ENDNOTES:
1HewasthesonofAri，thesonofMar，thesonofAtli，thesonofWolfSquinteye，thesonofHognitheWhite，thesonofOtryg，thesonofOblaud，thesonofHjorleiftheloverofwomen，KingofHordaland。
97。OFTHANGBRAND\'SJOURNEYS
ThespringafterThangbrandsetouttopreachChristianity，andHallwentwithhim。ButwhentheycamewestacrossLonsheathtoStaffell，theretheyfoundamandwellingnamedThorkell。Hespokemostagainstthefaith，andchallengedThangbrandtosinglecombat。ThenThangbrandborearood-cross1beforehisshield，andtheendoftheircombatwasthatThangbrandwonthedayandslewThorkell。
ThencetheyfaredtoHornfirthandturnedinasguestsatBorgarhaven，westofHeinabergssand。ThereHilldirtheOlddwelt2，andthenHilldirandallhishouseholdtookuponthemthenewfaith。
ThencetheyfaredtoFellcombe，andwentinasgueststoCalffell。TheredweltKolThorstein\'sson，Hall\'skinsman，andhetookuponhimthefaithandallhishouse。
ThencetheyfaredtoSwinefell，andFlosionlytookthesignofthecross，butgavehiswordtobackthemattheThing。
ThencetheyfaredwesttoWoodcombe，andwentinasguestsatKirkby。TheredweltSurtAsbjorn\'sson，thesonofThorstein，thesonofKettletheFoolish。ThesehadallofthembeenChristiansfromfathertoson。
AfterthattheyfaredoutofWoodcombeontoHeadbrink。Bythattimethestoryoftheirjourneywasspreadfarandwide。TherewasamannamedSorcerer-HedinnwhodweltinCarlinedale。ThereheathenmenmadeabargainwithhimthatheshouldputThangbrandtodeathwithallhiscompany。HefareduponArnstacksheath，andtheremadeagreatsacrificewhenThangbrandwasridingfromtheeast。Thentheearthburstasunderunderhishorse，buthesprangoffhishorseandsavedhimselfonthebrinkofthegulf，buttheearthswallowedupthehorseandallhisharness，andtheyneversawhimmore。
ThenThangbrandpraisedGod。
ENDNOTES:
1Rood-cross，acrucifix。
2HissonwasGlumwhofaredtotheburningwithFlosi。
98。OFTHANGBRANDANDGUDLEIF
GudleifnowsearchesforSorcerer-Hedinnandfindshimontheheath，andchaseshimdownintoCarlinedale，andgotwithinspearshotofhim，andshootsaspearathimandthroughhim。
ThencetheyfaredtoDyrholmsandheldameetingthere，andpreachedthefaiththere，andthereIngialld，thesonofThorsteinnHighbankawk，becameaChristian。
ThencetheyfaredtotheFleetlitheandpreachedthefaiththere。
ThereWeatherlidtheSkald，andArihisson，spokemostagainstthefaith，andforthattheyslewWeatherlid，andthenthissongwassungaboutit——
“Hewhoprovedhisbladeonbucklers，SouthwentthroughthelandtowhetBrandthatofthathfelledhisfoeman，\'Gainsttheforgewhichfoamswithsong1；
Mightywielderofwar\'ssickleMadehissword\'savengingedgeHardonhero\'shelm-proprattle2，SkullofWeatherlidtheSkald。“
ThenceThangbrandfaredtoBergthorsknoll，andNjaltookthefaithandallhishouse，butMordandValgardwentmuchagainstit，andthencetheyfaredoutacrosstherivers；sotheywentonintoHawkdaleandtheretheybaptizedHall3，andhewasthenthreewintersold。
ThenceThangbrandfaredtoGrimsness，thereThorwaldtheScurvygatheredabandagainsthim，andsentwordtoWolfUggi\'ssonthathemustfareagainstThangbrandandslayhim，andmadethissongonhim——
“TothewolfinWoden\'sharness，Uggi\'sworthywarlikeson，I，steel\'sswingerdearlyloving，Thismydimplebiddingsend；
ThatthewolfofGods4hechaseth——
Manwhosnapsatchinkofgold——
WolfwhobaseourGodsblasphemeth，Itheotherwolf5willcrush。“
Wolfsanganothersonginreturn:
“SwarthyskarffrommouththatskimmethOfthemanwhospeaksinsongNeverwillIcatch，thoughsurelyWealthywarriorithathsent；
Tenderofthesea-horsesnorting，E\'enthoughilldeedsareonfoot，Stilltoriskmineeyesareopen；
Harmful\'tistosnapatflies6。“
“And，“sayshe，“Idon\'tmeantobemadeacatspawbyhim，butlethimtakeheedlesthistonguetwistsanooseforhisownneck。“
AndafterthatthemessengerfaredbacktoThorwaldtheScurvyandtoldhimWolf\'swords。Thorwaldhadmanymenabouthim，andgaveitoutthathewouldlieinwaitforthemonBluewood-heath。
Nowthosetwo，ThangbrandandGudleif，rideoutofHawkdale，andtheretheycameuponamanwhorodetomeetthem。ThatmanaskedforGudleif，andwhenhefoundhimhesaid，“ThoushaltgainbybeingthebrotherofThorgilofReykiahole，forIwilllettheeknowthattheyhavesetmanyambushes，andthistoo，thatThorwaldtheScurvyisnowwithhisbandatHestbeckonGrimsness。“
“Weshallnotthelessforallthatridetomeethim，“saysGudleif，andthentheyturneddowntoHestbeck。Thorwaldwasthencomeacrossthebrook，andGudleifsaidtoThangbrand，“HereisnowThorwald；letusrushonhimnow。“
ThangbrandshotaspearthroughThorwald，butGudleifsmotehimontheshoulderandhewedhisarmoff，andthatwashisdeath。
AfterthattheyrideuptotheThing，anditwasanearthingthatthekinsmenofThorwaldhadfallenonThangbrand，butNjalandtheeastfirthersstoodbyThangbrand。
ThenHjalltiSkeggi\'ssonsangthisrhymeattheHillofLaws:
“EverwillIGodsblasphemeFreyjamethinksadogdoesseem，Freyjaadog？Aye！letthembeBothdogstogetherOdinandshe7。“
HjalltifaredabroadthatsummerandGizurtheWhitewithhim，butThangbrand\'sshipwaswreckedawayeastatBulandsness，andtheship\'snamewasBison。
Thangbrandandhismessmatefaredrightthroughthewestcountry，andSteinvora，themotherofReftheSkald，cameagainsthim；shepreachedtheheathenfaithtoThangbrandandmadehimalongspeech。Thangbrandheldhispeacewhileshespoke，butmadealongspeechafterher，andturnedallthatshehadsaidthewrongwayagainsther。
“Hastthouheard，“shesaid，“howThorchallengedChristtosinglecombat，andhowhedidnotdaretofightwithThor？“
“Ihaveheardtell，“saysThangbrand，“thatThorwasnaughtbutdustandashes，ifGodhadnotwilledthatheshouldlive。“
“Knowestthou，“shesays，“whoitwasthatshatteredthyship？“
“Whathastthoutosayaboutthat？“heasks。
“ThatIwilltellthee，“shesays:
“Hethatgiant\'soffspring8slayethBrokethemew-field\'sbisonstout9，ThustheGods，bell\'swarder10grieving，Crushedthefalconofthestrand11；
Tothecourserofthecauseway12
LittlegoodwasChristIween，WhenThorshatteredshipstopiecesGylfi\'shart13noGodcouldhelp。“
Andagainshesunganothersong:
“Thangbrand\'svesselfromhermoorings，Sea-king\'ssteed，Thorwrathfultore，Shookandshatteredallhertimbers，Hurledherbroadsideonthebeach；
Ne\'eragainshallViking\'ssnow-shoe14，Onthebrinybillowsglide，ForastormbyThorawakened，Dashedthebarktosplinterssmall。“
AfterthatThangbrandandSteinvoraparted，andtheyfaredwesttoBardastrand。
ENDNOTES:
1“Forgewhichfoamswithsong，“thepoet\'shead，inwhichsongsareforged，andgushforthlikefoamingmead。
2“Hero\'shelm-prop，“thehero\'s，man\'s，headwhichsupportshishelm。
3ItisneedlesstosaythatthisHallwasnotHalloftheSide。
4“WolfofGods，“the“caputlupinum，“theoutlawofheaven，theoutcastfromValhalla，Thangbrand。
5“Theotherwolf，“Gudleif。
6“Swarthyskarf，“theskarf，or“pelecanuscarbo“，thecormorant。HecomparesthemessageofThorwaldtothecormorantskimmingoverthewaves，andsayshewillnevertakeit。“Snapatflies，“averycommonIcelandicmetaphorfromfishrisingtoafly。
7MaurerthinkstheallusionisheretosomemythologicallegendonOdin\'sadventureswhichhasnotcomedowntous。
8“Hethatgiant\'s，“etc。，Thor。
9“Mew-field\'sbison，“thesea-goingship，whichsailsovertheplainofthesea-mew。
10“Bell\'swarder，“theChristianpriestwhosebell-ringingformedpartoftheritesofthenewfaith。
11“Falconofthestrand，“ship。
12“Courserofthecauseway，“ship。
13“Gylfi\'shart，“ship。
14“Viking\'ssnow-shoe，“sea-king\'sship。
99。OFGESTODDLEIF\'SSON
GestOddleit\'ssondweltatHagionBardastrand。Hewasoneofthewisestofmen，sothatheforesawthefatesandfortunesofmen。HemadeafeastforThangbrandandhismen。TheyfaredtoHagiwithsixtymen。Thenitwassaidthatthereweretwohundredheathenmentomeetthem，andthataBaresarkwaslookedfortocomethither，whosenamewasOtrygg，andallwereafraidofhim。Ofhimsuchgreatthingsastheseweresaid，thathefearedneitherfirenorsword，andtheheathenmenweresoreafraidathiscoming。ThenThangbrandaskedifmenwerewillingtotakethefaith，butalltheheathenmetspokeagainstit。
“Well，“saysThangbrand，“Iwillgiveyouthemeanswherebyyeshallprovewhethermyfaithisbetter。Wewillhallowtwofires。TheheathenmenshallhallowoneandItheother，butathirdshallbeunhallowed；andiftheBaresarkisafraidoftheonethatIhallow，buttreadsboththeothers，thenyeshalltakethefaith。“
“Thatiswellspoken，“saysGest，“andIwillagreetothisformyselfandmyhousehold。“
AndwhenGesthadsospoken，thenmanymoreagreedtoit。
ThenitwassaidthattheBaresarkwascominguptothehomestead，andthenthefiresweremadeandburntstrong。Thenmentooktheirarmsandspranguponthebenches，andsowaited。
TheBaresarkrushedinwithhisweapons。Hecomesintotheroom，andtreadsatoncethefirewhichtheheathenmenhadhallowed，andsocomestothefirethatThangbrandhadhallowed，anddaresnottotreadit，butsaidthathewasonfireallover。Hehewswithhisswordatthebench，butstrikesacrossbeamashebrandishedtheweaponaloft。ThangbrandsmotethearmoftheBaresarkwithhiscrucifix，andsomightyatokenfollowedthattheswordfellfromtheBaresark\'shand。
ThenThangbrandthrustsaswordintohisbreast，andGudleifsmotehimonthearmandheweditoff。ThenmanywentupandslewtheBaresark。
AfterthatThangbrandaskediftheywouldtakethefaithnow？
Gestsaidhehadonlyspokenwhathemeanttokeepto。
ThenThangbrandbaptizedGestandallhishouseandmanyothers。
ThenThangbrandtookcounselwithGestwhetherheshouldgoanyfurtherwestamongthefirths，butGestsethisfaceagainstthat，andsaidtheywereahardraceofmenthere，andilltodealwith，“butifitbeforedoomedthatthisfaithshallmakeitsway，thenitwillbetakenaslawattheAlthing，andthenallthechiefsoutofthedistrictswillbethere。“
“IdidallthatIcouldattheThing，“saysThangbrand，“anditwasveryuphillwork。“
“Stillthouhastdonemostofthework，“saysGest，“thoughitmaybefatedthatothersshallmakeChristianitylaw；butitishereasthesayingruns，`Notreefallsatthefirststroke。\'“
AfterthatGestgaveThangbrandgoodgifts，andhefaredbacksouth。ThangbrandfaredtotheSouthlander\'sQuarter，andsototheEastfirths。HeturnedinasaguestatBergthorsknoll，andNjalgavehimgoodgifts。ThenceherodeeasttoAlftafirthtomeetHalloftheSide。Hecausedhisshiptobemended，andheathenmencalledit“Iron-basket。“OnboardthatshipThangbrandfaredabroad，andGudleifwithhim。
100。OFGIZURTHEWHITEANDHJALLTI
ThatsamesummerHjalltiSkeggi\'ssonwasoutlawedattheThingforblasphemyagainsttheGods。
ThangbrandtoldKingOlafofallthemischiefthattheIcelandershaddonetohim，andsaidthattheyweresuchsorcererstherethattheearthburstasunderunderhishorseandswallowedupthehorse。
ThenKingOlafwassowroththathemadethemseizeallthemenfromIcelandandsetthemindungeons，andmeanttoslaythem。
Thenthey，GizurtheWhiteandHjallti，cameupandofferedtolaythemselvesinpledgeforthosemen，andfareouttoIcelandandpreachthefaith。Thekingtookthiswell，andtheygotthemallsetfreeagain。
ThenGizurandHjalltibuskedtheirshipforIceland，andweresoon“boun。“TheymadethelandatEyrarwhentenweeksofsummerhadpassed；theygotthemhorsesatonce，butleftothermentostriptheirship。ThentheyridewiththirtymentotheThing，andsentwordtotheChristianmenthattheymustbereadytostandbythem。
HjalltistayedbehindatReydarmull，forhehadheardthathehadbeenmadeanoutlawforblasphemy，butwhentheycametothe“BoilingKettle“1downbelowthebrinkoftheRift2，therecameHjalltiafterthem，andsaidhewouldnotlettheheathenmenseethathewasafraidofthem。
ThenmanyChristianmenrodetomeetthem，andtheyrideinbattlearraytotheThing。Theheathenmenhaddrawnuptheirmeninarraytomeetthem，anditwasanearthingthatthewholebodyoftheThinghadcometoblows，butstillitdidnotgosofar。
ENDNOTES:
1“Boilingkettle。“Thiswasahyer，orhotspring。
2Thiswasthe“Raven\'sRift，“oppositetothe“GreatRift“ontheothersideofThingfield。
101。OFTHORGEIROFLIGHTWATER
TherewasamannamedThorgeirwhodweltatLightwater；hewasthesonofTjorfi，thesonofThorkeltheLong，thesonofKettleLongneck。Hismother\'snamewasThoruna，andshewasthedaughterofThorstein，thesonofSigmund，thesonofBardoftheNip。Gudridawasthenameofhiswife；shewasadaughterofThorkeltheBlackofHleidrargarth。HisbrotherwasWormWallet-
back，thefatherofHlennitheOldofSaurby1。
TheChristianmensetuptheirbooths，andGizurtheWhiteandHjalltiwereintheboothsofthemenfromMossfell。ThedayafterbothsideswenttotheHillofLaws，andeach，theChristianmenaswellastheheathen，tookwitness，anddeclaredthemselvesoutoftheother\'slaws，andthentherewassuchanuproarontheHillofLawsthatnomancouldheartheother\'svoice。
Afterthatmenwentaway，andallthoughtthingslookedlikethegreatestentanglement。TheChristianmenchoseastheirSpeakerHalloftheSide，butHallwenttoThorgeir，thepriestofLightwater，whowastheoldSpeakerofthelaw，andgavehimthreemarksofsilver2toutterwhatthelawshouldbe，butstillthatwasmosthazardouscounsel，sincehewasanheathen。
Thorgeirlayallthatdayontheground，andspreadacloakoverhishead，sothatnomanspokewithhim；butthedayaftermenwenttotheHillofLaws，andthenThorgeirbadethembesilentandlisten，andspokethus:“Itseemstomeasthoughourmatterswerecometoadeadlock，ifwearenotalltohaveoneandthesamelaw；foriftherebeasunderingofthelaws，thentherewillbeasunderingofthepeace，andweshallneverbeabletoliveintheland。Now，IwillaskbothChristianmenandheathenwhethertheywillholdtothoselawswhichIutter？“
Theyallsaidtheywould。
Hesaidhewishedtotakeanoathofthem，andpledgesthattheywouldholdtothem，andtheyallsaid“yea“tothat，andsohetookpledgesfromthem。
“Thisisthebeginningofourlaws，“hesaid，“thatallmenshallbeChristianhereintheland，andbelieveinoneGod，theFather，theSon，andtheHolyGhost，butleaveoffallidol-
worship，notexposechildrentoperish，andnoteathorseflesh。
Itshallbeoutlawryifsuchthingsareprovedopenlyagainstanyman；butifthesethingsaredonebystealth，thenitshallbeblameless。“
Butallthisheathendomwasalldoneawaywithwithinafewyears\'space，sothatthosethingswerenotallowedtobedoneeitherbystealthoropenly。
ThorgeirthenutteredthelawastokeepingtheLord\'sdayandfastdays，YuletideandEaster，andallthegreatesthighdaysandholidays。
Theheathenmenthoughttheyhadbeengreatlycheated；butstillthetruefaithwasbroughtintothelaw，andsoallmenbecameChristianhereintheland。
AfterthatmenfarehomefromtheThing。
ENDNOTES:
1KettleandThorkelwerebothsonsofThorirTag，thesonofKettletheSeal，thesonofOrnolf，thesonofBjornolf，thesonofGrimHairycheek，thesonofKettleHaeing，thesonofHallbjornHalftrollofRavensfood。
2Thiswasnobribe，buthislawfulfee。
102。THEWEDDINGOFHAUSKULD，THEPRIESTOFWHITENESS
Nowwemusttakeupthestory，andsaythatNjalspokethustoHauskuld，hisfoster-son，andsaid，“Iwouldseektheeamatch。“
Hauskuldbadehimsettlethematterashepleased，andaskedwhetherhewasmostlikelytoturnhiseyes。
“ThereisawomancalledHildigunna，“answersNjal，“andsheisthedaughterofStarkad，thesonofThordFreyspriest。SheisthebestmatchIknowof。“
“Seethoutoit，foster-father，“saidHauskuld；“thatshallbemychoicewhichthouchoosest。“
“Thenwewilllookthitherward，“saysNjal。
Alittlewhileafter，Njalcalledonmentogoalongwithhim。
ThenthesonsofSigfus，andNjal\'ssons，andKariSolmund\'sson，allofthemfaredwithhimandtheyrodeeasttoSwinefell。
Theretheygotaheartywelcome。
Thedayafter，NjalandFlosiwenttotalkalone，andthespeechofNjalendedthus，thathesaid，“Thisismyerrandhere，thatwehavesetoutonawooing-journey，toaskforthykinswomanHildigunna。“
“Atwhosehand？“saysFlosi。
“AtthehandofHauskuld，myfoster-son，“saysNjal。
“Suchthingsarewellmeant，“saysFlosi，“butstillyeruneachofyougreatrisk，theonefromtheother；butwhathastthoutosayofHauskuld？“
“GoodIamabletosayofhim，“saysNjal；“andbesides，Iwilllaydownasmuchmoneyaswillseemfittingtothynieceandthyself，ifthouwiltthinkofmakingthismatch。
“Wewillcallherhither，“saysFlosi，“andknowhowshelooksontheman。“
ThenHildigunnawascalled，andshecamethither。
Flositoldherofthewooing，butshesaidshewasaproudheartedwoman。
“AndIknownothowthingswillturnoutbetweenmeandmenoflikespirit；butthis，too，isnottheleastofmydislike，thatthismanhasnopriesthoodorleadershipovermen，butthouhastalwayssaidthatthouwouldestnotwedmetoamanwhohadnotthepriesthood。“
“Thisisquiteenough，“saysFlosi，“ifthouwiltnotbeweddedtoHauskuld，tomakemetakenomorepainsaboutthematch。“
“Nay！“shesays，“IdonotsaythatIwillnotbeweddedtoHauskuldiftheycangethimapriesthoodoraleadershipovermen；butotherwiseIwillhavenothingtosaytothematch。“
“Then，“saidNjal，“Iwillbegtheetoletthismatchstandoverforthreewinters，thatImayseewhatIcando。“
Flosisaidthatsoitshouldbe。
“Iwillonlybargainforthisonething，“saysHildigunna，“ifthismatchcomestopass，thatweshallstayhereawayeast。“
NjalsaidhewouldratherleavethattoHauskuld，butHauskuldsaidthatheputfaithinmanymen，butinnonesomuchashisfoster-father。
Nowtheyridefromtheeast。
NjalsoughttogetapriesthoodandleadershipforHauskuld，butnoonewaswillingtosellhispriesthood，andnowthesummerpassesawaytilltheAlthing。
ThereweregreatquarrelsattheThingthatsummer，andmanyamanthendidaswastheirwont，infaringtoseeNjal；buthegavesuchcounselinmen\'slawsuitsaswasnotthoughtatalllikely，sothatboththepleadingsandthedefencecametonaught，andoutofthatgreatstrifearose，whenthelawsuitscouldnotbebroughttoanend，andmenrodehomefromtheThingunatoned。
NowthingsgoontillanotherThingcomes。NjalrodetotheThing，andatfirstallisquietuntilNjalsaysthatitishightimeformentogivenoticeoftheirsuits。
Thenmanysaidthattheythoughtthatcametolittle，whennomancouldgethissuitsettled，eventhoughthewitnessesweresummonedtotheAlthing，“andso，“saythey，“wewouldratherseekourrightswithpointandedge。“
“Soitmustnotbe，“saysNjal，“foritwillneverdotohavenolawintheland。Butyetyehavemuchtosayonyoursideinthismatter，anditbehovesuswhoknowthelaw，andwhoareboundtoguidethelaw，tosetmenatoneagain，andtoensuepeace。\'Tweregoodcounsel，then，methinks，thatwecalltogetherallthechiefsandtalkthematterover。“
ThentheygototheCourtofLaws，andNjalspokeandsaid，“Thee，SkaptiThorod\'ssonandyouotherchiefs，Icallon，andsay，thatmethinksourlawsuitshavecomeintoadeadlock，ifwehavetofollowupoursuitsintheQuarterCourts，andtheygetsoentangledthattheycanneitherbepleadednorended。
Methinks，itwerewiserifwehadaFifthCourt，andtherepleadedthosesuitswhichcannotbebroughttoanendintheQuarterCourts。“
“How，“saidSkapti，“wiltthounameaFifthCourt，whentheQuarterCourtisnamedfortheoldpriesthoods，threetwelvesineachquarter？“
“Icanseehelpforthat，“saysNjal，“bysettingupnewpriesthoods，andfillingthemwiththemenwhoarebestfittedineachQuarter，andthenletthosemenwhoarewillingtoagreetoit，declarethemselvesreadytojointhenewpriest\'sThing。“
“Well，“saysSkapti，“wewilltakethischoice；butwhatweightysuitsshallcomebeforethecourt？“
“Thesemattersshallcomebeforeit，“saysNjal，——“allmattersofcontemptoftheThing，suchasifmenbearfalsewitness，orutterafalsefinding；hither，too，shallcomeallthosesuitsinwhichthejudgesaredividedinopinionintheQuarterCourt；
thentheyshallbesummonedtotheFifthCourt；so，too，ifmenofferbribes，ortakethem，fortheirhelpinsuits。Inthiscourtalltheoathsshallbeofthestrongestkind，andtwomenshallfolloweveryoath，whoshallsupportontheirwordsofhonourwhattheothersswear。Soitshallbealso，ifthepleadingsononesidearerightinform，andtheotherwrong，thatthejudgmentshallbegivenforthosethatarerightinform。EverysuitinthiscourtshallbepleadedjustasisnowdoneintheQuarterCourt，saveandexceptthatwhenfourtwelvesarenamedintheFifthCourt，thentheplaintiffshallnameandsetasidesixmenoutofthecourt，andthedefendantothersix；
butifhewillnotsetthemaside，thentheplaintiffshallnamethemandsetthemasideashehasdonewithhisownsix；butiftheplaintiffdoesnotsetthemaside，thenthesuitcomestonaught，forthreetwelvesshallutterjudgmentonallsuits。WeshallalsohavethisarrangementintheCourtofLaws，thatthoseonlyshallhavetherighttomakeorchangelawswhositonthemiddlebench，andtothisbenchthoseonlyshallbechosenwhoarewisestandbest。There，too，shalltheFifthCourtsit；butifthosewhositintheCourtofLawsarenotagreedastowhattheyshallalloworbringinaslaw，thentheyshallclearthecourtforadivision，andthemajorityshallbindtherest；butifanymanwhohasaseatintheCourtbeoutsidetheCourtofLawsandcannotgetinsideit，orthinkshimselfoverborneinthesuit，thenheshallforbidthembyaprotest，sothattheycanhearitintheCourt，andthenhehasmadealltheirgrantsandalltheirdecisionsvoidandofnoneeffect，andstoppedthembyhisprotest。“
Afterthat，SkaptiThorod\'ssonbroughttheFifthCourtintothelaw，andallthatwasspokenofbefore。ThenmenwenttotheHillofLaws，andmensetupnewpriesthoods:IntheNorthlanders\'Quarterwerethesenewpriesthoods。ThepriesthoodoftheMelmeninMidfirth，andtheLaufesingers\'priesthoodintheEyjafirth。
ThenNjalbeggedforahearing，andspokethus:“ItisknowntomanymenwhatpassedbetweenmysonsandthemenofGritwaterwhentheyslewThrainSigfus\'son。Butforallthatwesettledthematter；andnowIhavetakenHauskuldintomyhouse，andplannedamarriageforhimifhecangetapriesthoodanywhere；
butnomanwillsellhispriesthood，andsoIwillbegyoutogivemeleavetosetupanewpriesthoodatWhitenessforHauskuld。“
Hegotthisleavefromall，andafterthathesetupthenewpriesthoodforHauskuld；andhewasafterwardscalledHauskuld，thePriestofWhiteness。
Afterthat，menridehomefromtheThing，andNjalstayedbutashorttimeathomeereherideseasttoSwinefell，andhissonswithhim，andagainstirsinthematterofthemarriagewithFlosi；butFlosisaidhewasreadytokeepfaithwiththemineverything。
ThenHildigunnawasbetrothedtoHauskuld，andthedayfortheweddingfeastwasfixed，andsothematterended。Theythenridehome，buttheyrodeagainshortlytothebridal，andFlosipaiddownallhergoodsandmoneyafterthewedding，andallwentoffwell。
TheyfaredhometoBergthorsknoll，andweretherethenextyear，andallwentwellbetweenHildigunnaandBergthom。ButthenextspringNjalboughtlandinOssaby，andhandsitovertoHauskuld，andthitherhefarestohisownabode。Njalgothimallhishousehold，andtherewassuchlovebetweenthemall，thatnoneofthemthoughtanythingthathesaidordidanyworthunlesstheothershadashareinit。
HauskulddweltlongatOssaby，andeachbackedtheother\'shonour，andNjal\'ssonswerealwaysinHauskuld\'scompany。Theirfriendshipwassowarm，thateachhousebadetheothertoafeasteveryharvest，andgaveeachothergreatgifts；andsoitgoesonforalongwhile。
103。THESLAYINGOFHAUSKULDNJAL\'SSON
TherewasamannamedLyting；hedweltatSamstede，andhehadtowifeawomannamedSteinvora；shewasadaughterofSigfus，andThrain\'ssister。Lytingwastallofgrowthandastrongman，wealthyingoodsandilltodealwith。
IthappenedoncethatLytinghadafeastinhishouseatSamstede，andhehadbiddenthitherHauskuldandthesonsofSigfus，andtheyallcame。There，too，wasGraniGunnar\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson。
HauskuldNjal\'ssonandhismotherhadafarmatHolt，andhewasalwaysridingtohisfarmfromBergthorsknoll，andhispathlaybythehomesteadatSamstede。HauskuldhadasoncalledAmund；
hehadbeenbornblind，butforallthathewastallandstrong。
Lytinahadtwobrothers——theone\'snamewasHallstein，andtheother\'sHallgrim。Theywerethemostunrulyofmen，andtheywereeverwiththeirbrother，forothermencouldnotbeartheirtemper。
Lytingwasoutofdoorsmostofthatday，buteverynowandthenhewentinsidehishouse。Atlasthehadgonetohisseat，whenincameawomanwhohadbeenoutofdoors，andshesaid，“Youweretoofarofftoseeoutsidehowthatproudfellowrodebythefarm-yard！“
“Whatproudfellowwasthat，“saysLyting“ofwhomthouspeakest？“
“HauskuldNjal\'ssonrodeherebytheyard，“shesays。
“Heridesoftenherebythefarm-yard，“saidLyting，“andIcan\'tsaythatitdoesnottrymytemper；andnowIwillmaketheeanoffer，Hauskuld，togoalongwiththeeifthouwiltavengethyfatherandslayHauskuldNjal\'sson。“
“ThatIwillnotdo，“saysHauskuld，“forthenIshouldrepayNjal，myfoster-father，evilforgood，andmaystthouandthyfeastsneverthrivehenceforth。“
Withthathesprangupawayfromtheboard，andmadethemcatchhishorses，androdehome。
ThenLytingsaidtoGraniGunnar\'sson，“ThouwertbywhenThrainwasslain，andthatwillstillbeinthymind；andthou，too，GunnarLambi\'sson，andthou，LambiSigurd\'sson。Now，mywillisthatweridetomeethimthisevening，andslayhim。“
“No，“saysGrani，“IwillnotfallonNjal\'sson，andsobreaktheatonementwhichgoodmenandtruehavemade。“
Withlikewordsspokeeachmanofthem，andso，too，spokeallthesonsofSigfus；andtheytookthatcounseltorideaway。
ThenLytingsaid，whentheyhadgoneaway，“AllmenknowthatI
havetakennoatonementformybrother-in-lawThrain，andIshallneverbecontentthatnovengeance——manforman——shallbetakenforhim。“
Afterthathecalledonhistwobrotherstogowithhim，andthreehouse-carlesaswell。TheywentonthewaytomeetHauskuldashecameback，andlayinwaitforhimnorthofthefarm-yardinapit；andtheretheybidedtillitwasaboutmideven1。ThenHauskuldrodeuptothem。Theyjumpupallofthemwiththeirarms，andfallonhim。Hauskuldguardedhimselfwell，sothatforalongwhiletheycouldnotgetthebetterofhim；buttheendofitwasatlastthathewoundedLytingonthearm，andslewtwoofhisserving-men，andthenfellhimself。
TheygaveHauskuldsixteenwounds，buttheyhewednotofftheheadfromhisbody。TheyfaredawayintothewoodeastofRangriver，andhidthemselvesthere。
Thatsameevening，Rodny\'sshepherdfoundHauskulddead，andwenthomeandtoldRodnyofherson\'sslaying。
“Washesurelydead？“sheasks；“washisheadoff？“
“Itwasnot，“hesays。
“IshallknowifIsee，“shesays；“sotakethoumyhorseanddrivinggear。“
Hedidso，andgotallthingsready，andthentheywentthitherwhereHauskuldlay。
Shelookedatthewounds，andsaid，“\'TisevenasIthought，thathecouldnotbequitedead，andNjalnodoubtcancuregreaterwounds。“
AfterthattheytookthebodyandlaiditonthesledgeanddrovetoBergthorsknoll，anddrewitintothesheepcote，andmadehimsituprightagainstthewall。
Thentheywentbothofthemandknockedatthedoor，andahouse-
carlewenttothedoor。Shestealsinbyhimatonce，andgoestillshecomestoNjal\'sbed。
SheaskedwhetherNjalwereawake？Hesaidhehadsleptuptothattime，butwasthenawake。
“Butwhyartthoucomehithersoearly？“
“Risethouup，“saidRodny，“fromthybedbymyrival\'sside，andcomeout，andshetoo，andthysons，toseethysonHauskuld。“
Theyroseandwentout。
“Letustakeourweapons，“saidSkarphedinn，“andhavethemwithus。“
Njalsaidnaughtatthat，andtheyraninandcameoutagainarmed。
Shegoesfirsttilltheycometothesheepcote；shegoesinandbadethemfollowher。Thenshelitatorch，andhelditupandsaid，“Here，Njal，isthysonHauskuld，andhehathgottenmanywoundsuponhim，andnowhewillneedleechcraft。“
“Iseedeathmarksonhim，“saidNjal，“butnosignsoflife；butwhyhastthounotclosedhiseyesandnostrils？see，hisnostrilsarestillopen！“
“ThatdutyImeantforSkarphedinn，“shesays。
ThenSkarphedinnwenttoclosehiseyesandnostrils，andsaidtohisfather，“Who，sayestthou，hathslainhim？“
“LytingofSamstedeandhisbrothersmusthaveslainhim，“saysNjal。
ThenRodnysaid，“Intothyhands，Skarphedinn，Ileaveittotakevengeanceforthybrother，andIweenthatthouwilttakeitwell，thoughhebenotlawfullybegotten，andthatthouwiltnotbeslowtotakeit。“
“Wonderfullydoyemenbehave，“saidBergthora，“whenyeslaymenforsmallcause，buttalkandtarryoversuchasthisuntilnovengeanceatallistaken；andnowofthiswillsooncometoHauskuld，thePriestofWhiteness，andhewillbeofferingyouatonement，andyouwillgranthimthat，butnowisthetimetosetaboutit，ifyeseekforvengeance。“
“Ourmothereggsusonnowwithajustgoading，“saidSkarphedinn，andsangasong。
“Wellweknowthewarrior\'stemper2，Oneandall，well，fatherthine，Butatonementtothemother，Snake-land\'sstem3andtheewerebase；
Hethathoardethocean\'sfire4
Hearingthiswillleavehishome；
Woundofweaponushathsmitten，Worsethelotofthosethatwait！“
Afterthattheyallranoutofthesheepcote，butRodnywentindoorswithNjal，andwastheretherestofthenight。
ENDNOTES:
1Mideven，sixo\'clockp。m。
2“Warrior\'stemper，“thetemperofHauskuldofWhiteness。
3“Snake-land\'sstem，“aperiphrasisforwoman，Rodny。
4“Hethathoardethocean\'sfire，“aperiphrasisforman，HauskuldofWhiteness。
104。THESLAYINGOFLYTING\'SBROTHERS
NowwemustspeakofSkarphedinnandhisbrothers，howtheybendtheircourseuptoRangriver。ThenSkarphedinnsaid，“Standwehereandlisten，andletusgostilly，forIhearthevoicesofmenupalongtheriver\'sbank。Butwillye，HelgiandGrim，dealwithLytingsingle-handed，orwithbothhisbrothers？“
TheysaidtheywouldsoonerdealwithLytingalone。
“Still，“saysSkarphedinn，“thereismoregameinhim，andmethinksitwereillifhegetsaway，butItrustmyselfbestfornotlettinghimescape。“
“Wewilltakesuchsteps，“saysHelgi，“ifwegetachanceathim，thatheshallnotslipthroughourfingers。“
Thentheywentthitherward，wheretheyheardthevoicesofmen，andseewhereLytingandhisbrothersarebyastream。
Skarphedinnleapsoverthestreamatonce，andalightsonthesandybrinkontheotherside。ThereuponitstandsHallgrimandhisbrother。SkarphedinnsmitesatHallgrim\'sthigh，sothathecutthelegcleanoff，buthegraspsHallsteinwithhislefthand。LytingthrustatSkarphedinn，butHelgicameupthenandthrewhisshieldbeforethespear，andcaughttheblowonit。
LytingtookupastoneandhurleditatSkarphedinn，andhelosthisholdonHallstein。Hallsteinsprangupthesandybank，butcouldgetupitinnootherwaythanbycrawlingonhishandsandknees。Skarphedinnmadeasideblowathimwithhisaxe，“theogressofwar，“andhewsasunderhisbackbone。NowLytingturnsandflies，butHelgiandGrimbothwentafterhim，andeachgavehimawound，butstillLytinggotacrosstheriverawayfromthem，andsotothehorses，andgallopstillhecomestoOssaby。
Hauskuldwasathome，andmeetshimatonce。Lytingtoldhimofthesedeeds。
“Suchthingsweretobelookedforbythee，“saysHauskuld。
“Thouhastbehavedlikeamadman，andherethetruthoftheoldsawwillbeproved；`butashortwhileishandfainofblow。\'
Methinkswhatthouhastgottolooktonowiswhetherthouwiltbeabletosavethylifeornot。“
“Sureenough，“saysLyting，“Ihadhardworktogetaway，butstillIwishnowthatthouwouldestgetmeatonedwithNjalandhissons，sothatImightkeepmyfarm。“
“Soitshallbe，“saysHauskuld。
AfterthatHauskuldmadethemsaddlehishorse，androdetoBergthorsknollwithfivemen。Njal\'ssonswerethencomehomeandhadlaidthemdowntosleep。
HauskuldwentatoncetoseeNjal，andtheybegantotalk。
“HitheramIcome，“saidHauskuldtoNjal，“tobegaboononbehalfofLyting，myuncle。Hehasdonegreatwickednessagainstyouandyours，brokenhisatonementandslainthyson。“
“Lytingwillperhapsthink，“saidNjal，“thathehasalreadypaidaheavyfineinthelossofhisbrothers，butifIgranthimanyterms，Ishalllethimreapthegoodofmyloveforthee，andI
willtelltheebeforeIuttertheawardofatonement，thatLyting\'sbrothersshallfallasoutlaws。NorshallLytinghaveanyatonementforhiswounds，butontheotherhand，heshallpaythefullblood-fineforHauskuld。“
“Mywish，“saidHauskuld，“is，thatthoushouldestmakethineownterms。“
“Well，“saysNjal，“thenIwilluttertheawardatonceifthouwilt。“
“Wiltthou，“saysHauskuld，“thatthysonsshouldbeby？“
“Thenweshouldbenoneareranatonementthanwewerebefore，“
saysNjal，“buttheywillkeeptotheatonementwhichIutter。“
ThenHauskuldsaid，“Letusclosethematterthen，andhandselhimpeaceonbehalfofthysons。“
“Soitshallbe，“saysNjal。“Mywillthenis，thathepaystwohundredinsilverfortheslayingofHauskuld，buthemaystilldwellatSamstede；andyetIthinkitwerewiserifhesoldhislandandchangedhisabode；butnotforthisquarrel；neitherI
normysonswillbreakourpledgesofpeacetohim；butmethinksitmaybethatsomeonemayriseupinthiscountryagainstwhomhemayhavetobeonhisguard。Yet，lestitshouldseemthatI
makeamananoutcastfromhisnativeplace，Iallowhimtobehereinthisneighbourhood，butinthatcasehealoneisanswerableforwhatmayhappen。“
AfterthatHauskuldfaredhome，andNjal\'ssonswokeupashewentandaskedtheirfatherwhohadcome，buthetoldthemthathisfoster-sonHauskuldhadbeenthere。
“HemusthavecometoaskaboonforLytingthen，“saidSkarphedinn。
“Soitwas，“saysNjal。
“Illwasitthen，“saysGrim。
“Hauskuldcouldnothavethrownhisshieldbeforehim，“saysNjal，“ifthouhadstslainhim，asitwasmeantthoushouldst。“
“Letusthrownoblameonourfather，“saysSkarphedinn。
Nowitistobesaidthatthisatonementwaskeptbetweenthemafterwards。
105。OFAMUNDTHEBLIND
ThateventhappenedthreewintersafterattheThingskala-ThingthatAmundtheBlindwasattheThing；hewasthesonofHauskuldNjal\'sson。Hemademenleadhimaboutamongthebooths，andsohecametotheboothinsidewhichwasLytingofSamstede。HemadethemleadhimintotheboothtillhecamebeforeLyting。
“IsLytingofSamstedehere？“heasked。
“Whatdostthouwant？“saysLyting。
“Iwanttoknow，“saysAmund，“whatatonementthouwiltpaymeformyfather。Iambase-born，andIhavetouchednofine。“
“Ihaveatonedfortheslayingofthyfather，“saysLyting，“withafullprice，andthyfather\'sfatherandthyfather\'sbrotherstookthemoney；butmybrothersfellwithoutapriceasoutlaws；
andsoitwasthatIhadbothdoneanilldeed，andpaiddearforit。“
“Iasknot，“saysAmund，“astothyhavingpaidanatonementtothem。Iknowthatyetwoarenowfriends，butIaskthis，whatatonementthouwiltpaytome？“
“Noneatall，“saysLyting。
“Icannotsee，“saysAmund，“howthoucansthaverightbeforeGod，whenthouhaststrickenmesoneartheheart；butallIcansayis，thatifIwereblessedwiththesightofbothmyeyes，I
wouldhaveeitheramoneyfineformyfather，orrevengemanforman，andsomayGodjudgebetweenus。“
Afterthathewentout；butwhenhecametothedoorofthebooth，heturnedshortroundtowardstheinside。Thenhiseyeswereopened，andhesaid，“PraisedbetheLord！NowIseewhathiswillis。“
WiththatheranstraightintotheboothuntilhecomesbeforeLyting，andsmiteshimwithanaxeonthehead，sothatitsunkinuptothehammer，andgivestheaxeapulltowardshim。
Lytingfellforwardsandwasdeadatonce。
Amundgoesouttothedoorofthebooth，andwhenhegottotheverysamespotonwhichhehadstoodwhenhiseyeswereopened，lo！theywereshutagain，andhewasblindallhislifeafter。
ThenhemadethemleadhimtoNjalandhissons，andhetoldthemofLyting\'sslaying。
“Thoumayestnotbeblamedforthis，“saysNjal，“forsuchthingsaresettledbyahigherpower；butitisworthwhiletotakewarningfromsuchevents，lestwecutanyshortwhohavesuchnearclaimsasAmundhad。“
AfterthatNjalofferedanatonementtoLyting\'skinsmen。
HauskuldthePriestofWhitenesshadashareinbringingLyting\'skinsmentotakethefine，andthenthematterwasputtoanaward，andhalfthefinesfellawayforthesakeoftheclaimwhichheseemedtohaveonLyting。
Afterthatmencameforwardwithpledgesofpeaceandgoodfaith，andLyting\'skinsmengrantedpledgestoAmund。MenrodehomefromtheThing；andnowallisquietforalongwhile。
106。OFVALGARDTHEGUILEFUL
ValgardtheGuilefulcamebacktoIcelandthatsummer；hewasthenstillheathen。HefaredtoHoftohissonMord\'shouse，andwastherethewinterover。HesaidtoMord，“HereIhaveriddenfarandwideallovertheneighbourhood，andmethinksIdonotknowitforthesame。IcametoWhiteness，andthereIsawmanytoftsofboothsandmuchgroundlevelledforbuilding。IcametoThingskala-Thing，andthereIsawallourboothsbrokendown。
Whatisthemeaningofsuchstrangethings？
“Newpriesthoods，“answersMord，“havebeensetuphere，andalawforaFifthCourt，andmenhavedeclaredthemselvesoutofmyThing，andhavegoneovertoHauskuld\'sThing。“
“Illhastthourepaidme，“saidValgard，“forgivinguptotheemypriesthood，whenthouhasthandleditsolittlelikeaman，andnowmywishisthatthoushouldstpaythemoffbysomethingthatwilldragthemalldowntodeath；andthisthoucanstdobysettingthembytheearsbytalebearing，sothatNjal\'ssonsmayslayHauskuld；buttherearemanywhowillhavetheblood-feudafterhim，andsoNjal\'ssonswillbeslaininthatquarrel。“
“Ishallneverbeabletogetthatdone，“saysMord。
“Iwillgivetheeaplan，“saysValgard；“thoushaltaskNjal\'ssonstothyhouse，andsendthemawaywithgifts，butthoushaltkeepthytale-bearinginthebackgrounduntilgreatfriendshiphassprungupbetweenyou，andtheytrusttheenoworsethantheirownselves。SowiltthoubeabletoavengethyselfonSkarphedinnforthathetookthymoneyfromtheeafterGunnar\'sdeath；andinthiswise，furtheron，thouwiltbeabletoseizetheleadershipwhentheyarealldeadandgone。“
Thisplantheysettledbetweenthemshouldbebroughttopass；
andMordsaid，“Iwould，father，thatthouwouldsttakeontheethenewfaith。Thouartanoldman。
“Iwillnotdothat，“saysValgard。“Iwouldratherthatthoushouldstcastoffthefaith，andseewhatfollowsthen。“
Mordsaidhewouldnotdothat。ValgardbrokecrossesbeforeMord\'sface，andallholytokens。AlittleafterValgardtookasicknessandbreathedhislast，andhewaslaidinacairnbyHof。
107。OFMORDANDNJAL\'SSONS
SomewhileafterMordrodetoBergthorsknollandsawSkarphedinnthere；hefellintoveryfairwordswiththem，andsohetalkedthewholeday，andsaidhewishedtobegoodfriendswiththem，andtoseemuchofthem。
Skarphedinntookitallwell，butsaidhehadneversoughtforanythingofthekindbefore。Soitcameaboutthathegothimselfintosuchgreatfriendshipwiththem，thatneithersidethoughttheyhadtakenanygoodcounselunlesstheotherhadashareinit。
Njalalwaysdislikedhiscomingthither，anditoftenhappenedthathewasangrywithhim。
IthappenedonedaythatMordcametoBergthorsknoll，andMordsaidtoNjal\'ssons，“Ihavemadeupmymindtogiveafeastyonder，andImeantodrinkinmyheirshipaftermyfather，buttothatfeastIwishtobidyou，Njal\'ssons，andKari；andatthesametimeIgiveyoumywordthatyeshallnotfareawaygiftless。“
Theypromisedtogo，andnowhefareshomeandmakesreadythefeast。Hebadetoitmanyhouseholders，andthatfeastwasverycrowded。
ThithercameNjal\'ssonsandKari。MordgaveSkarphedinnabroochofgold，andasilverbelttoKari，andgoodgiftstoGrimandHelgi。
Theycomehomeandboastofthesegifts，andshowthemtoNjal。
Hesaidtheywouldbeboughtfulldear，“andtakeheedthatyedonotrepaythegiverinthecoinwhichhenodoubtwishestoget。“
108。OFTHESLANDEROFMORDVALGARD\'SSON。
AlittleafterNjal\'ssonsandHauskuldweretohavetheiryearlyfeasts，andtheywerethefirsttobidHauskuldtocometothem。
Skarphedinnhadabrownhorsefourwintersold，bothtallandsightly。Hewasastallion，andhadneveryetbeenmatchedinfight。ThathorseSkarphedinngavetoHauskuld，andalongwithhimtwomares。TheyallgaveHauskuldgifts，andassuredhimoftheirfriendship。
AfterthatHauskuldbadethemtohishouseatOssaby，andhadmanygueststomeetthem，andagreatcrowd。
Ithappenedthathehadjustthentakendownhishall，buthehadbuiltthreeouthouses，andtherethebedsweremade。
Soallthatwerebiddencame，andthefeastwentoffverywell。
ButwhenmenweretogohomeHauskuldpickedoutgoodgiftsforthem，andwentapartofthewaywithNjal\'ssons。
ThesonsofSigfusfollowedhimandallthecrowd，andbothsidessaidthatnothingshouldevercomebetweenthemtospoiltheirfriendship。
AlittlewhileafterMordcametoOssabyandcalledHauskuldouttotalkwithhim，andtheywentasideandspoke。
“Whatadifferenceinmanlinessthereis，“saidMord，“betweentheeandNjal\'ssons！Thougavestthemgoodgifts，buttheygavetheegiftswithgreatmockery。“
“Howmakestthouthatout？“saysHauskuld。
“Theygavetheeahorsewhichtheycalleda`darkhorse，\'andthattheydidoutofmockerytothee，becausetheythoughttheetoountried。Icantelltheealsothattheyenvytheethepriesthood。SkarphedinntookitupashisownattheThingwhenthoucamestnottotheThingatthesummoningoftheFifthCourt，andSkarphedinnnevermeanstoletitgo。“
“Thatisnottrue，“saysHauskuld，“forIgotitbackattheFolkmotelastharvest。“
“ThenthatwasNjal\'sdoing，“saysMord。“Theybroke，too，theatonementaboutLyting。“
“Idonotmeantolaythatattheirdoor，“saysHauskuld。
“Well，“saysMord，“thoucanstnotdenythatwhenyetwo，Skarphedinnandthou，weregoingeasttowardsMarkfleet，anaxefelloutfromunderhisbelt，andhemeanttohaveslaintheethenandthere。“
“Itwashiswoodman\'saxe，“saysHauskuld，“andIsawhowheputitunderhisbelt；andnow，Mord，Iwilljusttelltheethisrightout，thatthoucanstneversaysomuchillofNjal\'ssonsastomakemebelieveit；butthoughtherewereaughtinit，anditweretrueasthousayest，thateitherImustslaythemortheyme，thenwouldIfarrathersufferdeathattheirhandsthanworkthemanyharm。Butasforthee，thouartalltheworseamanforhavingspokenthis。“
AfterthatMordfareshome。AlittleafterMordgoestoseeNjal\'ssons，andhetalksmuchwiththosebrothersandKari。
“Ihavebeentold，“saysMord，“thatHauskuldhassaidthatthou，Skarphedinn，hastbrokentheatonementmadewithLyting；butI
wasmadeawarealsothathethoughtthatthouhadstmeantsometreacheryagainsthimwhenyetwofaredtoMarkfleet。Butstill，methinksthatwasnolesstreacherywhenhebadeyoutoafeastathishouse，andstowedyouawayinanouthousethatwasfarthestfromthehouse，andwoodwasthenheapedroundtheouthouseallnight，andhemeanttoburnyouallinside；butitsohappenedthatHogniGunnar\'ssoncamethatnight，andnaughtcameoftheironslaught，fortheywereafraidofhim。Afterthathefollowedyouonyourwayandgreatbandofmenwithhim，thenhemeanttomakeanotheronslaughtonyou，andsetGraniGunnar\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'ssontokillthee；buttheirheartsfailedthem，andtheydarednottofallonthee。“
Butwhenhehadspokenthus，firstofalltheyspokeagainstit，buttheendofitwasthattheybelievedhim，andfromthatdayforthacoldnesssprungupontheirparttowardsHauskuld，andtheyscarcelyeverspoketohimwhentheymet；butHauskuldshowedthemlittledeference，andsothingswentonforawhile。
NextharvestHauskuldfaredeasttoSwinefelltoafeast，andFlosigavehimaheartywelcome。Hildigunnawastheretoo。ThenFlosispoketoHauskuldandsaid，“HildigunnatellsmethatthereisgreatcoldnesswithyouandNjal\'ssons，andmethinksthatisill，andIwillbegtheenottoridewest，butIwillgettheeahomesteadinSkaptarfell，andIwillsendmybrother，Thorgeir，todwellatOssaby。“
“Thensomewillsay，“saysHauskuld，“thatIamflyingthenceforfear\'ssake，andthatIwillnothavesaid。“
“Thenitismorelikelythatgreattroublewillarise，“saysFlosi。
“Illisthatthen，“saysHauskuld，“forIwouldratherfallunatoned，thanthatmanyshouldreapillformysake。“
Hauskuldbuskedhimtoridehomeafewnightsafter，butFlosigavehimascarletcloak，anditwasembroideredwithneedleworkdowntothewaist。
HauskuldrodehometoOssaby，andnowallisquietforawhile。
Hauskuldwassomuchbelovedthatfewmenwerehisfoes，butthesameill-willwentonbetweenhimandNjal\'ssonsthewholewinterthrough。
Njalhadtakenashisfoster-child，Thord，thesonofKari。HehadalsofosteredThorhall，thesonofAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson。
Thorhallwasastrongman，andhardybothinbodyandmind，hehadlearntsomuchlawthathewasthethirdgreatestlawyerinIceland。
Nextspringwasanearlyspring，andmenarebusysowingtheircorn。
109。OFMORDANDNJAL\'SSONS
IthappenedonedaythatMordcametoBerathorsknoll。HeandKariandNjal\'ssonsfella-talkingatonce，andMordslandersHauskuldafterhiswont，andhasnowmanynewtalestotell，anddoesnaughtbuteggSkarphedinnandthemontoslayHauskuld，andsaidhewouldbebeforehandwiththemiftheydidnotfallonhimatonce。
“Iwilllettheehavethywayinthis，“saysSkarphedinn，“ifthouwiltfarewithus，andhavesomehandinit。“
“ThatIamreadytodo，“saysMord，andsotheyboundthatfastwithpromises，andhewastocometherethatevening。
BergthoraaskedNjal，“Whataretheytalkingaboutoutofdoors？“
“Iamnotintheircounsels，“saysNjal，“butIwasseldomleftoutofthemwhentheirplansweregood。“
Skarphedinndidnotliedowntorestthatevening，norhisbrothers，norKari。
Thatsamenight，whenitwaswell-nighspent，cameMordValgard\'sson，andNjal\'ssonsandKaritooktheirweaponsandrodeaway。
TheyfaredtilltheycametoOssaby，andbidedtherebyafence。
Theweatherwasgood，andthesunjustrisen。
110。THESLAYINGOFHAUSKULD，THEPRIESTOFWHITENESS
AboutthattimeHauskuld，thePriestofWhiteness，awoke；heputonhisclothes，andthrewoverhimhiscloak，Flosi\'sgift。Hetookhiscorn-sieve，andhadhisswordinhisotherhand，andwalkstowardsthefence，andsowsthecornashegoes。
Skarphedinnandhisbandhadagreedthattheywouldallgivehimawound。Skarphedinnsprangupfrombehindthefence，butwhenHauskuldsawhimhewantedtoturnaway，thenSkarphedinnranuptohimandsaid，“Don\'ttrytoturnonthyheel，Whitenesspriest，“andhewsathim，andtheblowcameonhishead，andhefellonhisknees。Hauskuldsaidthesewordswhenhefell，“Godhelpme，andforgiveyou！“
Thentheyallranuptohimandgavehimwounds。
AfterthatMordsaid，“Aplancomesintomymind。“
“Whatisthat？“saysSkarphedinn。
“ThatIshallfarehomeassoonasIcan，butafterthatIwillfareuptoGritwater，andtellthemthetidings，andsay\'tisanilldeed；butIknowsurelythatThorgerdawillaskmetogivenoticeoftheslaying，andIwilldothat，forthatwillbethesurestwaytospoiltheirsuit。IwillalsosendamantoOssabyandknowhowsoontheytakeanycounselinthematter，andthatmanwilllearnallthesetidingsthence，andIwillmakebelievethatIhaveheardthemfromhim。“
“Dosobyallmeans，“saysSkarphedinn。
Thosebrothersfaredhome，andKariwiththem，andwhentheycamehometheytoldNjalthetidings。
“Sorrowfultidingsarethese，“saysNjal，“andsuchareilltohear，forsoothtosaythisgrieftouchesmesonearly，thatmethinksitwerebettertohavelosttwoofmysonsandthatHauskuldlived。“
“Itissomeexcuseforthee，“saysSkarphedinn，“thatthouartanoldman，anditistobelookedforthatthistouchestheenearly。“
“Butthis，“saysNjal，“nolessthanoldage，iswhyIgrieve，thatIknowbetterthanthouwhatwillcomeafter。“
“Whatwillcomeafter？“saysSkarphedinn。
“Mydeath，“saysNjal，“andthedeathofmywifeandofallmysons。“
“Whatdostthouforetellforme？“saysKari。
“Theywillhavehardworktogoagainstthygoodfortune，forthouwiltbemorethanamatchforallofthem。“
ThisonethingtouchedNjalsonearlythathecouldneverspeakofitwithoutsheddingtears。
111。OFHILDIGNNAANDMORDVALGARD\'SSON
HildigunnawokeupandfoundthatHauskuldwasawayoutofhisbed。
“Hardhavebeenmydreams，“shesaid，“andnotgood；butgoandsearchforhim，Hauskuld。“
Sotheysearchedforhimaboutthehomesteadandfoundhimnot。
Bythattimeshehaddressedherself；thenshegoesandtwomenwithher，tothefence，andtheretheyfindHauskuldslain。
Justthen，too，cameupMordValgard\'sson\'sshepherd，andtoldherthatNjal\'ssonshadgonedownthence，“and，“hesaid，“Skarphedinncalledouttomeandgavenoticeoftheslayingasdonebyhim。“
“Itwereamanlydeed，“shesays，“ifonemanhadbeenatit。“
Shetookthecloakandwipedoffallthebloodwithit，andwrappedthegoutsofgoreupinit，andsofoldedittogetherandlaiditupinherchest。
NowshesentamanuptoGritwatertotellthetidingsthither，butMordwastherebeforehim，andhadalreadytoldthetidings。
There，too，wascomeKettleoftheMark。
ThorgerdasaidtoKettle，“NowisHauskulddeadasweknow，andnowbearinmindwhatthoupromisedsttodowhenthoutookesthimforthyfosterchild。“
“Itmaywellbe，“saysKettle，“thatIpromisedverymanythingsthen，forIthoughtnotthatthesedayswouldeverbefallusthathavenowcometopass；butyetIamcomeintoastrait，for`noseisnextofkintoeyes，\'sinceIhaveNjal\'sdaughtertowife。“
“Artthouwilling，then，“saysThorgerda，“thatMordshouldgivenoticeofthesuitfortheslaying？“
“Iknownotthat，“saysKettle，“formeillcomesfromhimmoreoftenthangood。“
ButassoonaseverMordbegantospeaktoKettlehefaredthesameasothers，inthathethoughtasthoughMordwouldbetruetohim，andsotheendoftheircounselwasthatMordshouldgivenoticeoftheslaying，andgetreadythesuitineverywaybeforetheThing。
ThenMordfareddowntoOssaby，andthithercamenineneighbourswhodweltnearestthespot。
Mordhadtenmenwithhim。HeshowstheneighboursHauskuld\'swounds，andtakeswitnesstothehurts，andnamesamanasthedealerofeverywoundsaveone；thathemadeasthoughheknewnotwhohaddealtit，butthatwoundhehaddealthimself。ButtheslayinghegavenoticeofatSkarphedinn\'shand，andthewoundsathisbrothers\'andKari\'s。
AfterthathecalledonnineneighbourswhodweltnearestthespottorideawayfromhometotheAlthingontheinquest。
Afterthatherodehome。HescarceevermetNjal\'ssons，andwhenhedidmeetthem，hewascross，andthatwaspartoftheirplan。
TheslayingofHauskuldwasheardoveralltheland，andwasill-spokenof。Njal\'ssonswenttoseeAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andaskedhimforaid。
“YeverywellknowthatyemaylookthatIshallhelpyouinallgreatsuits，butstillmyheartisheavyaboutthissuit，fortherearemanywhohavethebloodfeud，andthisslayingisill-
spokenofoveralltheland。“
NowNjal\'ssonsfarehome。
112。THEPEDIGREEOFGUDMUNDTHEPOWERFUL
TherewasamannamedGudmundthePowerful，whodweltatModruvaleinEyjafirth。HewasthesonofEyjolfthesonofEinar1。Gudmundwasamightychief，wealthyingoods；hehadinhishouseahundredhiredservants。Heoverboreinrankandweightallthechiefsinthenorthcountry，sothatsomelefttheirhomesteads，butsomeheputtodeath，andsomegaveuptheirpriesthoodsforhissake，andfromhimarecomethegreatestpartofallthepickedandfamousfamiliesintheland，suchas“thePointdwellers“andthe“Sturlungs“andthe“Hvamdwellers，“andthe“Fleetmen，“andKettletheBishop，andmanyofthegreatestmen。
GudmundwasafriendofAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andsohehopedtogethishelp。
ENDNOTES:
1EinarwasthesonofAuduntheBald，thesonofThorolfButter，thesonofThorsteintheUnstable，thesonofGrimwiththeTuft。ThemotherofGudmundwasHallberg，thedaughterofThoroddHelm，butthemotherofHallberawasReginleifa，daughterofSaemundtheSouth-islander；afterhimisnamedSaemundslitheinSkagafirth。ThemotherofEyjolf，Gudmund\'sfather，wasValgerdaRunolf\'sdaughter；
themotherofValgerdawasValbjorg，hermotherwasJorunatheDisowned，adaughterofKingOswaldtheSaint。ThemotherofEinar，thefatherofEyjolf，wasHelga，adaughterofHelgitheLean，whotookEyjafirthasthefirstsettler。
HelgiwasthesonofEyvindtheEasterling。ThemotherofHelgiwasRaforta，thedaughterofKjarval，theErseKing。
ThemotherofHelgaHelgi\'sdaughter，wasThorunatheHorned，daughterofKettleFlatnose，thesonofBjorntheRough-footed，thesonofGrim，LordofSogn。ThemotherofGrimwasHervora，butthemotherofHervorawasThorgerda，daughterofKingHaleygofHelgeland。ThorlaugawasthenameofGudmundthePowerful\'swife，shewasadaughterofAtlitheStrong，thesonofEiliftheEagle。thesonofBard，thesonofJalkettle，thesonofRef，thesonofSkiditheOld。HerdisawasthenameofThorlauga\'smother，adaughterofThordoftheHead，thesonofBjornButter-
carrier，thesonofHroaldthesonofHrodlaugtheSad，thesonofBjornIronside，thesonofRagnarHairybreeks，thesonofSigurdRing，thesonofRandver，thesonofRadbard。
ThemotherofHerdisaThord\'sdaughterwasThorgerdaSkidi\'sdaughter，hermotherwasFridgerda，adaughterofKjarval，theErseKing。
113。OFSNORRITHEPRIEST，ANDHISSTOCK
TherewasamannamedSnorri，whowassurnamedthePriest。HedweltatHelgafellbeforeGudrunaOswif\'sdaughterboughtthelandofhim，anddwelttheretillshediedofoldage；butSnorrithenwentanddweltatHvamsfirthonSaelingdale\'stongue。
ThorgrimwasthenameofSnorri\'sfather，andhewasasonofThorsteincodcatcher1。SnorriwasagreatfriendofAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andhelookedforhelptherealso。SnorriwasthewisestandshrewdestofallthesemeninIcelandwhohadnotthegiftofforesight。Hewasgoodtohisfriends，butgrimtohisfoes。
AtthattimetherewasagreatridingtotheThingoutofalltheQuarters，andmenhadmanysuitssetonfoot。
ENDNOTES:
1ThorsteinCodcatcherwasthesonofThorolfMostrarskegg，thesonofOrnolfFish-driver，butAritheWisewayshewasthesonofThorgilReydarside。ThorolfMostrarskegghadtowifeOska，thedaughterofThorsteintheRed。ThemotherofThorgrimwasnamedThora，adaughterofOleiftheShy，thesonofThorsteintheRed，thesonofOleiftheWhite，thesonofIngialld，thesonofHelgi；butthemotherofIngialldwasThora，adaughterofSigurdSnake-eye，sonofRagnarHairybreeks；butthemotherofSnorrithePriestwasThordisa，thedaughterofSur，andthesisterofGisli。
114。OFFLOSITHORD\'SSON
FlosihearsofHauskuld\'sslaying，andthatbringshimmuchgriefandwrath，butstillhekepthisfeelingswellinhand。Hewastoldhowthesuithadbeensetonfoot，ashasbeensaid，forHauskuld\'sslaying，andhesaidlittleaboutit。HesentwordtoHalloftheSide，hisfather-in-law，andtoLjothisson，thattheymustgatherinagreatcompanyattheThing。Ljotwasthoughtthemosthopefulmanforachiefawaythereeast。IthadbeenforetoldthatifhecouldridethreesummersrunningtotheThing，andcomesafeandsoundhome，thatthenhewouldbethegreatestchiefinallhisfamily，andtheoldestman。HehadthenriddenonesummertotheThing，andnowhemeanttoridethesecondtime。
FlosisentwordtoKolThorstein\'sson，andGlumthesonofHilldirtheOld，thesonofGerleif，thesonofAunundWallet-
back，andtoModolfKettle\'sson，andtheyallrodetomeetFlosi。
Hallgavehisword，too，togatheragreatcompany，andFlosirodetillhecametoKirkby，toSurtAsbjorn\'sson。ThenFlosisentafterKolbeinEgil\'sson，hisbrother\'sson，andhecametohimthere。ThenceherodetoHeadbrink。TheredweltThorgrimtheShowy，thesonofThorkeltheFair。FlosibeggedhimtoridetotheAlthingwithhim，andhesaidyeatothejourney，andspokethustoFlosi，“Oftenhastthoubeenmoreglad，master，thanthouartnow，butthouhastsomerighttobeso。“
“Ofatruth，“saidFlosi，“thathathnowcomeonmyhands，whichIwouldgiveallmygoodsthatithadneverhappened。Illseedhasbeensown，andsoanillcropwillspringfromit。“
ThenceherodeoverAmstacksheath，andsotoSolheimthatevening。TheredweltLodmundWolf\'sson，buthewasagreatfriendofFlosi，andtherehestayedthatnight，andnextmorningLodmundrodewithhimintotheDale。