemeanttostayintheMarkwithhisbrotherKettle，andsaidhowmanynightshemeanttobeawayfromhome。
Theyallofthemhadfullarms。SotheyrodeeastacrossMarkfleet，andfoundtheresomegangrelwomen，andtheybeggedthemtoputthemacrosstheFleetwestontheirhorses，andtheydidso。
ThentheyrodeintotheDale，andhadaheartywelcome；thereKettleoftheMarkmetthem，andtheretheysatetwonights。
BothRunolfandKettlebesoughtThrainthathewouldmakeuphisquarrelwithNjal\'ssons；buthesaidhewouldneverpayanymoney，andansweredcrossly，forhesaidhethoughthimselfquiteamatchforNjal\'ssonswherevertheymet。
“Soitmaybe，“saysRunolf；“butsofarasIcansee，nomanhasbeentheirmatchsinceGunnarofLithenddiedanditislikelierthatyewillbothdragoneanotherdowntodeath。“
Thrainsaidthatwasnottobedreaded。
ThenThrainfaredupintotheMark，andwastheretwonightsmore；afterthatherodedownintotheDale，andwassentawayfrombothhouseswithfittinggifts。
NowtheMarkfleetwasthenflowingbetweensheetsoficeonbothsides，andthereweretonguesoficebridgingitacrosseveryhereandthere。
Thrainsaidthathemeanttoridehomethatevening，butRunolfsaidthatheoughtnottoridehome；hesaid，too，thatitwouldbemorewarynottofarebackashehadsaidhewouldbeforehelefthome。
“Thatisfear，andIwillnoneofit，“answersThrain。
NowthosegangrelwomenwhomtheyhadputacrosstheFleetcametoBergthorsknoll，andBergthoraaskedwhencetheycame，buttheyanswered，“AwayeastunderEyjafell。“
“Then，whoputyouacrossMarkfleet？“saidBergthora。
“Those，“saidthey，“whowerethemostboastfulandbravestcladofmen。“
“Who？“askedBergthora。
“ThrainSigfus\'son，“saidthey，“andhiscompany，butwethoughtitbesttotelltheethattheyweresofull-tongedtowardsthishouse，againstthyhusbandandhissons。“
“Listenersdonotoftenheargoodofthemselves，“saysBergthora。
Afterthattheywenttheirway，andBergthoragavethemgiftsontheirgoing，andaskedthemwhenThrainmightbecominghome。
Theysaidthathewouldbefromhomefourorfivenights。
AfterthatBergthoratoldhersonsandherson-in-lawKari，andtheytalkedlongandlowaboutthematter。
ButthatsamemorningwhenThrainandhismenrodefromtheeast，NjalwokeupearlyandheardhowSkarphedinn\'saxecameagainstthepanel。
ThenNjalrisesup，andgoesout，andseesthathissonsarealltherewiththeirweapons，andKari，hisson-in-lawtoo。
Skarphedinnwasforemost。Hewasinabluecape，andhadatarge，andhisaxealoftonhisshoulder。NexttohimwentHelgi；hewasinaredkirtle，hadahelmonhishead，andaredshield，onwhichahartwasmarked。NexttohimwentKari；hehadonasilkenjerkin，agildedhelmandshield，andonitwasdrawnalion。Theywereallinbrightholidayclothes。
NjalcalledouttoSkarphedinn，“Whitherartthougoing，kinsman？“
“Onasheephunt，“hesaid。
“Soitwasoncebefore，“saidNjal，“butthenyehuntedmen。“
Skarphedinnlaughedatthat，andsaid，“Hearyewhattheoldmansays？Heisnotwithouthisdoubts。“
“Whenwasitthatthouspokestthusbefore，“asksKari。
“WhenIslewSigmundtheWhite，“saysSkarphedinn，“GunnarofLithend\'skinsman。“
“Forwhat？“asksKari。
“HehadslainThordFreedmanson，myfoster-father。“
Njalwenthome，buttheyfaredupintotheRedslips，andbidedthere；thencetheycouldseetheothersassoonasevertheyrodefromtheeastoutoftheDale。
Therewassunshinethatdayandbrightweather。
NowThrainandhismenridedownoutoftheDalealongtheriverbank。
LambiSigurd\'ssonsaid，“ShieldsgleamawayyonderintheRedslipswhenthesunshinesonthem，andtheremustbesomemenlyinginwaitthere。“
“Then，“saysThrain，“wewillturnourwaylowerdowntheFleet，andthentheywillcometomeetusiftheyhaveanybusinesswithus。“
SotheyturndowntheFleet。“Nowtheyhavecaughtsightofus，“
saidSkarphedinn，“forlo！theyturntheirpathelsewhither，andnowwehavenootherchoicethantorundownandmeetthem。“
“Manymen，“saidKari，“wouldrathernotlieinwaitifthebalanceofforcewerenotmoreontheirsidethanitisonours；
theyareeight，butwearefive。“
NowtheyturndownalongtheFleet，andseeatongueoficebridgingthestreamlowerdownandmeantocrossthere。
Thrainandhismentaketheirstandupontheiceawayfromthetongue，andThrainsaid，“Whatcanthesemenwant？Theyarefive，andweareeight。“
“Iguess，“saidLambiSigurd\'sson，“thattheywouldstillruntheriskthoughmoremenstoodagainstthem。“
Thrainthrowsoffhiscloak，andtakesoffhishelm。
NowithappenedtoSkarphedinn，astheyrandownalongtheFleet，thathisshoe-stringsnappedasunder，andhestayedbehind。
“Whysoslow，Skarphedinn？“quothGrim。
“Iamtyingmyshoe，“hesays。
“Letusgetonahead，“saysKari；“methinkshewillnotbeslowerthanwe。“
Sotheyturnofftothetongue，andrunasfastastheycan。
Skarphedinnsprangupassoonashewasready，andhadliftedhisaxe，“theogressofwar，“aloft，andrunsrightdowntotheFleet。ButtheFleetwassodeepthattherewasnofordingitforalongwayupordown。
AgreatsheetoficehadbeenthrownupbythefloodontheothersideoftheFleetassmoothandslipperyasglass，andthereThrainandhismenstoodinthemidstofthesheet。
Skarphedinntakesaspringintotheair，andleapsoverthestreambetweentheicebanks，anddoesnotcheckhiscourse，butrushesstillonwardswithaslide。Thesheetoficewasveryslippery，andsohewentasfastasabirdflies。Thrainwasjustabouttoputhishelmonhishead；andnowSkarphedinnboredownonthem，andhewsatThrainwithhisaxe，“theogressofwar，“andsmotehimonthehead，andclovehimdowntotheteeth，sothathisjaw-teethfelloutontheice。Thisfeatwasdonewithsuchaquicksleightthatnoonecouldgetablowathim；heglidedawayfromthematonceatfullspeed。Tjorvi，indeed，threwhisshieldbeforehimontheice，butheleaptoverit，andstillkepthisfeet，andslidquitetotheendofthesheetofice。
ThereKariandhisbrotherscametomeethim。
“Thiswasdonelikeaman，“saysKari。
“Yourshareisstillleft，“saysSkarphedinn，andsangasong:
“Tothestrifeofswordsnotslower，Afterall，Icamethanyou，ForwithreadystrokethesturdySquandererofwealthIfelled；
ButsinceGrim\'sandHelgi\'ssea-stag1
Norway\'sEarlersttookandstripped，Now\'tistimeforsea-firebearers2
Suchdishonourtoavenge。“
Andthisothersonghesang:
“SwiftlydownIdashedmyweapon，Gashinggiant，byrnie-breacher3，She，thenoisyogre\'snamesake4，Soonwithfleshtheravensglutted；
NowyourwordstoHrappremember，Onbroadicenowrousethestorm，Withdullcrashwar\'seagerogressBattle\'searliestnotehathsung。“
“Thatbefitsuswell，andwewilldoitwell，“saysHelgi。
Thentheyturnuptowardsthem。BothGrimandHelgiseewhereHrappis，andtheyturnedonhimatonce。HrapphewsatGrimthereandthenwithhisaxe；HelgiseesthisandcutsatHrapp\'sarm，andcutitoff，anddownfelltheaxe。
“Inthis，“saysHrapp，“thouhastdoneamostneedfulwork，forthishandhathwroughtharmanddeathtomanyaman。“
“Andsohereanendshallbeputtoit，“saysGrim；andwiththatheranhimthroughwithaspear，andthenHrappfelldowndead。
TjorviturnsagainstKariandhurlsaspearathim。Karileaptupintheair，andthespearflewbelowhisfeet。ThenKarirushesathim，andhewsathimonthebreastwithhissword，andtheblowpassedatonceintohischest，andhegothisdeaththereandthen。
ThenSkarphedinnseizesbothGunnarLambi\'sson，andGraniGunnar\'sson，andsaid，“HerehaveIcaughttwowhelps！butwhatshallwedowiththem？
“Itisinthypower，“saysHelgi，“toslaybothoreitherofthem，ifyouwishthemdead。“
“Icannotfinditinmyhearttodoboth——helpHogniandslayhisbrother，“saysSkarphedinn。
“Thenthedaywilloncecome，“saysHelgi，“whenthouwiltwishthatthouhadstslainhim，forneverwillhebetruetothee，norwillanyoneoftheotherswhoarenowhere。“
“Ishallnotfearthem，“answersSkarphedinn。
AfterthattheygavepeacetoGraniGunnar\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson，andLodinn。
AfterthattheywentdowntotheFleetwhereSkarphedinnhadleaptoverit，andKariandtheothersmeasuredthelengthoftheleapwiththeirspear-shafts，anditwastwelveells5。
Thentheyturnedhomewards，andNjalaskedwhattidings。Theytoldhimalljustasithadhappened，andNjalsaid，“Thesearegreattidings，anditismorelikelythathencewillcomethedeathofoneofmysons，ifnotmoreevil。“
GunnarLambi\'ssonborethebodyofThrainwithhimtoGritwater，andhewaslaidinacairnthere。
ENDNOTES:
1“Sea-stag，“periphrasisforship。
2“Sea-firebearers，“thebearersofgold，men，thatis，HelgiandGrim。
3“Byrnie-breacher，“piercerofcoatsofmail。
4“Noisyogre\'snamesake，“anallusiontothenameofSkarphedinn\'saxe，“theogressofwar。“
5Twelveells，abouttwenty-fourfeettheNorseellbeingsomethingmorethantwofeet，agoodjump，butnotbeyondthepowerofman。Comp。“Orkn。Saga“，ch。113，newed。，vol。i。，457，whereEarlHaroldleapsnineellsoveradike。
92。KETTLETAKESHAUSKULDASHISFOSTER-SON
KettleoftheMarkhadtowifeThorgerdaNjal\'sdaughter，buthewasThrain\'sbrother，andhethoughthewascomeintoastrait，soherodetoNjal\'shouse，andaskedwhetherhewerewillingtoatoneinanywayforThrain\'sslaying？
“Iwillatoneforithandsomely，“answeredNjal；“andmywishisthatthoushouldstlookafterthematterwiththybrotherswhohavetotakethepriceoftheatonement，thattheymaybereadytojoininit。“
Kettlesaidhewoulddosowithallhisheart，andKettlerodehomefirst；alittleafter，hesummonedallhisbrotherstoLithend，andthenhehadatalkwiththem；andHogniwasonhissideallthroughthetalk；andsoitcameaboutthatmenwerechosentouttertheaward；andameetingwasagreedon，andthefairpriceofamanwasawardedforThrain\'sslaying，andtheyallhadashareintheblood-moneywhohadalawfulrighttoit。
Afterthatpledgesofpeaceandgoodfaithwereagreedto，andtheyweresettledinthemostsureandbindingway。
Njalpaiddownallthemoneyoutofhandwellandbravely；andsothingswerequietforawhile。
OnedayNjalrodeupintotheMark，andheandKettletalkedtogetherthewholeday；Njalrodehomeateven，andnomanknewofwhattheyhadtakencounsel。
AlittleafterKettlefarestoGritwater，andhesaidtoThorgerda，“LonghaveIlovedmybrotherThrainmuch，andnowI
willshewit，forIwillaskHauskuldThrain\'ssontobemyfoster-child。“
“Thoushalthavethychoiceofthis，“shesays；“andthoushaltgivethisladallthehelpinthypowerwhenheisgrownup，andavengehimifheisslainwithweapons，andbestowmoneyonhimforhiswife\'sdower；andbesides，thoushaltsweartodoallthis。“
NowHauskuldfareshomewithKettle，andiswithhimsometime。
93。NJALTAKESHAUSKULDTOFOSTER
OnceonatimeNjalridesupintotheMark，andhehadaheartywelcome。Hewastherethatnight，andintheeveningNjalcalledouttotheladHauskuld，andhewentuptohimatonce。
Njalhadaringofgoldonhishand，andshowedittothelad。
Hetookholdofthegold，andlookedatit，andputitonhisfinger。
“Wiltthoutakethegoldasagift？“saidNjal。
“ThatIwill，“saidthelad。
“Knowestthou，“saysNjal，“whatbroughtthyfathertohisdeath？“
“Iknow，“answersthelad，“thatSkarphedinnslewhim；butweneednotkeepthatinmind，whenanatonementhasbeenmadeforit，andafullpricepaidforhim。“
“Betteransweredthanasked，“saidNjal；“andthouwiltlivetobeagoodmanandtrue，“headds。
“Methinksthyforecasting，“saysHauskuld，“isworthhaving，forIknowthatthouartforesightedandunlying。“
“NowwillIoffertofosterthee，“saidNjal，“ifthouwilttaketheoffer。“
Hesaidhewouldbewillingtotakeboththathonourandanyothergoodofferwhichhemightmake。Sotheendofthematterwas，thatHauskuldfaredhomewithNjalashisfoster-son。
Hesufferednoharmtocomenighthelad，andlovedhimmuch。
Njal\'ssonstookhimaboutwiththem，anddidhimhonourineveryway。AndsothingsgoontillHauskuldisfullgrown。Hewasbothtallandstrong；thefairestofmentolookon，andwellhaired；blitheofspeech，bountiful，wellbehaved；aswelltrainedtoarmsasthebest；fairspokentoallmen，andmuchbeloved。
Njal\'ssonsandHauskuldwereneverapart，eitherinwordordeed。
94。OFFLOSITHORD\'SSON
TherewasamannamedFlosi，hewasthesonofThordFreyspriest1。FlosihadtowifeSteinvora，daughterofHalloftheSide。
Shewasbaseborn，andhermother\'snamewasSolvora，daughterofHerjolftheWhite。FlosidweltatSwinefell，andwasamightychief。Hewastallofstature，andstrong，withal，themostforwardandboldestofmen。Hisbrother\'snamewasStarkad2；
hewasnotbythesamemotherasFlosi。
TheotherbrothersofFlosiwereThorgeirandStein，KolbeinandEgil。HildigunnawasthenameofthedaughterofStarkadFlosi\'sbrother。Shewasaproud，high-spiritedmaiden，andoneofthefairestofwomen。Shewassoskilfulwithherhands，thatfewwomenwereequallyskilful。Shewasthegrimmestandhardest-
heartedofallwomen；butstillawomanofopenhandandheartwhenanyfittingcallwasmadeuponher。
ENDNOTES:
1ThordwasthesonofAuzur，thesonofAsbjornEyjangrthesonofBjorn，thesonofHelgi，thesonofBjorntheRoughfooted，thesonofGrim，theLordofSogn。ThemotherofFlosiwasIngunna，daughterofThorirofEspihole，thesonofHamondHellskin，thesonofHjor，thesonofHalf，whoruledoverthemenofHalf，thesonofHjorfeif，theloverofwomen。ThemotherofThorirwasIngunna，daughterofHelgitheLean，whotookthelandroundEyjafirth，asthefirstsettler。
2ThemotherofStarkadwasThraslauga，daughterofThorsteintitlingthesonofGerleif；butthemotherofThraslaugawasAud；shewasadaughterofEyvindKarf，oneofthefirstsettlers，andsisterofModolftheWise。
95。OFHALLOFTHESIDE
HallwasthenameofamanwhowascalledHalloftheSide。HewasthesonofThorsteinBaudvar\'sson1。HallhadtowifeJoreida，daughterofThidrandi2theWise。ThorsteinwasthenameofHall\'sbrother，andhewasnick-namedBroad-paunch。HissonwasKol，whomKarislaysinWales。ThesonsofHalloftheSidewereThorsteinandEgil，ThorwaldandLjot，andThidrandi，whom，itissaid，thegoddessesslew。
TherewasamannamedThorir，whosesurnamewasHolt-Thorir；hissonswerethese:——ThorgeirCraggeir，andThorleifCrow，fromwhomtheWood-dwellersarecome，andThorgrimtheBig。
ENDNOTES:
1Hall\'smother\'snamewasThordisa，andshewasadaughterofAuzur，thesonofHrodlaug，thesonofEarlRognvaldofMaeren，thesonofEysteintheNoisy。
2ThidrandiwasthesonofKettleRumble，thesonofThorir，thesonofThidrandiofVerudale。ThebrothersofThidrandiwereKettleRumble，inNjordwick，andThorwald，thefatherofHelgiDroplaug\'sson。HallkatlawasthesisterofJoreida。ShewasthemotherofThorkelGeiti\'sson，andThidrandi。
96。OFTHECHANGEOFFAITH
TherehadbeenachangeofrulersinNorway，EarlHaconwasdeadandgone，butinhissteadwascomeOlafTryggvi\'sson。ThatwastheendofEarlHacon，thatKarkthethrallcuthisthroatatRimulinGaulardale。
AlongwiththatwasheardthattherehadbeenachangeoffaithinNorway；theyhadcastofftheoldfaith，butKingOlafhadchristenedthewesternlands，Shetland，andtheOrkneys，andtheFaroeIsles。
ThenmanymenspokesothatNjalheardit，thatitwasastrangeandwickedthingtothrowofftheoldfaith。
ThenNjalspokeandsaid，“Itseemstomeasthoughthisnewfaithmustbemuchbetter，andhewillbehappywhofollowsthisratherthantheother；andifthosemencomeouthitherwhopreachthisfaith，thenIwillbackthemwell。“
Hewentoftenaloneawayfromothermenandmutteredtohimself。
ThatsameharvestashipcameoutintothefirthseasttoBerufirth，ataspotcalledGautawick。Thecaptain\'snamewasThangbrand。HewasasonofWillibald，acountofSaxony。
ThangbrandwassentouthitherbyKingOlafTryggvi\'sson，topreachthefaith。AlongwithhimcamethatmanofIcelandwhosenamewasGudleif1。Gudleifwasagreatman-slayer，andoneofthestrongestofmen，andhardyandforwardineverything。
TwobrothersdweltatBeruness；thenameoftheonewasThorleif，buttheotherwasKettle。TheyweresonsofHolmstein，thesonofAuzurofBroaddale。Thesebrothersheldameetingandforbadementohaveanydealingswiththem。ThisHalloftheSideheard。
HedweltatThvattwaterinAlftafirth；herodetotheshipwithtwenty-ninemen，andhefaresatoncetofindThangbrand，andspoketohimandaskedhim，“Tradeisratherdull，isitnot？“
Heansweredthatsoitwas。
“NowwillIsaymyerrand，“saysHall；“itis，thatIwishtoaskyoualltomyhouse，andruntheriskofmybeingabletogetridofyourwaresforyou。“
Thangbrandthankedhim，andfaredtoThvattwaterthatharvest。
ItsohappenedonemorningthatThangbrandwasoutearlyandmadethempitchatentonland，andsangmassinit，andtookmuchpainswithit，foritwasagreathighday。
HallspoketoThangbrandandasked，“Inmemoryofwhomkeepestthouthisday？“
“InmemoryofMichaelthearchangel，“saysThangbrand。
“Whatfollowsthatangel？“asksHall。
“Muchgood，“saysThangbrand。“Hewillweighallthegoodthatthoudoest，andheissomerciful，thatwheneveranyonepleaseshim，hemakeshisgooddeedsweighmore。“
“Iwouldliketohavehimformyfriend，“saysHall。
“Thatthoumayestwellhave，“saysThangbrand，“onlygivethyselfovertohimbyGod\'shelpthisveryday。“
“Ionlymakethiscondition，“saysHall，“thatthougivestthywordforhimthathewillthenbecomemyguardianangel。“
“ThatIwillpromise，“saysThangbrand。
ThenHallwasbaptized，andallhishousehold。