TheredweltRunoIf，thesonofWolfAurpriest。
FlosisaidtoRunolf，“HereweshallhavetruestoriesastotheslayingofHauskuld，thePriestofWhiteness。Thouartatruthfulman，andhastgotatthetruthbyasking，andIwilltrusttoallthatthoutellestmeastowhatwasthecauseofquarrelbetweenthem。“
“Thereisnogoodinmincingthematter，“saidRunolf，“butwemustsayoutrightthathehasbeenslainforlessthannocause；
andhisdeathisagreatgrieftoallmen。NoonethinksitsomuchalossasNjal，hisfoster-father。“
“Thentheywillbeilloffforhelpfrommen，“saysFlosi；“andtheywillfindnoonetospeakupforthem。“
“Soitwillbe，“saysRunolf，“unlessitbeotherwiseforedoomed。“
“Whathasbeendoneinthesuit？“saysFlosi。
“Nowtheneighbourshavebeensummonedontheinquest，“saysRunolf，“andduenoticegivenofthesuitformanslaughter。“
“Whotookthatstep？“asksFlosi。
“MordValgard\'sson，“saysRunolf。
“Howfaristhattobetrusted？“saysFlosi。
“Heisofmykin，“saysRunolf；“butstillifItellthetruthofhim，Imustsaythatmoremenreapillthangoodfromhim。ButthisonethingIwillaskofthee，Flosi，thatthougivestresttothywrath，andtakestthematterupinsuchawayasmayleadtotheleasttrouble。ForNjalwillmakeagoodoffer，andsowillothersofthebestmen。“
“RidethouthentotheThing，Runolf，“saidFlosi，“andthywordsshallhavemuchweightwithme，unlessthingsturnoutworsethantheyshould。“
Afterthattheyceasespeakingaboutit，andRunolfpromisedtogototheThing。
RunolfsentwordtoHafrtheWise，hiskinsman，andherodethitheratonce。
ThenceFlosirodetoOssaby。
115。OFFLOSIANDHILDIGUNNA
Hildigunnawasoutofdoors，andsaid，“NowshallallthemenofmyhouseholdbeoutofdoorswhenFlosiridesintotheyard；butthewomenshallsweepthehouseanddeckitwithhangings，andmakereadythehighseatforFlosi。“
ThenFlosirodeintothetown，andHildigunnaturnedtohimandsaid，“Comeinsafeandsoundandhappykinsman，andmyheartisfainatthycominghither。“
“Here，“saysFlosi，“wewillbreakourfast，andthenwewillrideon。“
Thentheirhorsesweretethered，andFlosiwentintothesitting-
roomandsathimdown，andspurnedthehighseatawayfromhimonthedais，andsaid，“Iamneitherkingnorearl，andthereisnoneedtomakeahighseatformetositon，noristhereanyneedtomakeamockofme。“
Hildigunnawasstandingcloseby，andsaid，“Itisillifitmislikesthee，forthiswedidwithawholeheart。“
“Ifthyheartiswholetowardsme，thenwhatIdowillpraiseitselfifitbewelldone，butitwillblameitselfifitbeilldone。“
Hildigunnalaughedacoldlaugh，andsaid，“Thereisnothingnewinthat，wewillgoneareryeterewehavedone。“
ShesatherdownbyFlosi，andtheytalkedlongandlow。
Afterthattheboardwaslaid，andFlosiandhisbandwashedtheirhands。Flosilookedhardatthetowelandsawthatitwasallinrags，andhadoneendtornoff。Hethrewitdownonthebenchandwouldnotwipehimselfwithit，buttoreoffapieceofthetablecloth，andwipedhimselfwiththat，andthenthrewittohismen。
AfterthatFlosisatdowntotheboardandbademeneat。
ThenHildigunnacameintotheroomandwentbeforeFlosi，andthrewherhairoffhereyesandwept。
“Heavy-heartedartthounow，kinswoman，“saidFlosi，“whenthouweepest，butstillitiswellthatthoushouldstweepforagoodhusband。“
“WhatvengeanceorhelpshallIhaveofthee？“shesays。
“Iwillfollowupthysuit，“saidFlosi，“totheutmostlimitofthelaw，orstriveforthatatonementwhichgoodmenandtrueshallsaythatweoughttohaveasfullamends。“
“Hauskuldwouldavengethee，“shesaid，“ifhehadtheblood-feudafterthee。“
“Thoulackestnotgrimness，“answeredFlosi，“andwhatthouwantestisplain。“
“ArnorOrnolf\'sson，ofForswaterwood，“saidHildigunna，“haddonelesswrongtowardsThordFrey\'spriestthyfather；andyetthybrothersKolbeinandEgilslewhimatSkaptarfells-Thing。“
ThenHildigunnawentbackintothehallandunlockedherchest，andthenshetookoutthecloak，Flosi\'sgift，andinitHauskuldhadbeenslain，andthereshehadkeptit，bloodandall。Thenshewentbackintothesitting-roomwiththeCloak；shewentupsilentlytoFlosi。Flosihadjusttheneatenhisfull，andtheboardwascleared。HildigunnathrewthecloakoverFlosi，andthegorerattleddownalloverhim。
Thenshespokeandsaid，“Thiscloak，Flosi，thougavesttoHauskuld，andnowIwillgiveitbacktothee；hewasslaininit，andIcallGodandallgoodmentowitness，thatIabjurethee，byallthemightofthyChrist，andbythymanhoodandbravery，totakevengeanceforallthosewoundswhichhehadonhisdeadbody，orelsetobecalledeveryman\'sdastard。“
Flosithrewthecloakoffhimandhurleditintoherlap，andsaid，“Thouartthegreatesthell-hag，andthouwishestthatweshouldtakethatcoursewhichwillbetheworstforallofus。
But`women\'scounselisevercruel。\'“
Flosiwassostirredatthis，thatsometimeshewasbloodredintheface，andsometimesashypaleaswitheredgrass，andsometimesblueasdeath。
Flosiandhismenrodeaway；herodetoHoltford，andtherewaitsforthesonsofSigfusandotherofhismen。
IngiallddweltattheSprings；hewasthebrotherofRodny，HauskuldNjal\'sson\'smother1。IngialldhadtowifeThraslauga，thedaughterofEgil，thesonofThordFrey\'spriest2。FlosisentwordtoIngialldtocometohim，andIngialldwentatonce，withfourteenmen。Theywereallofhishousehold。
Ingialldwasatallmanandastrong，andslowtomeddlewithothermen\'sbusiness，oneofthebravestofmen，andverybountifultohisfriends。
Flosigreetedhimwell，andsaidtohim，“Greattroublehathnowcomeonmeandmybrothers-in-law，anditishardtoseeourwayoutofit；Ibeseechtheenottopartfrommysuituntilthistroubleispastandgone。“
“Iamcomeintoastraitmyself，“saidIngialld，“forthesakeofthetiesthattherearebetweenmeandNjalandhissons，andothergreatmatterswhichstandintheway。“
“Ithought，“saidFlosi，“whenIgaveawaymybrother\'sdaughtertothee，thatthougavestmethywordtostandbymeineverysuit。“
“Itismostlikely，“saysIngialld，“thatIshalldoso，butstillIwillnow，firstofall，ridehome，andthencetotheThing。“
ENDNOTES:
1TheywerechildrenofHauskuldtheWhite，thesonofIngialldtheStrong，thesonofGerfinntheRed，thesonofSolvi，thesonofTborsteinBaresarks-bane。
2ThemotherofEgilwasThraslauga，thedaughterofThorsteinTitling；themotherofThraslaugawasUnna，thedaughterofEyvindKarf。
116。OFFLOSIANDMORDANDTHESONSOFSIGFUS
ThesonsofSigfusheardhowFlosiwasatHoltford，andtheyrodethithertomeethim，andtherewereKettleoftheMark，andLambihisbrother，ThorkellandMord，thesonsofSigfus，Sigmundtheirbrother，andLambiSigurd\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'sson，andGraniGunnar\'sson，andVebrandHamond\'sson。
Flosistooduptomeetthem，andgreetedthemgladly。Sotheywentdowntheriver。Flosihadthewholestoryfromthemabouttheslaying，andtherewasnodifferencebetweenthemandKettleoftheMark\'sstory。
FlosispoketoKettleoftheMark，andsaid，“ThisnowIaskofthee；howtightlyareyourheartsknitastothissuit，thouandtheothersonsofSigfus？“
“Mywishis，“saidKettle，“thatthereshouldbepeacebetweenus，butyetIhaveswornanoathnottopartfromthissuittillithasbeenbroughtsomehowtoanend；andtolaymylifeonit。“
“Thouartagoodmanandtrue，“saidFlosi，“anditiswelltohavesuchmenwithone。“
ThenGraniGunnar\'ssonandLambiSigurd\'ssonbothspoketogether，andsaid，“Wewishforoutlawryanddeath。“
“Itisnotgivenus，“saidFlosi，“bothtoshareandchoose，wemusttakewhatwecanget。“
“Ihavehaditinmyheart，“saysGrani，“eversincetheyslewThrainbyMarkfleet，andafterthathissonHauskuld，nevertobeatonedwiththembyalastingpeace，forIwouldwillinglystandbywhentheywereallslain，everymanofthem。“
“Thouhaststoodsoneartothem，“saidFlosi，“thatthoumightesthaveavengedthesethingshadstthouhadtheheartandmanhood。Methinksthouandmanyothersnowaskforwhatyewouldgivemuchmoneyhereafternevertohavehadasharein。Iseethisclearly，thatthoughweslayNjalorhissons，stilltheyaremenofsogreatworth，andofsuchgoodfamily，thattherewillbesuchabloodfeudandhueandcryafterthem，thatweshallhavetofallonourkneesbeforemanyaman，andbegforhelp，erewegetanatonementandfindourwayoutofthisstrait。Yemaymakeupyourminds，then，thatmanywillbecomepoorwhobeforehadgreatgoods，butsomeofvouwilllosebothgoodsandlife。“
MordValgard\'ssonrodetomeetFlosi，andsaidhewouldridetotheThingwithhimwithallhismen。Flositookthatwell，andraisedamatterofaweddingwithhim，thatheshouldgiveawayRannveigahisdaughtertoStarkadFlosi\'sbrother\'sson，whodweltatStaffell。Flosididthisbecausehethouohthewouldsomakesurebothofhisfaithfulnessandforce。
Mordtooktheweddingkindly，buthandedthematterovertoGizurtheWhite，andbadehimtalkaboutitattheThing。
MordhadtowifeThorkatla，GizurtheWhite\'sdaughter。
Theytwo，MordandFlosi，rodebothtogethertotheThing，andtalkedthewholeday，andnomanknewaughtoftheircounsel。
117。NJALANDSKARPHEDINNTALKTOGETHER
Now，wemustsayhowNjalsaidtoSkarphedinn。
“Whatplanhaveyelaiddownforyourselves，thouandthybrothersandKari？“
“Littlereckweofdreamsinmostmatters，“saidSkarphedinn；
“butifthoumustknow，weshallridetoTonguetoAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andthencetotheThing；but，whatmeanestthoutodoaboutthineownjourney，father？“
“IshallridetotheThing，“saysNjal，“foritbelongstomyhonournottobeseveredfromyoursuitsolongasIlive。I
weenthatmanymenwillhavegoodwordstosayofme，andsoI
shallstandyouingoodstead，anddoyounoharm。“
There，too，wasThorhallAsgrim\'sson，andNjal\'sfosterson。ThesonsofNjallaughedathimbecausehewascladinacoatofrusset，andaskedhowlonghemeanttowearthat？
“Ishallhavethrownitoff，“hesaid，“whenIhavetofollowuptheblood-feudformyfoster-father。“
“Therewilleverbemostgoodinthee，“saidNjal，“whenthereismostneedofit。“
Sotheyallbuskedthemtorideawayfromhome，andwerenighthirtymeninall，androdetilltheycametoThursowater。ThencameafterthemNjal\'skinsmen，ThorleifCrow，andThorgrimtheBig；theywereHolt-Thorir\'ssons，andofferedtheirhelpandfollowingtoNjal\'ssons，andtheytookthatgladly。
SotheyrodealtogetheracrossThursowater，untiltheycameonLaxwaterbank，andtookarestandbaitedtheirhorsesthere，andthereHjalltiSkeggi\'ssoncametomeetthem，andNjal\'ssonsfelltotalkingwithhim，andtheytalkedlongandlow。
“Now，Iwillshow，“saidHjallti，“thatIamnotblackhearted；
Njalhasaskedmeforhelp，andIhaveagreedtoit，andgivenmywordtoaidhim；hehasoftengivenmeandmanyotherstheworthofitincunningcounsel。“
HjalltitellsNjalallaboutFlosi\'sdoings。TheysentThorhallontoTonguetotellAsgrimthattheywouldbetherethatevening；andAsgrimmadereadyatonce，andwasoutofdoorstomeetthemwhenNjalrodeintothetown。“
Njalwascladinabluecape，andhadafelthatonhishead，andasmallaxeinhishand。AsgrimhelpedNjaloffhishorse，andledhimandsatehimdowninhisownseat。Afterthattheyallwentin，Njal\'ssonsandKari。ThenAsgrimwentout。
Hjalltiwishedtoturnaway，andthoughtthereweretoomanythere；butAsgrimcaughtholdofhisreins，andsaidheshouldneverhavehiswayinridingoff，andmademenunsaddletheirhorses，andledHjalltiinandsatehimdownbyNjal\'sside；butThorleifandhisbrothersatontheotherbenchandtheirmenwiththem。
AsgrimsatehimdownonastoolbeforeNjal，andasked，“Whatsaysthyheartaboutourmatter？“
“Itspeaksratherheavily，“saysNjal，“forIamafraidthatweshallhavenoluckymenwithusinthesuit；butIwould，friend，thatthoushouldestsendafterallthemenwhobelongtothyThing，andridetotheAlthingwithme。“
“Ihavealwaysmeanttodothat，“saysAsgrim；“andthisIwillpromisetheeatthesametime，thatIwillneverleavethycausewhileIcangetanymentofollowme。“
Butallthosewhowereinthehousethankedhim，andsaidthatwasbravelyspoken。Theyweretherethatnight，butthedayafterallAsgrim\'sbandcamethither。
AndafterthattheyallrodetogethertilltheycomeupontheThing-field，andfituptheirbooths。
118。ASGRIMANDNJAL\'SSONSPRAYMENFORHELP
BythattimeFlosihadcometotheThing，andfilledallhisbooths。RunolffilledtheDale-dwellers\'booths，andMordtheboothsofthemenfromRangriver。HalloftheSidehadlongsincecomefromtheeast，butscarceanyoftheothermen；butstillHalloftheSidehadcomewithagreatband，andjoinedthisatoncetoFlosi\'scompany，andbeggedhimtotakeanatonementandtomakepeace。
Hallwasawisemanandgood-hearted。Flosiansweredhimwellineverything，butgavewayinnothing。
Hallaskedwhatmenhadpromisedhimhelp？FlosinamedMordValgard\'sson，andsaidhehadaskedforhisdaughteratthehandofhiskinsmanStarkad。
Hallsaidshewasagoodmatch，butitwasilldealingwithMord，“AndthatthouwiltputtotheprooferethisThingbeover。“
Afterthattheyceasedtalking。
OnedayNjalandAsgrimhadalongtalkinsecret。
ThenallatonceAsgrimsprangupandsaidtoNjal\'ssons，“Wemustsetaboutseekingfriends，thatwemaynotbeoverbornebyforce；forthissuitwillbefollowedupboldly。“
ThenAsgrimwentout，andHelgiNjal\'ssonnext；thenKariSolmund\'sson；thenGrimNjal\'sson；thenSkarphedinn；thenThorhall；thenThorgrimtheBig；thenThorleifCrow。
TheywenttotheboothofGizurtheWhiteandinsideit。Gizurstooduptomeetthem，andbadethemsitdownanddrink。
“Notthitherward，“saysAsgrim，“tendsourway，andwewillspeakourerrandoutloud，andnotmutterandmouthaboutit。WhathelpshallIhavefromthee，asthouartmykinsman？“
“Jorunn，mysister，“saidGizur，“wouldwishthatIshouldnotshrinkfromstandingbythee；andsoitshallbenowandhereafter，thatwewillbothofushavethesamefate。“
Asgrimthankedhim，andwentawayafterwards。
ThenSkarphedinnasked，“Whithershallwegonow？“
“TotheboothsofthemenofOlfus，“saysAsgrim。
Sotheywentthither，andAsgrimaskedwhetherSkaptiThorod\'ssonwereinthebooth？Hewastoldthathewas。Thentheywentinsidethebooth。
Skaptisateonthecross-bench，andgreetedAsgrim，andhetookthegreetingwell。
SkaptiofferedAsgrimaseatbyhisside，butAsgrimsaidheshouldonlystaytherealittlewhile，“Butstillwehaveanerrandtothee。“
“Letmehearit？“saysSkapti。
“Iwishtobegtheeforthyhelp，thatthouwiltstandbyusinoursuit。“
“OnethingIhadhoped，“saysSkapti，“andthatis，thatneitheryounoryourtroubleswouldevercomeintomydwelling。“
“Suchthingsareill-spoken，“saysAsgrim，“whenamanisthelasttohelpothers，whenmostliesonhisaid。“
“Whoisyonman，“saysSkapti，“beforewhomfourmenwalk，abigburlyman，andpale-faced，unlucky-looking，well-knit，andtroll-like？“
“MynameisSkarphedinn，“heanswers，“andthouhastoftenseenmeattheThing；butinthisIamwiserthanyou，thatIhavenoneedtoaskwhatthynameis。ThynameisSkaptiThorod\'sson，butbeforethoucalledstthyself`Bristlepoll，\'afterthouhadstslainKettleofElda；thenthoushavedstthypoll，andputtedstpitchonthyhead，andthenthouhiredstthrallstocutupasodofturf，andthoucreptestunderneathittospendthenight。
AfterthatthouwentesttoThorolfLopt\'ssonofEyrar，andhetooktheeonboard，andboretheeouthereinhismealsacks。“
AfterthatAsgrimandhisbandwentout，andSkarphedinnasked，“Whithershallwegonow？“
“ToSnorrithePriest\'sbooth，“saysAsgrim。
ThentheywenttoSnorri\'sbooth。Therewasamanoutsidebeforethebooth，andAsgrimaskedwhetherSnorriwereinthebooth。
Themansaidhewas。
Asgrimwentintothebooth，andalltheothers。Snorriwassittingonthecross-bench，andAsgrimwentandstoodbeforehim，andhailedhimwell。
Snorritookhisgreetingblithely，andbadehimsitdown。
Asgrimsaidheshouldbeonlyashorttimethere，“Butwehaveanerrandwiththee。“
Snorribadehimtellit。
“Iwould，“saidAsgrim，“thatthouwouldstcomewithmetothecourt，andstandbymewiththyhelp，forthouartawiseman，andagreatmanofbusiness。“
“Suitsfallheavyonusnow，“saysSnorrithePriest，“andnowmanymenpushforwardagainstus，andsoweareslowtotakeupthetroublesomesuitsofothermenfromotherquarters。“
“Thoumayeststandexcused，“saysAsgrim“forthouartnotinourdebtforanyservice。“
“Iknow，“saysSnorri，“thatthouartagoodmanandtrue，andIwillpromisetheethis，thatIwillnotbeagainstthee，andnotyieldhelptothyfoes。“
Asgrimthankedhim，andSnorrithePriestasked，“Whoisthatmanbeforewhomfourgo，pale-faced，andsharp-featured，andwhoshowshisfrontteeth，andhashisaxealoftonhisshoulder。“
“MynameisHedinn，“hesays，“butsomemencallmeSkarphedinnbymyfullname；butwhatmorehastthoutosaytome。“
“This，“saidSnorrithePriest，“thatmethinksthouartawell-
knit，ready-handedman，butyetIguessthatthebestpartofthygoodfortuneispast，andIweenthouhastnownotlongtolive。“
“Thatiswell，“saysSkarphedinn，“forthatisadebtweallhavetopay，butstillitweremoreneedfultoavengethyfatherthantoforetellmyfateinthisway。“
“Manyhavesaidthatbefore，“saysSnorri，“andIwillnotbeangryatsuchwords。“
Afterthattheywentout，andgotnohelpthere。ThentheyfaredtotheboothsofthemenofSkagafirth。ThereHafr1theWealthyhadhisbooth。ThemotherofHafrwasnamedThoruna，shewasadaughterofAsbjornBaldpateofMyrka，thesonofHrosbjorn。
Asgrimandhisbandwentintothebooth，andHafrsateinthemidstofit，andwastalkingtoaman。
Asgrimwentuptohim，andbailedhimwell；hetookitkindly，andbadehimsitdown。
“ThisIwouldaskofthee，“saidAsgrim，“thatthouwouldstgrantmeandmysons-in-lawhelp。
Hafransweredsharpandquick，andsaidhewouldhavenothingtodowiththeirtroubles。
“ButstillImustaskwhothatpale-facedmanisbeforewhomfourmengo，soill-looking，asthoughhehadcomeoutofthesea-crags。“
“Nevermind，milksopthatthouart！“saidSkarphedinn，“whoI
am，forIwilldaretogoforwardwhereverthoustandestbeforeme，andlittlewouldIfearthoughsuchstriplingswereinmypath。\'Twereratherthyduty，too，togetbackthysisterSwanlauga，whomEydisIronswordandhismessmateStediakolltookawayoutofthyhouse，butthoudidstnotdaretodoaughtagainstthem。“
“Letusgoout，“saidAsgrim，“thereisnohopeofhelphere。“
ThentheywentouttotheboothsofmenofModruvale，andaskedwhetherGudmundthePowerfulwereinthebooth，buttheyweretoldhewas。
Thentheywentintothebooth。Therewasahighseatinthemidstofit，andtheresateGudmundthePowerful。
Asgrimwentandstoodbeforehim，andhailedhim。
Gudmundtookhisgreetingwell，andaskedhimtositdown。
“Iwillnotsit，“saidAsgrim，“butIwishtopraytheeforhelp，forthouartaboldmanandamightychief。“
“Iwillnotbeagainstthee，“saidGudmund，“butifIseefittoyieldtheehelp，wemaywelltalkofthatafterwards，“andsohetreatedthemwellandkindlyineveryway。
Asgrimthankedhimforhiswords，andGudmundsaid，“ThereisonemaninyourbandatwhomIhavegazedforawhile，andheseemstomemoreterriblethanmostmenthatIhaveseen。“
“Whichishe？“saysAsgrim。
“Fourgobeforehim，“saysGudmund；“darkbrownishishair，andpaleishisface；tallofgrowthandsturdy。SoquickandshiftyinhismanlinessthatIwouldratherhavehisfollowingthanthatoftenothermen；butyetthemanisunlucky-looking。“
“Iknow，“saidSkarphedinn，“thatthouspeakestatme，butitdoesnotgointhesamewayastoluckwithmeandthee。Ihaveblame，indeed，fromtheslayingofHauskuld，theWhitenessPriest，asisfairandright；butbothThorkelFoulmouthandThorirHelgi\'ssonspreadabroadbadstoriesaboutthee，andthathastriedthytemperverymuch。“
Thentheywentout，andSkarphedinnsaid，“Whithershallwegonow？“
“TotheboothsofthemenofLightwater，“saidAsgrim。
ThereThorkelFoulmouth2hadsetuphisbooth。
ThorkelFoulmouthhadbeenabroadandworkedhiswaytofameinotherlands。HehadslainarobbereastinJemtland\'swood，andthenhefaredoneastintoSweden，andwasamessmateofSaurkvirtheChurl，andtheyharriedeastwardho；buttotheeastofBalticside3Thorkelhadtofetchwaterforthemoneevening；
thenhemetawildmanofthewoods4，andstruggledagainsthimlong；buttheendofitwasthatheslewthewildman。
ThencehefaredeastintoAdalsyssla，andthereheslewaflyingfire-drake。AfterthathefaredbacktoSweden，andthencetoNorway，andsoouttoIceland，andletthesedeedsofderringdobecarvedoverhisshutbed，andonthestoolbeforehishighseat。Hefought，too，onLightwaterwaywithhisbrothersagainstGudmundthePowerful，andthemenofLightwaterwontheday。HeandThorirHelgi\'ssonspreadabroadbadstoriesaboutGudmund。ThorkelsaidtherewasnomaninIcelandwithwhomhewouldnotfightinsinglecombat，oryieldaninchto，ifneedwere。HewascalledThorkelFoulmouth，becausehesparednoonewithwhomhehadtodoeitherinwordordeed。
ENDNOTES:
1HafrwasthesonofThorkel，thesonofEricofGooddale，thesonofGeirmund，thesonofHroald，thesonofEricFrizzlebeardwhofelledGritgarthinSoknardaleinNorway。
2ThorkelwasthesonofThorgeirthePriest，thesonofTjorfi，thesonofThorkeltheLong；butthemotherofThorgeirwasThoruna，thedaughterofThorstein，thesonofSigmund，sonofBardoftheNip。ThemotherofThorkelFoulmouthwasnamedGudrida；shewasadaughterofThorkeltheB1ackofHleidrargarth，thesonofThorirTag，thesonofKettletheSeal，thesonofOrnolf，thesonofBjornolf，thesonofGrimHairy-cheek，thesonofKettleHaeing，thesonofHallbjornHalftroll。
3“Balticside。“ThisprobablymeansapartoftheFinnishcoastintheGulfofBothnia。See“Fornm。Sogur“，xii。
264-5。
4“Wildmanofthewoods。“IntheoriginalFinngalkn，afabulousmonster，halfmanandhalfbeast。
119。OFSKARPHEDINNANDTHORKELFOULMOUTH
AsgrimandhisfellowswenttoThorkelFoulmouth\'sbooth，andAsgrimsaidthentohiscompanions，“ThisboothThorkelFoulmouthowns，agreatchampion，anditwereworthmuchtoustogethis-help。Wemustheretakeheedineverything，forheisself-
willedandbadtempered；andnowIwillbegthee，Skarphedinn，nottoletthyselfbeledintoourtalk。“
Skarphedinnsmiledatthat。Hewassoclad，hehadonabluekirtleandgreybreeks，andblackshoesonhisfeet，cominghighuphisleg；hehadasilverbeltabouthim，andthatsameaxeinhishandwithwhichheslewThrain，andwhichhecalledthe“ogressofwar，“aroundbuckler，andasilkenbandroundhisbrow，andhishairbrushedbackbehindhisears。Hewasthemostsoldier-likeofmen，andbythatallmenknewhim。Hewentinhisappointedplace，andneitherbeforenorbehind。
Nowtheywentintotheboothandintoitsinnerchamber。Thorkelsateinthemiddleofthecross-bench，andhismenawayfromhimonallsides。Asgrimhailedhim，andThorkeltookthegreetingwell，andAsgrimsaidtohim，“Forthishavewecomehither，toaskhelpofthee，andthatthouwouldstcometotheCourtwithus。“
“Whatneedcanyehaveofmyhelp，“saidThorkel，“whenyehavealreadygonetoGudmund；hemustsurelyhavepromisedtheehishelp？“
“Wecouldnotgethishelp，“saysAsgrim。
“ThenGudmundthoughtthesuitlikelytomakehimfoes，“saidThorkel；“andsonodoubtitwillbe，forsuchdeedsaretheworstthathaveeverbeendone；nordoIknowwhatcanhavedrivenyoutocomehithertome，andtothinkthatIshouldbeeasiertoundertakeyoursuitthanGudmund，orthatIwouldbackawrongfulquarrel。“
ThenAsgrimheldhispeace，andthoughtitwouldbehardworktowinhimover。
ThenThorkelwentonandsaid，“Whoisthatbiganduglyfellow，beforewhomfourmengo，pale-facedandsharpfeatured，andunlucky-looking，andcross-grained？“
“MynameisSkarphedinn，“saidSkarphedinn，“andthouhastnorighttopickmeout，aguiltlessman，forthyrailing。Itneverhasbefallenmetomakemyfatherbowdownbeforeme，ortohavefoughtagainsthim，asthoudidstwiththyfather。ThouhastriddenlittletotheAlthing，ortoiledinquarrelsatit，andnodoubtitishandierfortheetomindthymilkingpailsathomethantobehereatAxewaterinidleness。Butstay，itwereaswellifthoupickedstoutfromthyteeththatsteakofmare\'srumpwhichthouatesterethourodesttotheThingwhilethyshepherdlookedonallthewhile，andwonderedthatthoucouldstworksuchfilthiness！“
ThenThorkelsprangupinmicklewrath，andclutchedhisshortswordandsaid，“ThisswordIgotinSwedenwhenIslewthegreatestchampion，butsincethenIhaveslainmanyamanwithit，andassoonaseverIreachtheeIwilldriveitthroughthee，andthoushalttakethatforthybitterwords。“
Skarphedinnstoodwithhisaxealoft，andsmiledscornfullyandsaid，“ThisaxeIhadinmyhandwhenIleapttwelveellsacrossMarkfleetandslewThrainSigfus\'son，andeightofthemstoodbeforeme，andnoneofthemcouldtouchme。NeverhaveIaimedweaponatmanthatIhavenotsmittenhim。“
Andwiththathetorehimselffromhisbrothers，andKarihisbrother-in-law，andstrodeforwardtoThorkel。
ThenSkarphedinnsaid，“Now，ThorkelFoulmouth，dooneofthesetwothings:sheathethyswordandsittheedown，orIdrivetheaxeintothyheadandcleavetheedowntothechine。“
ThenThorkelsatehimdownandsheathedthesword，andsuchathingneverhappenedtohimeitherbeforeorsince。
ThenAsgrimandhisbandgoout，andSkarphedinnsaid，“Whithershallwenowgo？“
“Hometoourbooths，“answeredAsgrim。
“Thenwefarebacktoourboothsweariedofbegging，“saysSkarphedinn。
“Inmanyplaces，“saidAsgrim，“hastthoubeenrathersharp-
tongued，butherenow，inwhatThorkelhadasharemethinksthouhastonlytreatedhimasisfitting，“
Thentheywenthometotheirbooths，andtoldNjal，wordforword，allthathadbeendone。
“Things，“hesaid，“drawontowhatmustbe。“
NowGudmundthePowerfulheardwhathaspassedbetweenThorkelandSkarphedinn，andsaid，“YeallknowhowthingsfaredbetweenusandthemenofLightwater，butIhaveneversufferedsuchscornandmockingattheirhandsashasbefallenThorkelfromSkarphedinn，andthisisjustasitshouldbe。“
ThenhesaidtoEinarofThvera，hisbrother，“Thoushaltgowithallmyband，andstandbyNjal\'ssonswhenthecourtsgoouttotrysuits；butiftheyneedhelpnextsummer，thenImyselfwillyieldthemhelp。“
Einaragreedtothat，andsentandtoldAsgrim，andAsgrimsaid，“ThereisnomanlikeGudmundfornoblenessofmind，“andthenhetoldittoNjal。
120。OFTHEPLEADINGOFTHESUIT
ThenextdayAsgrim，andGizurtheWhite，andHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andEinarofThvera，mettogether。There，too，wasMordValgard\'sson；hehadthenletthesuitfallfromhishand，andgivenitovertothesonsofSigfus。
ThenAsgrimspoke。
“TheefirstIspeaktoaboutthismatter，GizurtheWhiteandtheeHjallti，andtheeEinar，thatImaytellyouhowthesuitstands。ItwillbeknowntoallofyouthatMordtookupthesuit，butthetruthofthematteris，thatMordwasatHauskuld\'sslaying，andwoundedhimwiththatwound，forgivingwhichnomanwasnamed。Itseemstome，then，thatthissuitmustcometonaughtbyreasonofalawfulflaw。“
“Thenwewillpleaditatonce，“saysHjallti。
“Itisnotgoodcounsel，“saidThorhallAsgrim\'sson，“thatthisshouldnotbehiddenuntilthecourtsareset。“
“Howso？“asksHjallti。
“If，“saidThorhall，“theyknewnowatoncethatthesuithasbeenwronglysetonfoot，thentheymaystillsavethesuitbysendingamanhomefromtheThing，andsummoningtheneighboursfromhomeoveragain，andcallingonthemtoridetotheThing，andthenthesuitwillbelawfullysetonfoot。“
“Thouartawiseman，Thorhall，“saythey，“andwewilltakethycounsel。“
Afterthateachmanwenttohisbooth。
ThesonsofSigfusgavenoticeoftheirsuitsattheHillofLaws，andaskedinwhatQuarterCourtstheylay，andinwhathouseinthedistrictthedefendantsdwelt。ButontheFridaynightthecourtsweretogoouttotrysuits，andsotheThingwasquietuptothatday。
Manysoughttobringaboutanatonementbetweenthem，butFlosiwassteadfast；butotherswerestillmorewordy，andthingslookedill。
Nowthetimecomeswhenthecourtsweretogoout，ontheFridayevening。ThenthewholebodyofmenattheThingwenttothecourts。FlosistoodsouthatthecourtofthemenofRangriver，andhisbandwithhim。TherewithhimwasHalloftheSide，andRunolfoftheDale，WolfAurpriest\'sson，andthoseothermenwhohadpromisedFlosihelp。
ButnorthofthecourtofthemenofRangriverstoodAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andGizurtheWhite，HjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andEinarofThvera。ButNjal\'ssonswereathomeattheirbooth，andKariandThorleifCrow，andThorgeirCraggeir，andThorgrimtheBig。Theysateallwiththeirweapons，andtheirbandlookedsafefromonslaught。
Njalhadalreadyprayedthejudgestogointothecourt，andnowthesonsofSigfuspleadtheirsuit。TheytookwitnessandbadeNjal\'ssonstolistentotheiroath；afterthattheytooktheiroath，andthentheydeclaredtheirsuit；thentheybroughtforwardwitnessofthenotice，thentheybadetheneighboursontheinquesttotaketheirseats，thentheycalledonNjal\'ssonstochallengetheinquest。
ThenupstoodThorhallAsgrim\'sson，andtookwitness，andforbadetheinquestbyaprotesttouttertheirfinding；andhisgroundwas，thathewhohadgivennoticeofthesuitwastrulyunderthebanofthelaw，andwashimselfanoutlaw。
“Ofwhomspeakestthouthis？“saysFlosi。
“MordValgard\'sson，“saidThorhall，“faredtoHauskuld\'sslayingwithNjal\'ssons，andwoundedhimwiththatwoundforwhichnomanwasnamedwhenwitnesswastakentothedeath-wounds；andyecansaynothingagainstthis，andsothesuitcomestonaught。“
121。OFTHEAWARDOFATONEMENTBETWEENFLOSIANDNJAL
ThenNjalstoodupandsaid，“ThisIpray，HalloftheSide，andFlosi，andallthesonsofSigfus，andallourmen，too，thatyewillnotgoawaybutlistentomywords。“
Theydidso，andthenhespokethus:“Itseemstomeasthoughthissuitwerecometonaught，anditislikelyitshould，forithathsprungfromanillroot。IwillletyouallknowthatI
lovedHauskuldmorethanmyownsons，andwhenIheardthathewasslain，methoughtthesweetestlightofmyeyeswasquenched，andIwouldratherhavelostallmysons，andthathewerealive。
NowIaskthee，HalloftheSide，andtheeRunolfoftheDale，andtheeHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andtheeEinarofThvera，andtheeHafrtheWise，thatImaybeallowedtomakeanatonementfortheslayingofHauskuldonmyson\'sbehalf；andIwishthatthosemenwhoarebestfittedtodososhalluttertheaward。“
Gizur，andHafr，andEinar，spokeeachontheirownpart，andprayedFlositotakeanatonement，andpromisedhimtheirfriendshipinreturn。
Flosiansweredthemwellinallthings，butstilldidnotgivehisword。
ThenHalloftheSidesaidtoFlosi，“Wiltthounowkeepthyword，andgrantmemyboonwhichthouhastalreadypromisedme，whenIputbeyondseaThorgrim，thesonofKettletheFat，thykinsman，whenhehadslainHallitheRed。“
“Iwillgrantitthee，father-in-law，“saidFlosi，“forthatalonewiltthouaskwhichwillmakemyhonourgreaterthaniterewhilewas。“
“Then，“saidHall，“mywishisthatthoushouldstbequicklyatoned，andlettestgoodmenandtruemakeanaward，andsobuythefriendshipofgoodandworthymen。“
“Iwillletyouallknow，“saidFlosi，“thatIwilldoaccordingtothewordofHall，myfather-in-law，andotheroftheworthiestmen，thatheandothersofthebestmenoneachside，lawfullynamed，shallmakethisaward。MethinksNjalisworthythatI
shouldgranthimthis。“
Njalthankedhimandallofthem，andotherswhowerebythankedthemtoo，andsaidthatFlosihadbehavedwell。
ThenFlosisaid，“NowwillInamemydaysmen1:First，InameHall，myfather-in-law；AuzurfromBroadwater；SurtAsbjorn\'ssonofKirkby；ModolfKettle\'sson，“——hedweltthenatAsar——
“HafrtheWise；andRunoffoftheDale；anditisscarceworthwhiletosaythatthesearethefittestmenoutofallmycompany。“
NowhebadeNjaltonamehisdaysmen，andthenNjalstoodup，andsaid，“FirstoftheseIname，AsgrimEllidagrim\'sson；andHjalltiSkeggi\'sson；GizurtheWhite；EinarofThvera；SnorrithePriest；andGudmundthePowerful。“
AfterthatNjalandFlosi，andthesonsofSigfusshookhands，andNjalpledgedhishandonbehalfofallhissons，andofKari，hisson-in-law，thattheywouldholdtowhatthosetwelvemendoomed；andonemightsaythatthewholebodyofmenattheThingwasgladatthat。
ThenmenweresentafterSnorriandGudmund，fortheywereintheirbooths。
ThenitwasgivenoutthatthejudgesinthisawardwouldsitintheCourtofLaws，butalltheothersweretogoaway。
ENDNOTES:
1ThetrueEnglishwordfor“arbitrator，“or“umpire。“See“Job“ix。33——“Neitheristhereanydaysmanbetwixtus，thatmightlayhishanduponusboth。“SeealsoHolland\'s“TranslationsofLivy“，Page137——“Amoreshamefulprecedentforthetimetocome:namely，thatumpiresanddates-menshouldconvertthethinginsuituntotheirownandpropervantage。“
122。OFTHEJUDGES
ThenSnorrithePriestspokethus，“Nowareweheretwelvejudgestowhomthesesuitsarehandedover，nowIwillbegyouallthatwemayhavenostumblingblocksinthesesuits，sothattheymaynotbeatoned。“
“Willye，“saidGudmund，“awardeitherthelesserorthegreateroutlawry？Shalltheybebanishedfromthedistrict，orfromthewholeland？“
“Neitherofthem，“saysSnorri，“forthosebanishmentsareoftenillfulfilled，andmenhavebeenslainforthatsake，andatonementsbroken，butIwillawardsogreatamoneyfinethatnomanshallhavehadahigherpricehereinthelandthanHauskuld。“
Theyallspokewellofhiswords。
Thentheytalkedoverthematter，andcouldnotagreewhichshouldfirstutterhowgreathethoughtthefineoughttobe，andsotheendofitwasthattheycastlots，andthelotfellonSnorritoutterit。
ThenSnorrisaid，“Iwillnotsitlongoverthis，Iwillnowtellyouwhatmyutteranceis，IwillletHauskuldbeatonedforwithtriplemanfines，butthatissixhundredinsilver。Nowyeshallchangeit，ifyethinkittoomuchortoolittle。“
Theysaidthattheywouldchangeitinnothing。
“Thistooshallbeadded，“hesaid，“thatallthemoneyshallbepaiddownhereattheThing。“
ThenGizurtheWhitespokeandsaid，“Methinksthatcanhardlybe，fortheywillnothaveenoughmoneytopaytheirfines。“
“IknowwhatSnorriwishes，“saidGudmundthePowerful，“hewantsthatallwedaysmenshouldgivesuchasumasourbountywillbestow，andthenmanywilldoaswedo。“
HalloftheSidethankedhim，andsaidhewouldwillinglygiveasmuchasanyoneelsegave，andthenalltheotherdaysmenagreedtothat。
Afterthattheywentaway，andsettledbetweenthemthatHallshoulduttertheawardattheHillofLaws。
Sothebellwasrung，andallmenwenttotheHillofLaws，andHalloftheSidestoodupandspoke，“Inthissuit，inwhichwehavecometoanaward，wehavebeenallwellagreed，andwehaveawardedsixhundredinsilver，andhalfthissumwethedaysmenwillpay，butitmustallbepaiduphereattheThing。ButitismyprayertoallthepeoplethateachmanwillgivesomethingforGod\'ssake。“
Allansweredwelltothat，andthenHalltookwitnesstotheaward，thatnooneshouldbeabletobreakit。
Njalthankedthemfortheiraward，butSkarphedinnstoodby，andheldhispeace，andsmiledscornfully。
ThenmenwentfromtheHillofLawsandtotheirbooths，butthedaysmengatheredtogetherinthefreemen\'schurchyardthemoneywhichtheyhadpromisedtogive。
Njal\'ssonshandedoverthatmoneywhichtheyhadbythem，andKarididthesame，andthatcametoahundredinsilver。
Njaltookoutthatmoneywhichhehadwithhim，andthatwasanotherhundredinsilver。
SothismoneywasallbroughtbeforetheHillofLaws，andthenmengavesomuch，thatnotapennywaswanting。
ThenNjaltookasilkenscarfandapairofbootsandlaidthemonthetopoftheheap。
Afterthat，HallsaidtoNjal，thatheshouldgotofetchhissons，“ButIwillgoforFlosi，andnoweachmustgivetheotherpledgesofpeace。“
ThenNjalwenthometohisbooth，andspoketohissonsandsaid，“Nowareoursuitscomeintoafairwayofsettlement，nowarewemenatoned，forallthemoneyhasbeenbroughttogetherinoneplace；andnoweithersideistogoandgranttheotherpeaceandpledgesofgoodfaith。Iwillthereforeaskyouthis，mysons，nottospoilthesethingsinanyway。“
Skarphedinnstrokedhisbrow，andsmiledscornfully。SotheyallgototheCourtofLaws。
HallwenttomeetFlosiandsaid，“GothounowtotheCourtofLaws，fornowallthemoneyhasbeenbravelypaiddown，andithasbeenbroughttogetherinoneplace。“
ThenFlosibadethesonsofSigfustogoupwithhim，andtheyallwentoutoftheirbooths。Theycamefromtheeast，butNjalwentfromthewesttotheCourtofLaws，andhissonswithhim。
Skarphedinnwenttothemiddlebenchandstoodthere。
FlosiwentintotheCourtofLawstolookcloselyatthemoney，andsaid，“Thismoneyisbothgreatandgood，andwellpaiddown，aswastobelookedfor。“
Afterthathetookupthescarf，andwavedit，andasked，“Whomayhavegiventhis？“
Butnomanansweredhim。
Asecondtimehewavedthescarf，andasked，“Whomayhavegiventhis？“andlaughed，butnomanansweredhim。
ThenFlosisaid，“Howisitthatnoneofyouknowswhohasownedthisgear，orisitthatnonedarestotellme？“
“Who？“saidSkarphedinn，“dostthouthink，hasgivenit？“
“Ifthoumustknow，“saidFlosi，“thenIwilltellthee；Ithinkthatthyfatherthe`BeardlessCarle\'musthavegivenit，formanyknownotwholookathimwhetherheismoreamanthanawoman。“
“Suchwordsareill-spoken，“saidSkarphedinn，“tomakegameofhim，anoldman，andnomanofanyworthhaseverdonesobefore。
Yemayknow，too，thatheisaman，forhehashadsonsbyhiswife，andfewofourkinsfolkhavefallenunatonedbyourhouse，sothatwehavenothadvengeanceforthem。“
ThenSkarphedinntooktohimselfthesilkenscarf，butthrewapairofbluebreekstoFlosi，andsaidhewouldneedthemmore。
“Why，“saidFlosi，“shouldIneedthesemore？“
“Because，“saidSkarphedinn，“thouartthesweetheartoftheSwinefell\'sgoblin，if，asmensay，hedoesindeedturntheeintoawomaneveryninthnight。“
ThenFlosispurnedthemoney，andsaidhewouldnottouchapennyofit，andthenhesaidhewouldonlyhaveoneoftwothings:
eitherthatHauskuldshouldfallunatoned，ortheywouldhavevengeanceforhim。
ThenFlosiwouldneithergivenortakepeace，andhesaidtothesonsofSigfus，“Gowenowhome；onefateshallbefallusall。“
Thentheywenthometotheirbooth，andHallsaid，“Heremostunluckymenhaveashareinthissuit。“
Njalandhissonswenthometotheirbooth，andNjalsaid，“Nowcomestopasswhatmyhearttoldmelongago，thatthissuitwouldfallheavyonus。“
“Notso，“saysSkarphedinn；“theycanneverpursueusbythelawsoftheland。“
“Thenthatwillhappen，“saysNjal，“whichwillbeworseforallofus。“
Thosemenwhohadgiventhemoneyspokeaboutit，andsaidthattheyshouldtakeitback；butGudmundthePowerfulsaid，“ThatshameIwillneverchooseformyself，totakebackwhatIhavegivenaway，eitherhereorelsewhere。“
“Thatiswellspoken，“theysaid；andthennoonewouldtakeitback。
ThenSnorrithePriestsaid，“Mycounselis，thatGizurtheWhiteandHjalltiSkeggi\'ssonkeepthemoneytillthenextAlthing；myhearttellsmethatnolongtimewillpasseretheremaybeneedtotouchthismoney。“
Hjalltitookhalfthemoneyandkeptitsafe，butGizurtooktherest。
Thenmenwenthometotheirbooths。
123。ANATTACKPLANNEDONNJALANDHISSONS
Flosisummonedallhismenuptothe“GreatRift，“andwentthitherhimself。
Sowhenallhismenwerecome，therewereonehundredandtwentyofthem。
ThenFlosispakethustothesonsofSigfus，“InwhatwayshallIstandbyyouinthisquarrel，whichwillbemosttoyourminds？“
“Nothingwillpleaseus，“saidGunnarLambi\'sson，“untilthosebrothers，Njal\'ssons，areallslain。“
“This，“saidFlosi，“willIpromisetoyou，yesonsofSigfus，nottopartfromthisquarrelbeforeoneofusbitesthedustbeforetheother。Iwillalsoknowwhethertherebeanymanherewhowillnotstandbyusinthisquarrel。“
Buttheyallsaidtheywouldstandbyhim。
ThenFlosisaid，“Comenowalltome，andswearanoaththatnomanwillshrinkfromthisquarrel。“
ThenallwentuptoFlosiandsworeoathstohim；andthenFlosisaid，“Wewillallofusshakehandsonthis，thatheshallhaveforfeitedlifeandlandwhoquitsthisquarrelereitbeover。“
ThesewerethechiefswhowerewithFlosi:——KolthesonofThorsteinBroadpaunch，thebrother\'ssonofHalloftheSide，HroaldAuzur\'ssonfromBroadwater，AuzursonofAunundWallet-
back，ThorsteintheFair，thesonofGerleif，GlumHildir\'sson，ModolfKettle\'sson，ThorirthesonofThordIllugi\'ssonofMauratongue，KolbeinandEgilFlosi\'skinsmen，KettleSigfus\'
son，andMordhisbrother，IngialldoftheSprings，ThorkelandLambi，GraniGunnar\'sson，GunnarLambi\'sson，andSigmundSigfus\'son，andHroarfromHromundstede。
ThenFlosisaidtothesonsofSigfus，“Chooseyenowaleader，whomsoeveryethinkbestfitted；forsomeonemanmustneedsbechiefoverthequarrel“
ThenKettleoftheMarkanswered，“Ifthechoiceistobeleftwithusbrothers，thenwewillsoonchoosethatthisdutyshouldfallonthee；therearemanythingswhichleadtothis。Thouartamanofgreatbirth，andamightychief，stoutofheart，andstrongofbody，andwisewithal，andsowethinkitbestthatthoushouldstseetoallthatisneedfulinthequarrel。“
“Itismostfitting，“saidFlosi，“thatIshouldagreetoundertakethisasyourprayerasks；andnowIwilllaydownthecoursewhichweshallfollow，andmycounselis，thateachmanridehomefromtheThing，andlookafterhishouseholdduringthesummer，solongasmen\'shaymakinglasts。I，too，willridehome，andbeathomethissummer；butwhenthatLord\'sdaycomesonwhichwinteriseightweeksoff，thenIwillletthemsingmeamassathome，andafterwardsridewestacrossLoomnipsSand；
eachofourmenshallhavetwohorses。Iwillnotswellourcompanybeyondthosewhichhavenowtakentheoath，forwehaveenoughandtospareifallkeeptruetryst。IwillridealltheLord\'sdayandthenightaswell，butatevenontheseconddayoftheweek，IshallrideuptoThreecornerridgeaboutmid-even。
Thereshallyethenbeallcomewhohaveswornanoathinthismatter。Butiftherebeanyonewhohasnotcome，andwhohasjoinedusinthisquarrel，thenthatmanshalllosenothingsavehislife，ifwemayhaveourway。“
“Howdoesthathangtogether，“saidKettle，“thatthoucanstridefromhomeontheLord\'sday，andcometheseconddayoftheweektoThreecornerridge？“
“Iwillride，“saidFlosi“upfromSkaptartongue，andnorthoftheEyjafellJokul，andsodownintoGodaland，anditmaybedoneifIridefast。AndnowIwilltellyoumywholepurpose，thatwhenwemeettherealltogether，weshallridetoBergthorsknollwithallourband，andfallonNjal\'ssonswithfireandsword，andnotturnawaybeforetheyarealldead。Yeshallhidethisplan，forourliveslieonit。Andnowwewilltaketoourhorsesandridehome。“
Thentheyallwenttotheirbooths。
AfterthatFlosimadethemsaddlehishorses，andtheywaitedfornoman，androdehome。
FlosiwouldnotstaytomeetHallhisfather-in-law，forheknewofasuretythatHallwouldsethisfaceagainstallstrongdeeds。
NjalrodehomefromtheThingandhissons。Theywereathomethatsummcr。NjalaskedKarihisson-in-lawwhetherhethoughtatallofridingeasttoDyrholmstohisownhouse。
“Iwillnotrideeast，“answeredKari，“foronefateshallbefallmeandthysons。
Njalthankedhim，andsaidthatwasonlywhatwaslikelyfromhim。TherewerenearlythirtyfightingmeninNjal\'shouse，reckoningthehouse-carles。
OnedayithappenedthatRodnyHauskuld\'sdaughter，themotherofHauskuldNjal\'sson，cametotheSprings。HerbrotherIngialldgreetedherwell，butshewouldnottakehisgreeting，butyetbadehimgooutwithher。Ingiallddidso，andwentoutwithher；andsotheywalkedawayfromthefarm-yardbothtogether。
Thensheclutchedholdofhimandtheybothsatdown，andRodnysaid，“IsittruethatthouhastswornanoathtofallonNjal，andslayhimandhissons？“
“Trueitis，“saidhe。
“Averygreatdastardartthou，“shesays，“thou，whomNjalhaththricesavedfromoutlawry。“
“Stillithathcometothis，“saysIngialld，“thatmylifeliesonitifIdonotthis？“
“Notso，“saysshe，“thoushaltliveallthesame，andbecalledabetterman，ifthoubetrayestnothimtowhomthououghtesttobehavebest。“
Thenshetookalinenhoodoutofherbag，itwasclottedwithbloodallover，andtornandtattered，andsaid，“Thishood，HauskuldNjal\'sson，andthysister\'sson，hadonhisheadwhentheyslewhim；methinks，then，itisilldoingtostandbythosefromwhomthismischiefsprang。“
“Well！“answersIngialld，“soitshallbethatIwillnotbeagainstNjalwhateverfollowsafter，butstillIknowthattheywillturnandthrowtroubleonme。“
“Nowmightestthou，“saidRodny，“yieldNjalandhissonsgreathelp，ifthoutellesthimalltheseplans。“
“ThatIwillnotdo，“saysIngialld，“forthenIameveryman\'sdastardifItellwhatwastrustedtomeingoodfaith；butitisamanlydeedtosundermyselffromthisquarrelwhenIknowthatthereisasurelookingforofvengeancebuttellNjalandhissonstobewareofthemselvesallthissummer，forthatwillbegoodcounsel，andtokeepmanymenaboutthem。“
ThenshefaredtoBergthoknoll，andtoldNjalallthistalk；andNjalthankedher，andsaidshehaddonewell，“Fortherewouldbemorewickednessinhisfallingonmethanofallmenelse。“
Shefaredhome，buthetoldthistohissons。
TherewasacarlineatBergthorsknoll，whosenamewasSaevuna。
Shewaswiseinmanythings，andforesighted；butshewasthenveryold，andNjal\'ssonscalledheranolddotard，whenshetalkedsomuch，butstillsomethingswhichshesaidcametopass。Itfellonedaythatshetookacudgelinherhand，andwentupabovethehousetoastackofvetches。Shebeatthestackofvetcheswithhercudgel，andwisheditmightneverthrive，“Wretchthatitwas！“
Skarphedinnlaughedather，andaskedwhyshewassoangrywiththevetchstack。
“Thisstackofvetches，“saidthecarline，“willbetakenandlightedwithfirewhenNjalmymasterisburnt，houseandall，andBergthornmyfoster-child。Takeitawaytothewater，orburnitupasquickasyoucan。“
“Wewillnotdothat，“saysSkarphedinn，“forsomethingelsewillbegottolightafirewith，ifthatwereforedoomed，thoughthisstackwerenothere。“
Thecarlinebabbledthewholesummeraboutthevetchstackthatitshouldbegotindoors，butsomethingalwayshinderedit。
124。OFPORTENTS
AtReykiumonSkeiddweltoneRunolfThorstein\'sson。Hisson\'snamewasHildiglum。HewentoutonthenightoftheLord\'sday，whennineweekswerestilltowinter；heheardagreatcrash，sothathethoughtbothheavenandearthshook。Thenhelookedintothewest“airt，“andhethoughthesawthereaboutsaringoffieryhue，andwithintheringamanonagreyhorse。Hepassedquicklybyhim，androdehard。Hehadaflamingfirebrandinhishand，andherodesoclosetohimthathecouldseehimplainly。
Hewasasblackaspitch，andhesungthissongwithamightyvoice:
“HereIrideswiftsteed，HisBankfleckedwithrime，Rainfromhismanedrips，Horsemightyforharm；
Flamesflareateachend，Gallglowsinthemidst，SofaresitwithFlosi\'sredesAsthisflamingbrandflies；
AndsofaresitwithFlosi\'sredesAsthisflamingbrandflies。“
Thenhethoughthehurledthefirebrandeasttowardsthefellsbeforehim，andsuchablazeoffireleaptuptomeetitthathecouldnotseethefellsfortheblaze。Itseemedasthoughthatmanrodeeastamongtheflamesandvanishedthere。
Afterthathewenttohisbed，andwassenselessalongtime，butatlasthecametohimself。Heboreinmindallthathadhappened，andtoldhisfather，buthebadehimtellittoHjalltiSkeggi\'sson。SohewentandtoldHjallti，buthesaidhehadseen“`theWolf\'sride，\'andthatcomeseverbeforegreattidings。“
125。FLOSI\'SJOURNEYFROMHOME
Flosibuskedhimfromtheeastwhentwomonthswerestilltowinter，andsummonedtohimallhismenwhohadpromisedhimhelpandcompany。Eachofthemhadtwohorsesandgoodweapons，andtheyallcametoSwinefell，andweretherethatnight。
FlosimadethemsayprayersbetimesontheLord\'sday，andafterwardstheysatedowntomeat。Hespoketohishousehold，andtoldthemwhatworkeachwastodowhilehewasaway。Afterthathewenttohishorses。
FlosiandhismenrodefirstwestontheSand1。Flosibadethemnottoridetoohardatfirst；butsaidtheywoulddowellenoughatthatpace，andhebadealltowaitfortheothersifanyofthemhadneedtostop。TheyrodewesttoWoodcombe，andcametoKirkby。Flositherebadeallmentocomeintothechurch，andpraytoGod，andmendidso。
Afterthattheymountedtheirhorses，androdeonthefell，andsotoFishwaters，androdealittletothewestofthelakes，andsostruckdownwestontotheSand2。ThentheyleftEyjafellJokulontheirlefthand，andsocamedownintoGodaland，andsoontoMarkfleet，andcameaboutnones3ontheseconddayoftheweektoThreecornerridge，andwaitedtillmid-even。ThenallhadcamethithersaveIngialldoftheSprings。
ThesonsofSigfusspokemuchillofhim，butFlosibadethemnotblameIngialldwhenhewasnotby，“Butwewillpayhimforthishereafter。“
ENDNOTES:
1“Sand，“Skeidarasand。
2“Sand，“Maelifell\'ssand。
3“Nones，“thewell-knowncanonicalhouroftheday，theninthhourfromsixa。m。，thatis，aboutthreeo\'clockwhenoneofthechurchservicestookplace。
126。OFPORTENTSATBERGTHORSKNOLL
Nowwemusttakeupthestory，andturntoBergthorsknoll，andsaythatGrimandHelgigotoHolar。Theyhadchildrenoutatfosterthere，andtheytoldtheirmotherthattheyshouldnotcomehomethatevening。TheywereinHolaralltheday，andtherecamesomepoorwomenandsaidtheyhadcomefromfar。
Thosebrothersaskedthemfortidings，andtheysaidtheyhadnotidingstotell，“Butstillwemighttellyouonebitofnews。“
Theyaskedwhatthatmightbe，andbadethemnothideit。Theysaidsoitshouldbe。
“WecamedownoutofFleetlithe，andwesawallthesonsofSigfusridingfullyarmed——theymadeforThreecornerridge，andwerefifteenincompany。WesawtooGraniGunnar\'ssonandGunnarLambi\'sson，andtheywerefiveinall。Theytookthesameroad，andonemaysaynowthatthewholecountry-sideisfaringandflittingabout。“
“Then，“saidHelgiNjal\'sson，“Flosimusthavecomefromtheeast，andtheymusthaveallgonetomeethim，andwetwo，Grim，shouldbewhereSkarphedinnis。“
Grimsaidsoitoughttobe，andtheyfaredhome。
ThatsameeveningBergthoraspoketoherhousehold，andsaid，“Nowshallyechooseyourmeatto-night，sothateachmayhavewhathelikesbest；forthiseveningisthelastthatIshallsetmeatbeforemyhousehold。“
“Thatshallnotbe，“theysaid。
“Itwillbethough，“shesays，“andIcouldtellyoumuchmoreifIwould，butthisshallbeatoken，thatGrimandHelgiwillbehomeeremenhaveeatentheirfullto-night；andifthisturnsoutso，thentherestthatIsaywillhappentoo。“
Afterthatshesetmeatontheboard，andNjalsaid“Wondrouslynowitseemstome。MethinksIseeallroundtheroom，anditseemsasthoughthegablewallwerethrowndown，butthewholeboardandthemeatonitisonegoreofblood。“
AllthoughtthisstrangebutSkarphedinn，hebademennotbedowncast，nortoutterotherunseemlysounds，sothatmenmightmakeastoryoutofthem。
“Foritbefitsussurelymorethanothermentobearuswell，anditisonlywhatislookedforfromus。“
GrimandHelgicamehomeeretheboardwascleared，andmenweremuchstruckatthat。Njalaskedwhytheyhadreturnedsoquicklybuttheytoldwhattheyhadheard。
Njalbadenomangotosleep，buttobewareofthemselves。
127。THEONSLAUGHT1ONBERGTHORSKNOLL
NowFlosispeakstohismen，“NowwewillridetoBergthorsknoll，andcomethitherbeforesupper-time。“
Theydoso。Therewasadellintheknoll，andtheyrodethither，andtetheredtheirhorsesthere，andstayedtheretilltheeveningwasfarspent。
ThenFlosisaid，“Nowwewillgostraightuptothehouse，andkeepclose，andwalkslow，andseewhatcounseltheywilltake。“
Njalstoodoutofdoors，andhissons，andKariandalltheserving-men，andtheystoodinarraytomeetthemintheyard，andtheywerenearthirtyofthem。
Flosihaltedandsaid，“Nowweshallseewhatcounseltheytake，foritseemstome，iftheystandoutofdoorstomeetus，asthoughweshouldnevergetthemasteryoverthem。“
“Thenisourjourneybad，“saysGraniGunnar\'sson，“ifwearenottodaretofallonthem。“
“Norshallthatbe，“saysFlosi；“forwewillfallonthemthoughtheystandoutofdoors；butweshallpaythatpenalty，thatmanywillnotgoawaytotellwhichsidewontheday。“
Njalsaidtohismen，“Seeyenowwhatagreatbandofmentheyhave。“
“Theyhavebothagreatandwell-knitband，“saysSkarphedinn；
“butthisiswhytheymakeahaltnow，becausetheythinkitwillbeahardstruggletomasterus。“
“Thatcannotbewhytheyhalt，“saysNjal；“andmywillisthatourmengoindoors，fortheyhadhardworktomasterGunnarofLithend，thoughhewasalonetomeetthem；buthereisastronghouseastherewasthere，andtheywillbeslowtocometoclosequarters。“
“Thisisnottobesettledinthatwise，“saysSkarphedinn，“forthosechiefsfellonGunnar\'shouse，whoweresonobleminded，thattheywouldratherturnbackthanburnhim，houseandall；
butthesewillfallonusatoncewithfire，iftheycannotgetatusinanyotherway，fortheywillleavenostoneunturnedtogetthebetterofus；andnodoubttheythink，asisnotunlikely，thatitwillbetheirdeathsifweescapeoutoftheirhands。Besides，Iamunwillingtoletmyselfbestifledindoorslikeafoxinhisearth。“
“Now，“saidNjal，“asoftenithappens，mysons，yesetmycounselatnaught，andshowmenohonour，butwhenyewereyoungeryedidnotso，andthenyourplanswerebetterfurthered。“
“Letusdo，“saidHelgi，“asourfatherwills；thatwillbebestforus。“
“Iamnotsosureofthat，“saysSkarphedinn，“fornowheis`fey\'；butstillImaywellhumourmyfatherinthis，bybeingburntindoorsalongwithhim，forIamnotafraidofmydeath。“
ThenhesaidtoKari，“Letusstandbyoneanotherwell，brother-
in-law，sothatneitherpartsfromtheother。“
“ThatIhavemadeupmymindtodo，“saysKari；“butifitshouldbeotherwisedoomed，——well！thenitmustbeasitmustbe，andIshallnotbeabletofightagainstit。“
“Avengeus，andwewillavengethee，“saysSkarphedinn，“ifweliveafterthee。“
Karisaidsoitshouldbe。
Thentheyallwentin，andstoodinarrayatthedoor。
“Nowaretheyall`fey，\'“saidFlosi，“sincetheyhavegoneindoors，andwewillgorightuptothemasquicklyaswecan，andthrongascloseaswecanbeforethedoor，andgiveheedthatnoneofthem，neitherKarinorNjal\'ssons，getaway；forthatwereourbane。“
SoFlosiandhismencameuptothehouse，andsetmentowatchroundthehouse，iftherewereanysecretdoorsinit。
ButFlosiwentuptothefrontofthehousewithhismen。
ThenHroaldAuzur\'ssonranuptowhereSkarphedinnstood，andthrustathim。Skarphedinnhewedthespearheadofftheshaftasheheldit，andmadeanotherstrokeathim，andtheaxefellonthetopoftheshield，anddashedbackthewholeshieldonHroald\'sbody，buttheupperhornoftheaxecaughthimonthebrow，andhefellatfulllengthonhisback，andwasdeadatonce。
“Littlechancehadthatonewiththee，Skarphedinn，“saidKari，“andthouartourboldest。“
“I\'mnotsosureofthat，“saysSkarphedinn，andhedrewuphislipsandsmiled。
Kari，andGrim，andHelgi，threwoutmanyspears，andwoundedmanymen；butFlosiandhismencoulddonothing。
AtlastFlosisaid，“Wehavealreadygottengreatmanscatheinourmen；manyarewounded，andheslainwhomwewouldchooselastofall。Itisnowclearthatweshallnevermasterthemwithweapons；manynowtherebewhoarenotsoforwardinfightastheyboasted，andyettheywerethosewhogoadedusonmost。I
saythismosttoGraniGunnar\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'sson，whoweretheleastwillingtosparetheirfoes。Butstillweshallhavetotaketosomeotherplanforourselves，andnowtherearebuttwochoicesleft，andneitherofthemgood。Oneistoturnaway，andthatisourdeath；theother，tosetfiretothehouse，andburntheminsideit；andthatisadeedwhichweshallhavetoanswerforheavilybeforeGod，sinceweareChristianmenourselves；butstillwemusttaketothatcounsel。“
ENDNOTES:
1TheIcelandicwordis“heimsokn，“atermwhichstilllingersinthegraveoffenceknowninScottishlawas“hamesucken。“
128。NJAL\'SBURNING
Nowtheytookfire，andmadeagreatpilebeforethedoors。ThenSkarphedinnsaid，“What，lads！areyelightingafire，orareyetakingtocooking？“
“Soitshallbe，“answeredGraniGunnar\'sson；“andthoushaltnotneedtobebetterdone。“
“Thourepayestme，“saidSkarphedinn，“asonemaylookforfromthemanthatthouart。Iavengedthyfather，andthousettestmoststorebythatdutywhichisfarthestfromthee。“
Thenthewomenthrewwheyonthefire，andquencheditasfastastheylitit。Some，too，broughtwater，orslops。
ThenKolThorstein\'ssonsaidtoFlosi，“Aplancomesintomymind；Ihaveseenaloftoverthehallamongthecrosstrees，andwewillputthefireinthere，andlightitwiththevetch-stackthatstandsjustabovethehouse。“
Thentheytookthevetch-stackandsetfiretoit，andtheywhowereinsidewerenotawareofittillthewholehallwasa-blazeovertheirheads。
ThenFlosiandhismenmadeagreatpilebeforeeachofthedoors，andthenthewomenfolkwhowereinsidebegantoweepandtowail。
Njalspoketothemandsaid，“Keepupyourhearts，noruttershrieks，forthisisbutapassingstorm，anditwillbelongbeforeyehaveanothersuch；andputyourfaithinGod，andbelievethatheissomercifulthathewillnotletusburnbothinthisworldandthenext。“
Suchwordsofcomforthadheforthemall，andothersstillmorestrong。
Nowthewholehousebegantoblaze。ThenNjalwenttothedoorandsaid，“IsFlosisonearthathecanhearmyvoice。“
Flosisaidthathecouldhearit。
“Wiltthou，“saidNjal，“takeanatonementfrommysons，orallowanymentogoout。“
“Iwillnot，“answersFlosi，“takeanyatonementfromthysons，andnowourdealingsshallcometoanendonceforall，andI
willnotstirfromthisspottilltheyarealldead；butIwillallowthewomenandchildrenandhouse-carlestogoout。“
ThenNjalwentintothehouse，andsaidtothefold，“Nowallthosemustgoouttowhomleaveisgiven，andsogothououtThorhallaAsgrim\'sdaughter，andallthepeoplealsowiththeewhomay。“
ThenThorhallasaid，“ThisisanotherpartingbetweenmeandHelgithanIthoughtofawhileago；butstillIwilleggonmyfatherandbrotherstoavengethismanscathewhichiswroughthere。“
“Go，andgoodgowiththee，“saidNjal，“forthouartabravewoman。“
Afterthatshewentoutandmuchfolkwithher。