ThenAstridofDeepbacksaidtoHelgiNjal\'sson，“Comethououtwithme，andIwillthrowawoman\'scloakoverthee，andtiethyheadwithakerchief。“
Hespokeagainstitatfirst，butatlasthedidsoattheprayerofothers。
SoAstridwrappedthekerchiefroundHelgi\'shead，butThorhilda，Skarphedinn\'swife，threwthecloakoverhim，andhewentoutbetweenthem，andthenThorgerdaNjal\'sdaughter，andHelgahersister，andmanyotherfolkwentouttoo。
ButwhenHelgicameoutFlosisaid，“Thatisatallwomanandbroadacrosstheshouldersthatwentyonder，takeherandholdher。“
ButwhenHelgiheardthat，hecastawaythecloak。Hehadgothisswordunderhisarm，andhewedataman，andtheblowfellonhisshieldandcutoffthepointofit，andtheman\'slegaswell。ThenFlosicameupandhewedatHelgi\'sneck，andtookoffhisheadatastroke。
ThenFlosiwenttothedoorandcalledouttoNjal，andsaidhewouldspeakwithhimandBergthora。
NowNjaldoesso，andFlosisaid，“Iwillofferthee，masterNjal，leavetogoout，foritisunworthythatthoushouldstburnindoors。“
“Iwillnotgoout，“saidNjal，“forIamanoldman，andlittlefittedtoavengemysons，butIwillnotliveinshame。“
ThenFlosisaidtoBergthora，“Comethouout，housewife，forI
willfornosakeburntheeindoors。“
“IwasgivenawaytoNjalyoung，“saidBergthora，“andIhavepromisedhimthis，thatwewouldbothsharethesamefate。“
Afterthattheybothwentbackintothehouse。
“Whatcounselshallwenowtake，“saidBergthora。
“Wewillgotoourbed，“saysNjal，“andlayusdown；Ihavelongbeeneagerforrest。“
ThenshesaidtotheboyThord，Kari\'sson，“TheewillItakeout，andthoushaltnotburninhere。“
“Thouhastpromisedmethis，grandmother，“saystheboy，“thatweshouldneverpartsolongasIwishedtobewiththee；butmethinksitismuchbettertodiewiththeeandNjalthantoliveafteryou。“
Thensheboretheboytoherbed，andNjalspoketohisstewardandsaid，“Nowthoushaltseewherewelayusdown，andhowI
layusout，forImeannottostiraninchhence，whetherreekorburningsmartme，andsothouwiltbeabletoguesswheretolookforourbones，“
Hesaidhewoulddoso。
Therehadbeenanoxslaughteredandthehidelaythere。Njaltoldthestewardtospreadthehideoverthem，andhedidso。
Sotheretheylaydownbothofthemintheirbed，andputtheboybetweenthem。Thentheysignedthemselvesandtheboywiththecross，andgaveovertheirsoulsintoGod\'shand，andthatwasthelastwordthatmenheardthemutter。
Thenthestewardtookthehideandspreaditoverthem，andwentoutafterwards。KettleoftheMarkcaughtholdofhim，anddraggedhimout，heaskedcarefullyafterhisfather-in-lawNjal，butthestewardtoldhimthewholetruth。ThenKettlesaid，“Greatgriefhathbeensentonus，whenwehavehadtosharesuchill-lucktogether。“
Skarphedinnsawhowhisfatherlaidhimdown，andhowhelaidhimselfout，andthenhesaid，“Ourfathergoesearlytobed，andthatiswhatwastobelookedfor，forheisanoldman。“
ThenSkarphedinn，andKari，andGrim，caughtthebrandsasfastastheydroppeddown，andhurledthemoutatthem，andsoitwentonawhile。Thentheyhurledspearsinatthem，buttheycaughtthemallastheyflew，andsentthembackagain。
ThenFlosibadethemceaseshooting，“forallfeatsofarmswillgohardwithuswhenwedealwiththem；yemaywellwaittillthefireovercomesthem。“
Sotheydothat，andshootnomore。
Thenthegreatbeamsoutoftheroofbegantofall，andSkarphedinnsaid，“Nowmustmyfatherbedead，andIhaveneitherheardgroannorcoughfromhim。“
Thentheywenttotheendofthehall，andtherehadfallendownacross-beaminsidewhichwasmuchburntinthemiddle。
KarispoketoSkarphedinn，andsaid，“Leapthououthere，andI
willhelptheetodoso，andIwillleapoutafterthee，andthenweshallbothgetawayifwesetaboutitso，forhitherwardblowsallthesmoke。“
“Thoushaltleapfirst，“saidSkarphedinn；“butIwillleapstraightwayonthyheels。“
“Thatisnotwise，“saysKari，“forIcangetoutwellenoughelsewhere，thoughitdoesnotcomeabouthere。“
“Iwillnotdothat，“saysSkarphedinn；“leapthououtfirst，butIwillleapaftertheeatonce。“
“Itisbiddentoeveryman，“saysKari，“toseektosavehislifewhilehehasachoice，andIwilldosonow；butstillthispartingofourswillbeinsuchwisethatweshallneverseeoneanothermore；forifIleapoutofthefire，Ishallhavenomindtoleapbackintothefiretothee，andtheneachofuswillhavetofarehisownway。“
“Itjoysme，brother-in-law，“saysSkarphedinn，“tothinkthatifthougettestawaythouwiltavengeme。“
ThenKaritookupablazingbenchinhishand，andrunsupalongthecross-beam，thenhehurlsthebenchoutattheroof，anditfellamongthosewhowereoutside。
Thentheyranaway，andbythattimeallKari\'supperclothingandhishairwerea-b1aze，thenhethrewhimselfdownfromtheroof，andsocreptalongwiththesmoke。
Thenonemansaidwhowasnearest，“Wasthatamanthatleaptoutattheroof？“
“Farfromit，“saysanother；“morelikelyitwasSkarphedinnwhohurledafirebrandatus。“
Afterthattheyhadnomoremistrust。
Karirantillhecametoastream，andthenhethrewhimselfdownintoit，andsoquenchedthefireonhim。
Afterthatheranalongundershelterofthesmokeintoahollow，andrestedhimthere，andthathassincebeencalledKari\'sHollow。
129。SKARPHEDINN\'SDEATH
NowitistobetoldofSkarphedinnthatherunsoutonthecross-beamstraightafterKari，butwhenhecametowherethebeamwasmostburnt，thenitbrokedownunderhim。Skarphedinncamedownonhisfeet，andtriedagainthesecondtime，andclimbsupthewallwitharun，thendownonhimcamethewall-
plate，andhetoppleddownagaininside。
ThenSkarphedinnsaid，“Nowonecanseewhatwillcome；“andthenhewentalongthesidewall。GunnarLambi\'ssonleaptuponthewallandseesSkarphedinn，hespokethus，“Weepestthounow，Skarphedinn？“
“Notso，“saysSkarphedinn；“buttrueitisthatthesmokemakesone\'seyessmart，butisitasitseemstome，dostthoulaugh？“
“Soitissurely，“saysGunnar，“andIhaveneverlaughedsincethouslewestThrainonMarkfleet。“
ThenSkarphedinnsaid，“Herenowisakeepsakeforthee；“andwiththathetookoutofhispursethejaw-toothwhichhehadhewnoutofThrain，andthrewitatGunnar，andstruckhimintheeye，sothatitstartedoutandlayonhischeek。
ThenGunnarfelldownfromtheroof。
SkarphedinnthenwenttohisbrotherGrim，andtheyheldoneanotherbythehandandtrodethefire；butwhentheycametothemiddleofthehallGrimfelldowndead。
ThenSkarphedinnwenttotheendofthehouse，andthentherewasagreatcrash，anddownfelltheroof。Skarphedinnwasthenshutinbetweenitandthegable，andsohecouldnotstirastepthence。
Flosiandhisbandstayedbythefireuntilitwasbroaddaylight；thencameamanridinguptothem。Flosiaskedhimforhisname，buthesaidhisnamewasGeirmund，andthathewasakinsmanofthesonsofSigfus。
“Yehavedoneamightydeed，“hesays。
“Men，“saidFlosi，“willcallitbothamightydeedandanilldeed，butthatcan\'tbehelpednow。“
“Howmanymenhavelosttheirliveshere？“asksGeirmund。
“Herehavedied，“saysFlosi，“NjalandBergthoraandalltheirsons，ThordKari\'sson，KariSolmund\'sson，butbesidesthesewecannotsayforasurety，becauseweknownottheirnames。“
“Thoutellesthimnowdead，“saidGeirmund，“withwhomwehavegossipedthismorning。“
“Whoisthat？“saysFlosi。
“Wetwo，“saysGeirmund，“IandmyneighbourBard，metKariSolmund\'sson，andBardgavehimhishorse，andhishairandhisupperclotheswereburnedoffhim！“
“Hadheanyweapons？“asksFlosi。
“Hehadthesword`Life-luller，\'“saysGeirmund，“andoneedgeofitwasbluewithfire，andBardandIsaidthatitmusthavebecomesoft，butheansweredthus，thathewouldhardenitinthebloodofthesonsofSigfusortheotherBurners。“
“WhatsaidheofSkarphedinn？“saidFlosi。
“HesaidbothheandGrimwerealive，“answersGeirmund，“whentheyparted；buthesaidthatnowtheymustbedead。“
“Thouhasttoldusatale，“saidFlosi，“whichbodesusnoidlepeace，forthatmanhathnowgotawaywhocomesnexttoGunnarofLithendinallthings；andnow，yesonsofSigfus，andyeotherburners，knowthis，thatsuchagreatbloodfeud，andhueandcrywillbemadeaboutthisburning，thatitwillmakemanyamanheadless，butsomewilllosealltheirgoods。NowIdoubtmuchwhetheranymanofyou，yesonsofSigfus，willdaretostayinhishouse；andthatisnottobewonderedat；andsoIwillbidyoualltocomeandstaywithmeintheeast，andletusallshareonefate。“
Theythankedhimforhisoffer，andsaidtheywouldbegladtotakeit。
ThenModolfKettle\'sson，sangasong:
“ButonepropofNjal\'shouseliveth，Alltherestinsideareburnt，Allbutone——thosebounteousspenders，Sigfus\'stalwartsonswroughtthis；
SonofGollnir1nowisgluttedVengeanceforbraveHauskuld\'sdeath，Briskflewfirethroughthydwelling，Brightflamesblazedabovethyroof。“
“WeshallhavetoboastofsomethingelsethanthatNjalhasbeenburntinhishouse，“saysFlosi，“forthereisnogloryinthat。“
Thenhewentuponthegable，andGlumHilldir\'sson，andsomeothermen。ThenGlumsaid，“IsSkarphedinndead，indeed？“Buttheotherssaidhemusthavebeendeadlongago。
Thefiresometimesblazedupfitfullyandsometimesburnedlow，andthentheyhearddowninthefirebeneaththemthatthissongwassung:
“Deep，Iween，yeOgreoffspringDevilishbroodofgiantbirth，WouldyegroanwithgloomyvisageHadthefightgonetomymind；
ButmyverysoulitgladdensThatmyfriendsIwhonowboasthigh，Wroughtnotthisfouldeed，theirglory，Savewithfootstepsfilledwithgore。“
“CanSkarphedinn，thinkye，havesungthissongdeadoralive？“
saidGraniGunnar\'sson。
“Iwillgointonoguessesaboutthat，“saysFlosi。
“WewilllookforSkarphedinn，“saysGrani，“andtheothermenwhohavebeenhereburntinsidethehouse。“
“Thatshallnotbe，“saysFlosi，“itisjustlikesuchfoolishmenasthouart，nowthatmenwillbegatheringforcealloverthecountry；andwhentheydocome，Itrowtheverysamemanwhonowlingerswillbesoscaredthathewillnotknowwhichwaytorun；andnowmycounselisthatweallrideawayasquicklyaseverwecan。“
ThenFlosiwenthastilytohishorseandallhismen。
ThenFlosisaidtoGeirmund，“IsIngialld，thinkestthou，athomeattheSprings？“
Geirmundsaidhethoughthemustbeathome。
“Therenowisaman，“saysFlosi，“whohasbrokenhisoathwithusandallgoodfaith。“
ThenFlosisaidtothesonsofSigfus，“WhatcoursewillyenowtakewithIngialld；willyeforgivehim，orshallwenowfallonhimandslayhim？“
Theyallansweredthattheywouldratherfallonhimandslayhim。
ThenFlosijumpedonhishorse，andalltheothers，andtheyrodeaway。Flosirodefirst，andshapedhiscourseforRangriver，andupalongtheriverbank。
ThenhesawamanridingdownontheotherbankoftheriverandheknewthattherewasIngialldoftheSprings。Flosicallsouttohim。Ingialldhaltedandturneddowntotheriverbank；andFlosisaidtohim，“Thouhastbrokenfaithwithus，andhastforfeitedlifeandgoods。HerenowarethesonsofSigfus，whoareeagertoslaythee；butmethinksthouhastfallenintoastrait，andIwillgivetheethylifeifthouwillhandovertometherighttomakemyownaward。“
“IwillsoonerridetomeetKari，“saidIngialld，“thangranttheetherighttoutterthineownaward，andmyanswertothesonsofSigfusisthis，thatIshallbenowhitmoreafraidofthemthantheyareofme。“
“Bidethouthere，“saysFlosi，“ifthouartnotacoward，forI
willsendtheeagift。“
“Iwillbideofasurety，“saysIngialld。
ThorsteinKolbein\'sson，Flosi\'sbrother\'sson，rodeupbyhissideandhadaspearinhishand，hewasoneofthebravestofmen，andthemostworthyofthosewhowerewithFlosi。
Flosisnatchedthespearfromhim，andlauncheditatIngialld，anditfellonhisleftside，andpassedthroughtheshieldjustbelowthehandle，andcloveitallasunder，butthespearpassedonintohisthighjustabovetheknee-pan，andsoonintothesaddle-tree，andtherestoodfast。
ThenFlosisaidtoIngialld，“Didittouchthee？
“Ittouchedmesureenough，“saysIngialld，“butIcallthisascratchandnotawound。“
ThenIngialldpluckedthespearoutofthewound，andsaidtoFlosi，“Nowbidethou，ifthouartnotamilksop。“
Thenhelaunchedthespearbackovertheriver。Flosiseesthatthespeariscomingstraightforhismiddle，andthenhebackshishorseoutoftheway，butthespearflewinfrontofFlosi\'shorse，andmissedhim，butitstruckThorstein\'smiddle，anddownhefellatoncedeadoffhishorse。
NowIngialldrunsforthewood，andtheycouldnotgetathim。
ThenFlosisaidtohismen，“Nowhavewegottenmanscathe，andnowwemayknow，whensuchthingsbefallus，intowhatalucklessstatewehavegot。NowitismycounselthatwerideuptoThreecornerRidge；thenceweshallbeabletoseewheremenridealloverthecountry，forbythistimetheywillhavegatheredtogetheragreatband，andtheywillthinkthatwehaveriddeneasttoFleetlithefromThreecornerRidge；andthencetheywillthinkthatweareridingnorthuponthefell，andsoeasttoourowncountry，andthitherthegreaterpartofthefolkwillrideafterus；butsomewillridethecoastroadeasttoSelialandsmull，andyettheywillthinkthereislesshopeoffindingusthitherward，butIwillnowtakecounselforallofus，andmyplanistorideupintoThreecorner-fell，andbidetheretillthreesunshaverisenandsetinheaven。“
ENDNOTES:
1“SonofGollnir，“Njal，whowasthesonofThorgeirGellingorGollnir。
2“Myfriends，“ironicallyofcourse。
130。OFKARISOLMUND\'SSON
NowitistobetoldofKariSolmund\'ssonthathefaredawayfromthathollowinwhichhehadrestedhimselfuntilhemetBard，andthosewordspassedbetweenthemwhichGeirmundhadtold。
ThenceKarirodetoMord，andtoldhimthetidings，andhewasgreatlygrieved。
Karisaidtherewereotherthingsmorebefittingamanthantoweepforthemdead，andbadehimrathergatherfolkandcometoHoltford。
AfterthatherodeintoThurso-daletoHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andashewentalongThursowater，heseesamanridingfastbehindhim。Kariwaitedfortheman，andknowsthathewasIngialldoftheSprings。Heseesthatheisverybloodyaboutthethigh；andKariaskedIngialldwhohadwoundedhim，andhetoldhim。
“Wheremetyetwo？“saysKari。
“ByRangwaterside，“saysIngialld，“andhethrewaspearoveratme。“
“Didstthouaughtforit？“asksKari。
“Ithrewthespearback，“saysIngialld，“andtheysaidthatitmetaman，andhewasdeadatonce。“
“Knowestthounot，“saidKari，“whothemanwas？“
“MethoughthewaslikeThorsteinFlosi\'sbrother\'sson，“saysIngialld。
“Goodluckgowiththyhand，“saysKari。
AfterthattheyrodebothtogethertoseeHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andtoldhimthetidings。Hetookthesedeedsill，andsaidtherewasthegreatestneedtorideafterthemandslaythemall。
Afterthathegatheredmenandrousedthewholecountry；nowheandKariandIngialldridewiththisbandtomeetMordValgard\'sson，andtheyfoundhimatHoltford，andMordwastherewaitingforthemwithaverygreatcompany。Thentheypartedthehueandcry；somefaredthestraightroadbytheeastcoasttoSelialandsmull，butsomewentuptoFleetlithe，andother-somethehigherroadthencetoThreecornerRidge，andsodownintoGodaland。ThencetheyrodenorthtoSand。SometoorodeasfarasFishwaters，andthereturnedback。SomethecoastroadeasttoHolt，andtoldThorgeirthetidings，andaskedwhethertheyhadnotriddenbythere。
“Thisishowitis，“saidThorgeir，“thoughIamnotamightychief，yetFlosiwouldtakeothercounselthantorideundermyeyes，whenhehasslainNjal，myfather\'sbrother，andmycousins；andthereisnothingleftforanyofyoubute\'entoturnbackagain，foryeshouldhavehuntedlongernearerhome；
buttellthistoKari，thathemustridehithertomeandbeherewithmeifhewill；butthoughhewillnotcomehithereast，stillIwilllookafterhisfarmatDyrholmsifhewill，buttellhimtoothatIwillstandbyhimandridewithhimtotheAlthing。Andheshallalsoknowthis，thatwebrothersarethenextofkintofollowupthefeud，andwemeansototakeupthesuit，thatoutlawryshallfollowandafterthatrevenge，manforman，ifwecanbringitabout；butIdonotgowithyounow，becauseIknownaughtwillcomeofit，andtheywillnowbeaswaryastheycanofthemselves。“
Nowtheyrideback，andallmetatHofandtalkedthereamongthemselves，andsaidthattheyhadgottendisgracesincetheyhadnotfoundthem。Alordsaidthatwasnotso。ThenmanymenwereeagerthattheyshouldfaretoFleetlithe，andpulldownthehomesteadsofallthosewhohadbeenatthosedeeds，butstilltheylistenedforMord\'sutterance。
“That，“hesaid，“wouldbethegreatestfolly。“Theyaskedwhyhesaidthat。
“Because，“hesaid，“iftheirhousesstand，theywillbesuretovisitthemtoseetheirwives；andthen，astimerollson，wemayhuntthemdownthere；andnowyeshallnoneofyoudoubtthatI
willbetruetotheeKari，andtoallofyou，andinallcounsel，forIhavetoanswerformyself。“
Hjalltibadehimdoashesaid。ThenHjalltibadeKaritocomeandstaywithhim，hesaidhewouldridethitherfirst。TheytoldhimwhatThorgeirhadofferedhim，andhesaidhewouldmakeuseofthatofferafterwards，butsaidhishearttoldhimitwouldbewellifthereweremanysuch。
Afterthatthewholebandbrokeup。
Flosiandhismensawallthesetidingsfromwheretheywereonthefell；andFlosisaid，“Nowwewilltakeourhorsesandrideaway，fornowitwillbesomegood。“
ThesonsofSigfusaskedwhetheritwouldbeworthwhiletogettotheirhomesandtellthenews。
“ItmustbeMord\'smeaning，“saysFlosi，“thatyewillvisityourwives；andmyguessis，thathisplanistoletyourhousesstandunsacked；butmyplanisthatnotamanshallpartfromtheother，butallrideeastwithme。“
Soeverymantookthatcounsel，andthentheyallrodeeastandnorthoftheJokul，andsoontilltheycametoSwinefell。
Flosisentatoncemenouttogetinstores，sothatnothingmightfallshort。
Folsineverspokeaboutthedeed，butnofearwasfoundinhim，andhewasathomethewholewintertillYulewasover。
131。NJAL\'SANDBERGTHORA\'SBONESFOUND
KaribadeHjalltitogoandsearchforNjal\'sbones，“Forallwillbelieveinwhatthousayestandthinkestaboutthem。“
HjalltisaidhewouldbemostwillingtobearNjal\'sbonestochurch；sotheyrodethencefifteenmen。TheyrodeeastoverThurso-water，andcalledonmentheretocomewiththemtilltheyhadonehundredmen，reckoningNjal\'sneighbours。
TheycametoBergthorsknollatmid-day。
HjalltiaskedKariunderwhatpartofthehouseNjalmightbelying，butKarishowedthemtothespot，andtherewasagreatheapofashestodigaway。Theretheyfoundthehideunderneath，anditwasasthoughitwereshrivelledwiththefire。Theyraisedupthehide，andlo！theywereunburntunderit。AllpraisedGodforthat，andthoughtitwasagreattoken。
Thentheboywastakenupwhohadlainbetweenthem，andofhimafingerwasburntoffwhichhehadstretchedoutfromunderthehide。
Njalwashomeout，andsowasBergthora，andthenallmenwenttoseetheirbodies。
ThenHjalltisaid，“Whatlikelooktoyouthesebodies？“
Theyanswered，“Wewillwaitforthyutterance。“
ThenHjalltisaid，“IshallspeakwhatIsaywithallfreedomofspeech。ThebodyofBergthoralooksasitwaslikelyshewouldlook，andstillfair；butNjal\'sbodyandvisageseemtomesobrightthatIhaveneverseenanydeadman\'sbodysobrightasthis。“
Theyallsaidtheythoughtsotoo。
ThentheysoughtforSkarphedinn，andthemenofthehouseholdshowedthemtothespotwhereFlosiandhismenheardthesongsung，andtheretheroofhadfallendownbythegable，andthereHjalltisaidthattheyshouldlook。Thentheydidso，andfoundSkarphedinn\'sbodythere，andhehadstooduphardbythegable-
wall，andhislegswereburntoffhimrightuptotheknees，butalltherestofhimwasunburnt。Hehadbittenthroughhisunderlip，hiseyeswerewideopenandnotswollennorstartingoutofhishead；hehaddrivenhisaxeintothegable-wallsohardthatithadgoneinuptothemiddleoftheblade，andthatwaswhyitwasnotsoftened。
Afterthattheaxewasbrokenoutofthewall，andHjalltitookuptheaxe，andsaid，“Thisisarareweapon，andfewwouldbeabletowieldit。“
“Iseeaman，“saidKari，“whoshallbeartheaxe。“
“Whoisthat？“saysHjallti。
“ThorgeirCraggeir，“saysKari，“hewhomInowthinktobethegreatestmaninalltheirfamily。“
ThenSkarphedinnwasstrippedofhisclothes，fortheywereunburnt，hehadlaidhishandsinacross，andtherighthanduppermost。Theyfoundmarksonhim；onebetweenhisshouldersandtheotheronhischest，andbothwerebrandedintheshapeofacross，andmenthoughtthathemusthaveburnttheminhimself。
AllmensaidthattheythoughtthatitwasbettertobenearSkarphedinndeadthantheyweened，fornomanwasafraidofhim。
TheysoughtforthebonesofGrim，andfoundtheminthemidstofthehall。Theyfound，too，there，rightoveragainsthimunderthesidewall，ThordFreedmanson；butintheweaving-roomtheyfoundSaevunathecarline，andthreemenmore。Inalltheyfoundtherethebonesofninesouls。Nowtheycarriedthebodiestothechurch，andthenHjalltirodehomeandKariwithhim。A
swellingcameonIngialld\'sleg，andthenhefaredtoHjallti，andwashealedthere，butstillhelimpedeverafterwards。
KarirodetoTonguetoAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson。BythattimeThorhallawascomehome，andshehadalreadytoldthetidings。
AsgrimtookKaribybothhands，andbadehimbethereallthatyear。Karisaidsoitshouldbe。
AsgrimaskedbesidesallthefolkwhohadbeeninthehouseatBergthorsknolltostaywithhim。Karisaidthatwaswelloffered，andsaidhewouldtakeitontheirbehalf。
Thenallthefolkwereflittedthither。
ThorhallAsgrim\'ssonwassostartledwhenhewastoldthathisfoster-fatherNjalwasdead，andthathehadbeenburntinhishouse，thatheswelledallover，andastreamofbloodburstoutofbothhisears，andcouldnotbestaunched，andhefellintoaswoon，andthenitwasstaunched。
Afterthathestoodup，andsaidhehadbehavedlikeacoward，“ButIwouldthatImightbeabletoavengethiswhichhasbefallenmeonsomeofthosewhoburnthim。“
Butwhenotherssaidthatnoonewouldthinkthisashametohim，hesaidhecouldnotstopthemouthsofthepeoplefromtalkingaboutit。
AsgrimaskedKariwhattrustandhelphethoughthemightlookforfromthoseeastoftherivers。KarisaidthatMordValgard\'sson，andHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，wouldyieldhimallthehelptheycould，andso，too，wouldThorgeirCraggeirandallthosebrothers。
Asgrimsaidthatwasgreatstrength。
“Whatstrengthshallwehavefromthee？“saysKari。
“AllthatIcangive，“saysAsgrim，“andIwilllaydownmylifeonit。“
“Sodo，“saysKari。
“Ihavealso，“saysAsgrim，“broughtGizurtheWhiteintothesuit，andhaveaskedhisadvicehowweshallsetaboutit。“
“Whatadvicedidhegive？“asksKari。
“Hecounselled，“answersAsgrim，“`thatweshouldholdusquitestilltillspring，butthenrideeastandsetthesuitonfootagainstFlosiforthemanslaughterofHelgi，andsummontheneighboursfromtheirhomes，andgiveduenoticeattheThingofthesuitsfortheburning，andsummonthesameneighbourstheretooontheinquestbeforethecourt。IaskedGizurwhoshouldpleadthesuitformanslaughter，buthesaidthatMordshouldpleaditwhetherhelikeditornot，andnow，\'hewenton，`itshallfallmostheavilyonhimthatuptothistimeallthesuitshehasundertakenhavehadtheworstending。KarishallalsobewrothwheneverhemeetsMord，andso，ifhebemadetofearononeside，andhastolooktomeontheother，thenhewillundertaketheduty。\'“
ThenKarisaid，“Wewillfollowthycounselaslongaswecan，andthoushaltleadus。“
ItistobetoldofKarithathecouldnotsleepofnights。
AsgrimwokeuponenightandheardthatKariwasawake，andAsgrimsaid，“Isitthatthoucanstnotsleepatnight？“
ThenKarisangthissong:
“Benderofthebowofbattle，Sleepwillnotmyeyelidsseal，Stillmymurderedmessmates\'biddingHauntsmymindthelivelongnight；
SincethementheirbrandsabusingBurnedlastautumnguilelessNjal，Burnedhimhouseandhometogether，MindfulamIofmyhurt。“
KarispokeofnomensooftenasofNjalandSkarphedinn，andBergthoraandHelgi。Heneverabusedhisfoes，andneverthreatenedthem。
132。FLOSI\'SDREAM
OnenightitsohappenedthatFlosistruggledmuchinhissleep。
GlumHildir\'ssonwokehimup，andthenFlosisaid，“CallmeKettleoftheMark。“
Kettlecamethither，andFlosisaid，“Iwilltelltheemydream。“
“Iamreadytohearit，“saysKettle。
“Idreamt，“saysFlosi，“thatmethoughtIstoodbelowLoom-nip，andwentoutandlookeduptotheNip，andallatonceitopened，andamancameoutoftheNip，andhewascladingoatskins，andhadanironstaffinhishand。Hecalled，ashewalked，onmanyofmymen，somesoonerandsomelater，andnamedthembyname。
FirsthecalledGrimtheRedmykinsman，andAmiKol\'sson。Thenmethoughtsomethingstrangefollowed，methoughthecalledEyjolfBolverk\'sson，andLjotsonofHalloftheSide，andsomesixmenmore。Thenheheldhispeaceawhile。Afterthathecalledfivemenofourband，andamongthemwerethesonsofSigfus，thybrothers；thenhecalledothersixmen，andamongthemwereLambi，andModolf，andGlum。Thenhecalledthreemen。LastofallhecalledGunnarLambi\'sson，andKolTborstein\'sson。Afterthathecameuptome；Iaskedhim`Whatnews？\'Hesaidhehadtidingsenoughtotell。ThenIaskedhimforhisname，buthecalledhimselfIrongrim。Iaskedhimwhitherhewasgoing；hesaidhehadtofaretotheAlthing。`Whatshaltthoudothere？\'
Isaid。`FirstIshallchallengetheinquest，\'heanswers，`andthenthecourts，thenclearthefieldforfighters。\'Afterthathesangthissong:
“Soonamandeath\'ssnake-strokesdealingHighshalllifthisheadonearth，HereamidthedustlowrollingBatteredbrainpansmenshallsee；
NowuponthehillsinhurlyBudsthebluesteel\'sharvestbright；
SoonthebloodydewofbattleThigh-deepthroughtheranksshallrise。“
“Thenheshoutedwithsuchamightyshoutthatmethoughteverythingnearshook，anddasheddownhisstaff，andtherewasamightycrash。Thenhewentbackintothefell，butfearclungtome；andnowIwishtheetotellmewhatthouthinkestthisdreamis。“
“Itismyforeboding，“saysKettle，“thatallthosewhowerecalledmustbe`fey。\'Itseemstomegoodcounselthatwetellthisdreamtonomanjustnow。“
Flosisaidsoitshouldbe。NowthewinterpassesawaytillYulewasover。ThenFlosisaidtohismen，“NowImeanthatweshouldfarefromhome，formethinksweshallnotbeabletohaveanidlepeace。Nowweshallfaretoprayforhelp，andnowthatwillcometruewhichItoldyou，thatweshouldhavetobowthekneetomanyerethisquarrelwereended。“
133。OFFLOSI\'SJOURNEYANDHISASKINGFORHELP
Afterthattheybuskedthemfromhomealltogether。Flosiwasinlong-hosebecausehemeanttogoonfoot，andthenheknewthatitwouldseemlesshardtotheotherstowalk。
ThentheyfaredfromhometoKnappvale，buttheeveningaftertoBroadwater，andthentoCalffell，thencebyBjornnesstoHornfirth，thencetoStaffellinLon，andthentoThvattwatertoHalloftheSide。
FlosihadtowifeSteinvora，hisdaughter。
Hallgavethemaveryheartywelcome，andFlosisaidtoHall，“I
willaskthee，father-in-law，thatthouwouldstridetotheThingwithmewithallthyThingmen。“
“Now，“answeredHall，“ithasturnedoutasthesawsays，`butashortwhileishandfainofblow\'；andyetitisoneandthesamemaninthybandwhonowhangshishead，andwhothengoadedtheeontotheworstofdeedswhenitwasstillundone。ButmyhelpI
amboundtolendtheeinallsuchplacesasImay。“
“Whatcounseldostthougiveme，“saidFlosi，“inthestraitinwhichInowam。“
“Thoushaltfare，“saidHall，“north，rightuptoWeaponfirth，andaskallthechiefsforaid，andthouwiltyetneeditallbeforetheThingisover。“
Flosistayedtherethreenights，andrestedhim，andfaredthenceeasttoGeitahellna，andsotoBerufirth；theretheywerethenight。ThencetheyfaredeasttoBroaddaleinHaydale。ThereHallbjorntheStrongdwelt。HehadtowifeOddnythesisterofSaurliBroddhelgi\'sson，andFlosihadaheartywelcomethere。
HallbjornaskedhowfarnorthamongthefirthsFlosimeanttogo。
HesaidhemeanttogoasfarasWeaponfirth。ThenFlositookapurseofmoneyfromhisbelt，andsaidhewouldgiveittoHallbjorn。Hetookthemoney，butyetsaidhehadnoclaimonFlosiforgifts，“ButstillIwouldbegladtoknowinwhatthouwiltthatIrepaythee。“
“Ihavenoneedofmoney，“saysFlosi，“butIwishthouwouldstridetotheThingwithme，andstandbymeinmyquarrel，butstillIhavenotiesorkinshiptotelltowardsthee。“
“Iwillgranttheethat，“saidHallbjorn，“toridetotheThingwiththee，andtostandbytheeinthyquarrelasIwouldbymybrother。“
Flosithankedhim，andHallbjornaskedmuchabouttheburning，buttheytoldhimallaboutitatlength。
ThenceFlosifaredtoBroaddale\'sheath，andsotoHrafnkelstede，theredweltHrafnkell，thesonofThorir，thesonofHrafnkellRaum。Flosihadaheartywelcomethere，andsoughtforhelpandapromisetoridetotheThingfromHrafnkell，buthestoodoutalongwhile，thoughtheendofitwasthathegavehiswordthathissonThorirshouldridewithalltheirThingmen，andyieldhimsuchhelpastheotherpriestsofthesamedistrict。
FlosithankedhimandfaredawaytoBersastede。ThereHolmsteinsonofBersitheWisedwelt，andhegaveFlosiaveryheartywelcome。Flosibeggedhimforhelp。Holmsteinsaidhehadbeenlonginhisdebtforhelp。
ThencetheyfaredtoWaltheofstede——thereSaurliBroddhelgi\'sson，Bjarni\'sbrother，dwelt。HehadtowifeThordisa，adaughterofGudmundthePowerful，ofModruvale。Theyhadaheartywelcomethere。ButnextmorningFlosiraisedthequestionwithSaurlithatheshouldridetotheAlthingwithhim，andbidhimmoneyforit。
“Icannottellaboutthat，“saysSaurli，“solongasIdonotknowonwhichsidemyfather-in-lawGudmundthePowerfulstands，forImeantostandbyhimonwhicheversidehestands。“
“Oh！“saidFlosi，“Iseebythyanswerthatawomanrulesinthishouse。“
ThenFlosistoodupandbadehismentaketheirupperclothingandweapons，andthentheyfaredaway，andgotnohelpthere。SotheyfaredbelowLagarfleetandovertheheathtoNjardwick；
theretwobrothersdwelt，ThorkeltheAllwise，andThorwalldhisbrother；theyweresonsofKettle，thesonofThidranditheWise，thesonofKettleRumble，sonofThorirThidrandi。ThemotherofThorkeltheAllwiseandThorwalldwasYngvillda，daughterofThorkeltheWise。Flosigotaheartywelcomethere，hetoldthosebrothersplainlyofhiserrand，andaskedfortheirhelp；
buttheyputhimoffuntilhegavethreemarksofsilvertoeachofthemfortheiraid；thentheyagreedtostandbyFlosi。
TheirmotherYngvilldawasbywhentheygavetheirwordstoridetotheAlthing，andwept。Thorkelaskedwhyshewept；andsheanswered，“IdreamtthatthybrotherThorwalldwascladinaredkirtle，andmethoughtitwassotightasthoughitweresewnonhim；methoughttoothatheworeredhoseonhislegsandfeet，andbadshoethongsweretwistedroundthem；methoughtitilltoseewhenIknewhewassouncomfortable，butIcoulddonaughtforhim。“
Theylaughedandtoldhershehadlostherwits，andsaidherbabbleshouldnotstandinthewayoftheirridetotheThing。
Flosithankedthemkindly，andfaredthencetoWeaponfirthandcametoHof。TheredweltBjarniBroddhelgi\'sson1。BjarnitookFlosibybothhands，andFlosibadeBjarnimoneyforhishelp。
“Never，“saidBjarni，“haveIsoldmymanhoodorhelpforbribes，butnowthatthouartinneedofhelp，Iwilldotheeagoodturnforfriendship\'ssake，andridetotheThingwiththee，andstandbytheeasIwouldbymybrother。“
“Thenthouhastthrownagreatloadofdebtonmyhands，“saidFlosi，“butstillIlookedforasmuchfromthee。“
ThenceFlosiandhismenfaredtoCrosswick。ThorkellGeitis\'
sonwasagreatfriendofhis。Flositoldhimhiserrand，andThorkelsaiditwasbuthisdutytostandbyhimineverywayinhispower，andnottopartfromhisquarrel。ThorkelgaveFlosigoodgiftsatparting。
ThencetheyfarednorthtoWeaponfirthandupintotheFleetdalecountry，andturnedinasguestsatHolmstein\'s，thesonofBersitheWise。Flositoldhimthatallhadbackedhiminhisneedandbusinesswell，saveSaurliBroddhelgi\'sson。Holmsteinsaidthereasonofthatwasthathewasnotamanofstrife。HolmsteingaveFlosigoodgifts。
FlosifaredupFleetdale，andthencesouthonthefellacrossOxenlayaanddownSwinehorndale，andsooutbyAlftafirthtothewest，anddidnotstoptillhecametoThvattwatertohisfather-
in-lawHall\'shouse。Therehestayedhalfamonth，andhismenwithhimandrestedhim。
FlosiaskedHallwhatcounselhewouldnowgivehim，andwhatheshoulddonext，andwhetherheshouldchangehisplans。
“Mycounsel，“saidHall，“isthis，thatthougoesthometothyhouse，andthesonsofSigfuswiththee，butthattheysendmentosettheirhomesteadsinorder。Butfirstofallfarehome，andwhenyeridetotheThing，ridealltogether，anddonotscatteryourband。ThenletthesonsofSigfusgotoseetheirwivesontheway。ItoowillridetotheThing，andLjotmysonwithallourThing-men，andstandbytheewithsuchforceasI
cangathertome。“
Flosithankedhim，andHallgavehimgoodgiftsatparting。
ThenFlosiwentawayfromThvattwater，andnothingistobetoldofhisjourneytillhecomeshometoSwinefell。Therehestayedathometherestofthewinter，andallthesummerrightuptotheThing。
ENDNOTES:
1BroddhelgiwasthesonofThorgil，thesonofThorsteintheWhite，thesonofOliver，thesonofEyvalld，thesonofOxen-Thorir。ThemotherofBjarniwasHalla，thedaughterofLyting。ThemotherofBroddhelgiwasAsvora，thedaughterofThorir，thesonofPorridge-Atli，thesonofThorirThidrandi。BjarniBroddhelgi\'ssonhadtowifeRannveigathedaughterofThorgeir，thesonofEricofGooddale，thesonofGeirmund，thesonofHroald，thesonofEricFrizzelbeard。
134。OFTHORHALLANDKARI
ThorhallAsgrim\'sson，andKariSolmund\'sson，rodeonedaytoMossfelltoseeGizurtheWhite；hetookthemwithbothhands，andtheretheywereathishouseaverylongwhile。OnceithappenedastheyandGizurtalkedofNjal\'sburning，thatGizursaiditwasverygreatluckthatKarihadgotaway。ThenasongcameintoKari\'smouth。
“Iwhowhettedhelmet-hewer1，Iwhoofthaveburnishedbrand，FromthefraywentallunwillingWhenNjal\'srooftreecracklingroared；
OutIleaptwhenbandsofspearmenLightedthereablazeofflame！
Listenmenuntomymoaning，Markthetellingofmygrief。“
ThenGizursaid，“Itmustbeforgiventheethatthouartmindful，andsowewilltalknomoreaboutitjustnow。“
Karisaysthathewillridehome；andGizursaid，“Iwillnowmakeacleanbreastofmycounseltothee。Thoushaltnotridehome，butstillthoushaltrideaway，andeastunderEyjafell，toseeThorgeirCraggeir，andThorleifCrow。Theyshallridefromtheeastwiththee。Theyarethenextofkininthesuit，andwiththemshallrideThorgrimtheBig，theirbrother。YeshallridetoMordValgard\'sson\'shouse，andtellhimthismessagefromme，thatheshalltakeupthesuitformanslaughterforHelgiNjal\'ssonagainstFlosi。Butifheuttersanywordsagainstthis，thenshaltthoumakethyselfmostwrathful，andmakebelieveasthoughthouwouldstletthyaxefallonhishead；
andinthesecondplace，thoushaltassurehimofmywrathifheshowsanyillwill。Alongwiththatshaltthousay，thatIwillsendandfetchawaymydaughterThorkatla，andmakehercomehometome；butthathewillnotabide，forhelovesherastheveryeyesinhishead。“
Karithankedhimforhiscounsel。Karispokenothingofhelptohim，forhethoughthewouldshowhimselfhisgoodfriendinthisasinotherthings。
ThenceKarirodeeastovertherivers，andsotoFleetlithe，andeastacrossMarkfleet，andsoontoSelialandsmull。SotheyrideeasttoHolt。
Thorgeirwelcomedthemwiththegreatestkindliness。HetoldthemofFlosi\'sjourney，andhowgreathelphehadgotintheeastfirths。
Karisaiditwasnowonderthathe，whohadtoanswerforsomuch，shouldaskforhelpforhimself。
ThenThorgeirsaid，“Thebetterthingsgoforthem，theworseitshallbeforthem；wewillonlyfollowthemupsomuchtheharder。“
KaritoldThorgeirofGizur\'sadvice。AfterthattheyridefromtheeasttoRangrivervaletoMordValgard\'sson\'shouse。Hegavethemaheartywelcome。KaritoldhimthemessageofGizurhisfather-in-law。Hewasslowtotakethedutyonhim，andsaiditwashardertogotolawwithFlosithanwithanyothertenmen。
“Thoubehavestnowashe1thought，“saidKari；“forthouartabadbargainineveryway；thouartbothacowardandheartless，buttheendofthisshallbeasisfitting，thatThorkatlashallfarehometoherfather。“
Shebuskedheratonce，andsaidshehadlongbeen“boun“topartfromMord。Thenhechangedhismoodandhiswordsquickly，andbeggedofftheirwrath，andtookthesuituponhimatonce。
“Now，“saidKari，“thouhastakenthesuituponthee，seethatthoupleadestitwithoutfear，forthylifeliesonit。“
Mordsaidhewouldlayhiswholeheartonittodothiswellandmanfully。
AfterthatMordsummonedtohimnineneighbours，theywereallnearneighbourstothespotwherethedeedwasdone。ThenMordtookThorgeirbythehandandnamedtwowitnessestobearwitness，“ThatThorgeirThorir\'ssonhandsmeoverasuitformanslaughteragainstFlosiThord\'sson，topleaditfortheslayingofHelgiNjal\'sson，withallthoseproofswhichhavetofollowthesuit。Thouhandestovertomethissuittopleadandtosettle，andtoenjoyallrightsinit，asthoughIweretherightfulnextofkin。Thouhandestitovertomebylaw，andI
takeitfromtheebylaw。“
AsecondtimeMordnamedhiswitnesses，“Tobearwitness，“saidhe，“thatIgivenoticeofanassaultlaiddownbylawagainstFlosiThord\'sson，forthathedealtHelgiNjal\'ssonabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeathwound；andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Igivenoticeofthisbeforefivewitnesses“——herehenamedthemallbyname——“Igivethislawfulnotice。IgivenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
Againhenamedwitnesses“TobearwitnessthatIgivenoticeofabrain，orabody，oramarrowwoundagainstFlosiThord\'sson，forthatwoundwhichprovedadeathwound，butHelgigothisdeaththerefromonsuchandsuchaspot，whenFlosiThord\'ssonfirstrushedonHelgiNjal\'ssonwithanassaultlaiddownbylaw。Igivenoticeofthisbeforefiveneighbours“——thenhenamedthemallbyname——“Igivethislawfulnotice。IgivenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
ThenMordnamedhiswitnessesagain“Tobearwitness，“saidhe，“thatIsummonthesenineneighbourswhodwellnearestthespot“——
herehenamedthemallbyname——“toridetotheAlthing，andtositontheinquesttofindwhetherFlosiThord\'ssonrushedwithanassaultlaiddownbylawonHelgiNjal\'sson，onthatspotwhereFlosiThord\'ssondealtHelgiNjal\'ssonabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeathwound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Icallonyoutoutterallthosewordswhichyeareboundtofindbylaw，andwhichIshallcallonyoutoutterbeforethecourt，andwhichbelongtothissuit；
Icalluponyoubyalawfulsummons——Icallonyousothatyemayyourselveshear——IcallonyouinthesuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
AgainMordnamedhiswitnesses“Tobearwitness，thatIsummonthesenineneighbourswhodwellnearesttothespottoridetotheAlthing，andtositonaninquesttofindwhetherFlosiThord\'ssonwoundedHelgiNjal\'ssonwithabrain，orbody，ormarrowwound，whichprovedadeathwound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath，onthatspotwhereFlosiThord\'ssonfirstrushedonHelgiNjal\'ssonwithanassaultlaiddownbylaw。Icallonyoutoutterallthosewordswhichyeareboundtofindbylaw，andwhichIshallcallonyoutoutterbeforethecourt，andwhichbelongtothissuit。Icalluponyoubyalawfulsummons——Icallonyousothatyemayyourselveshear——IcallonyouinthesuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
ThenMordsaid，“Nowisthesuitsetonfootasyeasked，andnowIwillpraythee，ThorgeirCraggeir，tocometomewhenthouridesttotheThing，andthenletusbothridetogether，eachwithourband，andkeepascloseaswecantogether，formybandshallbereadybytheverybeginningoftheThing，andIwillbetruetoyouinallthings。“
Theyshowedthemselveswellpleasedatthat，andthiswasfastboundbyoaths，thatnomanshouldsunderhimselffromanothertillKariwilledit，andthateachofthemshouldlaydownhislifefortheother\'slife。Nowtheypartedwithfriendship，andsettledtomeetagainattheThing。
NowThorgeirridesbackeast，butKarirideswestovertheriverstillhecametoTongue，toAsgrim\'shouse。Hewelcomedthemwonderfullywell，andKaritoldAsgrimallGizurtheWhite\'splan，andofthesettingonfootofthesuit。
“Ilookedforasmuchfromhim，“saysAsgrim，“thathewouldbehavewell，andnowhehasshownit。“
ThenAsgrimwenton，“WhatheardestthoufromtheeastofFlosi？“
“HewenteastallthewaytoWeaponfirth，“answersKari，“andnearlyallthechiefshavepromisedtoridewithhimtotheAlthing，andtohelphim。Theylook，too，forhelpfromtheReykdalesmen，andthemenofLightwater，andtheAxefirthers。“
Thentheytalkedmuchaboutit，andsothetimepassesawayuptotheAlthing。
ThorhallAsgrim\'ssontooksuchahurtinhislegthatthefootabovetheanklewasasbigandswollenasawoman\'sthigh，andhecouldnotwalksavewithastaff。Hewasamantallingrowth，andstrongandpowerful，darkofhueinhairandskin，measuredandguardedinhisspeech，andyethotandhastytempered。HewasthethirdgreatestlawyerinallIceland。
NowthetimecomesthatmenshouldridefromhometotheThing，AsgrimsaidtoKari，“ThoushaltrideattheverybeginninggftheThing，andfitupourbooths，andmysonThorhallwiththee。
Thouwilttreathimbestandkindest，asheisfootlame，butweshallstandinthegreatestneedofhimatthisThing。Withyoutwo，twentymenmoreshallride。“
Afterthattheymadereadyfortheirjourney，andthentheyrodetotheThing，andsetuptheirbooths，andfittedthemoutwell。
ENDNOTES:
1“Helmet-hewer，“sword。
2Gizur。
135。OFFLOSIANDTHEBURNERS
Flosirodefromtheeastandthosehundredandtwentymenwhohadbeenattheburningwithhim。TheyrodetilltheycametoFleetlithe。ThenthesonsofSigfuslookedaftertheirhomesteadsandtarriedtherethatday，butateventheyrodewestoverThurso-water，andslepttherethatnight。Butnextmorningearlytheysaddledtheirhorsesandrodeoffontheirway。
ThenFlosisaidtohismen，“NowwillweridetoTonguetoAsgrimtobreakfast，andtrampledownhispridealittle。“
Theysaidthatwerewelldone。TheyrodetilltheyhadashortwaytoTongue。Asgrimstoodoutofdoors，andsomemenwithhim。
Theyseethebandassoonasevertheycoulddosofromthehouse。ThenAsgrim\'smensaid，“TheremustbeThorgeirCraggeir。“
“Nothe，“saidAsgrim。“Ithinksoallthemorebecausethesemenfarewithlaughterandwantonness；butsuchkinsmenofNjalasThorgeiriswouldnotsmilebeforesomevengeanceistakenfortheburning，andIwillmakeanotherguess，andmaybeyewillthinkthatunlikely。MymeaningisthatitmustbeFlosiandtheburnerswithhim，andtheymustmeantohumbleuswithinsults，andwewillnowgoindoorsallofus。“
Nowtheydoso，andAsgrimmadethemsweepthehouseandputupthehangings，andsettheboardsandputmeatonthem。Hemadethemplacestoolsalongeachbench，alldowntheroom。
Flosirodeintothe“town，“andbademenalightfromtheirhorsesandgoin。Theydidso，andFlosiandhismenwentintothehall。Asgrimsateonthecross-benchonthedais。Flosilookedatthebenchesandsawthatallwasmadereadythatmenneededtohave。Asgrimgavethemnogreeting，butsaidtoFlosi，“Theboardsareset，sothatmeatmaybefreetothosethatneedit。“
Flosisatdowntotheboard，andallhismen；buttheylaidtheirarmsupagainstthewainscot。Theysatonthestoolswhofoundnoroomonthebenches；butfourmenstoodwithweaponsjustbeforewhereFlosisatwhiletheyate。
Asgrimkepthispeaceduringthemeat，butwasasredtolookonasblood。
Butwhentheywerefull，somewomenclearedawaytheboards，whileothersbroughtinwatertowashtheirhands。Flosiwasinnogreaterhurrythanifhehadbeenathome。Therelayapole-axeinthecornerofthedais。Asgrimcaughtitupwithbothhands，andranuptotherailattheedgeofthedais，andmadeablowatFlosi\'shead。GlumHilldir\'ssonhappenedtoseewhathewasabouttodo，andsprangupatonce，andgotholdoftheaxeaboveAsgrim\'shands，andturnedtheedgeatonceonAsgrim；forGlumwasverystrong。ThenmanymoremenranupandseizedAsgrim，butFlosisaidthatnomanwastodoAsgrimanyharm，“Forweputhimtotoohardatrial，andheonlydidwhatheought，andshowedinthatthathehadabigheart。“
ThenFlosisaidtoAsgrim，“Here，now，weshallpartsafeandsound，andmeetattheThing，andtherebeginourquarreloveragain。“
“Soitwillbe，“saysAsgrim；“andIwouldwishthat，erethisThingbeover，yeshouldhavetotakeinsomeofyoursails。“
Flosiansweredhimneveraword，andthentheywentout，andmountedtheirhorses，androdeaway。TheyrodetilltheycametoLaugarwater，andweretherethatnight；butnextmorningtheyrodeontoBaitvale，andbaitedtheirhorsesthere，andtheremanybandsrodetomeetthem。TherewasHalloftheSide，andalltheEastfirthers。Flosigrettedthemwell，andtoldthemofhisjourneysanddealingswithAsgrim。Manypraisedhimforthat，andsaidsuchthingswerebravelydone。
ThenHallsaid，“Ilookonthisinanotherwaythanyedo，formethinksitwasafoolishprank——theyweresuretobearinmindtheirgriefs，eventhoughtheywerenotremindedofthemanew；
butthosemenwhotryotherssoheavilymustlookforallevil。“
ItwasseenfromHall\'swaythathethoughtthisdeedfartoostrong。Theyrodethencealltogether，tilltheycametotheUpperField，andtheretheysettheirmeninarray，androdedownontheThing。
FlosihadmadethemfitoutByrgir\'sboothereberodetotheThing；buttheEastfirthersrodetotheirownbooths。
136。OFTHORGEIRCRAGGEIR
ThorgeirCraggierrodefromtheeastwithmuchpeople。Hisbrotherswerewithhim，ThorleifCrowandThorgrimtheBig。TheycametoHof，toMordValgard\'sson\'shouse，andbidedtheretillhewasready。Mordhadgatheredeverymanwhocouldbeararms，andtheycouldseenothingabouthimbutthathewasmoststeadfastineverything，andnowtheyrodeuntiltheycamewestacrosstherivers。ThentheywaitedforHjalltiSkeggi\'sson。
Hecameaftertheyhadwaitedashortwhile，andtheygreetedhimwell，androdeafterwardsalltogethertilltheycametoReykiainBishop\'stongue，andbidedthereforAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andhecametomeetthemthere。ThentheyrodewestacrossBridgewater。ThenAsgrimtoldthemallthathadpassedbetweenhimandFlosi；andThorgeirsaid，“IwouldthatwemighttrytheirbraveryeretheThingcloses。“
TheyrodeuntiltheycametoBaitvale。ThereGizurtheWhitecametomeetthemwithaverygreatcompany，andtheyfelltotalkingtogether。ThentheyrodetotheUpperField，anddrewupalltheirmeninarraythere，andsorodetotheThing。
Flosiandhismenalltooktotheirarms，anditwaswithinanacethattheywouldfalltoblows。ButAsgrimandhisfriendsandtheirfollowerswouldhavenohandinit，androdetotheirbooths；andnowallwasquietthatday，sothattheyhadnaughttodowithoneanother。ThitherwerecomechiefsfromalltheQuartersoftheland；therehadneverbeensuchacrowdedThingbefore，thatmencouldcalltomind。
137。OFEYJOLFBOLVERK\'SSON
TherewasamannamedEyjolf。HewasthesonofBolverk，thesonofEyjolftheGuileful，ofOtterdale1。Eyjolfwasamanofgreatrank，andbestskilledinlawofallmen，sothatsomesaidhewasthethirdbestlawyerinIceland。Hewasthefairestinfaceofallmen，tallandstrong，andtherewasthemakingofagreatchiefinhim。Hewasgreedyofmoney，liketherestofhiskinsfolk。
OnedayFlosiwenttotheboothofBjarniBroddhelgi\'sson。
Bjarnitookhimbybothhands，andsatFlosidownbyhisside。
Theytalkedaboutmanythings，andatlastFlosisaidtoBjarni，“Whatcounselshallwenowtake？“
“Ithink，“answeredBjarni，“thatitisnowhardtosaywhattodo，butthewisestthingseemstometogoroundandaskforhelp，sincetheyaredrawingstrengthtogetheragainstyou。I
willalsoaskthee，Flosi，whethertherebeanyverygoodlawyerinyourband；fornowtherearebuttwocoursesleft；onetoaskiftheywilltakeanatonement，andthatisnotabadchoice，buttheotheristodefendthesuitatlaw，iftherebeanydefencetoit，thoughthatwillseemtobeaboldcourse；andthisiswhyIthinkthislastoughttobechosen，becauseyehavehithertofaredhighandmightily，anditisunseemlynowtotakealowercourse。“
“AstothyaskingaboutlawyerssaidFlosi，“Iwillanswertheeatoncethatthereisnosuchmaninourband；nordoIknowwheretolookforoneexceptitbeThorkelGeitir\'sson，thykinsman。“
“Wemustnotreckononhim，“saidBjarni，“forthoughheknowssomethingoflaw，heisfartoowary，andnomanneedhopetohavehimashisshield；buthewillbacktheeaswellasanymanwhobackstheebest，forhehasastoutheart；besides，Imusttelltheethatitwillbethatman\'sbanewhoundertakesthedefenceinthissuitfortheburning，butIhavenomindthatthisshouldbefallmykinsmenThorkel，soyemustturnyoureyeselsewhither。“
Flosisaidheknewnothingaboutwhowerethebestlawyers。
“ThereisamannamedEyjolf，“saidBjarni；“heisBolverk\'sson，andheisthebestlawyerintheWestfirther\'sQuarter；butyouwillneedtogivehimmuchmoneyifyouaretobringhimintothesuit，butstillwemustnotstopatthat。Wemustalsogowithourarmstoalllawbusiness，andbemostwaryofourselves，butnotmeddlewiththembeforeweareforcedtofightforourlives。
AndnowIwillgowiththee，andsetoutatonceonourbeggingforhelp，fornowmethinksthepeacewillbekeptbutalittlewhilelonger。“
Afterthattheygooutofthebooth，andtotheboothsoftheAxefirthers。ThenBjarnitalkswithLytingandBleing，andHroiArnstein\'sson，andhegotspeedilywhateverheaskedofthem。
ThentheyfaredtoseeKol，thesonofKilling-Skuti，andEyvindThorkel\'sson，thesonofAskelthePriest，andaskedthemfortheirhelp；buttheystoodoutalongwhile，buttheendofitwasthattheytookthreemarksofsilverforit，andsowentintothesuitwiththem。
ThentheywenttotheboothsofthemenofLightwater，andstayedtheresometime。FlosibeggedthemenofLightwaterforhelp，buttheywerestubbornandhardtowinover，andthenFlosisaid，withmuchwrath，“Yeareill-behaved！Yearegraspingandwrongfulathomeinyourowncountry，andyewillnothelpmenattheThing，thoughtheyneedit。NodoubtyouwillbehelduptoreproachattheThing，andverygreatblamewillbelaidonyouifyebearnotinmindthatscornandthosebitingwordswhichSkarphedinnhurledatyoumenofLightwater。“
Butontheotherhand，Flosidealtsecretlywiththem，andbadethemmoneyfortheirhelp，andsocoaxedthemoverwithfairwords，untilitcameaboutthattheypromisedhimtheiraid，andthenbecamesosteadfastthattheysaidtheywouldfightforFlosi，ifneedwere。
ThenBjarnisaidtoFlosi，“Welldone！Welldone！Thouartamightychief，andaboldoutspokenman，andreckestlittlewhatthousavesttomen。“
Afterthattheyfaredawaywestacrosstheriver，andsototheHladbooth。Theysawmanymenoutsidebeforethebooth。Therewasonemanwhohadascarletcloakoverhisshoulders，andagoldbandroundhishead，andanaxestuddedwithsilverinhishand。
“Thisisjustright，“saidBjarni，“herenowisthemanIspokeof，EyjolfBolverk\'sson，ifthouwiltseehim，Flosi。“
ThentheywenttomeetEyjolf，andhailedhim。EyjolfknewBjarniatonce，andgreetedhimwell。BjarnitookEyjolfbythehand，andledhimupintothe“GreatRift。“Flosi\'sandBjarni\'smenfollowedafter，andEyjolf\'smenwentalsowithhim。TheybadethemstayuponthelowerbrinkoftheRift，andlookaboutthem，butFlosi，andBjarni，andEyjolfwentontilltheycametowherethepathleadsdownfromtheupperbrinkoftheRift。
Flosisaiditwasagoodspottositdownthere，fortheycouldseearoundthemfarandwide。Thentheysatthemdownthere。
Theywerefourofthemtogether，andnomore。
ThenBjarnispoketoEyjolf，andsaid“Thee，friend，havewecometosee，forwemuchneedthyhelpineveryway。“
“Now，“saidEyjolf，“thereisgoodchoiceofmenhereattheThing，andyewillnotfindithardtofallonthosewhowillbeamuchgreaterstrengthtoyouthanIcanbe。“
“Notso，“saidBjarni，“thouhastmanythingswhichshowthatthereisnogreatermanthanthouattheThing；firstofall，thatthouartsowell-born，asallthosemenarewhoaresprungfromRagnarHairybreeks；thyforefathers，too，havealwaysstoodfirstingreatsuits，bothhereattheThingandathomeintheirowncountry，andtheyhavealwayshadthebestofit；wethink，therefore，itislikelythatthouwiltbeluckyinwinningsuits，likethykinsfolk。“
“Thouspeakestwell，Bjarni，“saidEvjolf；“butIthinkthatI
havesmallshareinallthisthatthousavest。“
ThenFlosisaid，“Thereisnoneedbeatingaboutthebushastowhatwehaveinmind。Wewishtoaskforthyhelp，Eyjolf，andthatthouwiltstandbyusinoursuits，andgotothecourtwithus，andundertakethedefence，iftherebeany，andpleaditforus，andstandbyusinallthingsthatmayhappenatthisThing。“
Eyjolfjumpedupinwrath，andsaidthatnomanhadanyrighttothinkthathecouldmakeacatspawofhim，ordraghimonifhehadnomindtogohimself。
“Isee，too，now，“hesays，“whathasledyoutoutterallthosefairwordswithwhichyebegantospeaktome。“
ThenHallbjorntheStrongcaughtholdofhimandsatehimdownbyhisside，betweenhimandBjarni，andsaid，“Notreefallsatthefirststroke，friend，butsithereawhilebyus。“ThenFlosidrewagoldringoffhisarm。
“ThisringwillIgivethee，Eyjolf，forthyhelpandfriendship，andsoshowtheethatIwillnotbefoolthee。Itwillbebestfortheetotakethering，forthereisnomanhereattheThingtowhomIhaveevergivensuchagift。“
Theringwassuchagoodone，andsowellmade，thatitwasworthtwelvehundredyardsofrussetstuff。
HallbjorndrewtheringonEyjolf\'sarm；andEyjolfsaid，“ItisnowmostfittingthatIshouldtakethering，sincethoubehavestsohandsomely；andnowthoumayestmakeupthymindthatIwillundertakethedefence，anddoallthingsneedful。“
“Now，“saidBjarni，“yebehavehandsomelyonbothsides，andherearemenwellfittedtobewitnesses，sinceIandHallbjornarehere，thatthouhastundertakenthesuit。“
ThenEyjolfarose，andFlositoo，andtheytookoneanotherbythehand；andsoEyjolfundertookthewholedefenceofthesuitoffFlosi\'shands，andso，too，ifanysuitaroseoutofthedefence，foritoftenhappensthatwhatisadefenceinonesuit，isaplaintiff\'spleainanother。Sohetookuponhimalltheproofsandproceedingswhichbelongedtothosesuits，whethertheyweretobepleadedbeforetheQuarterCourtortheFifthCourt。Flosihandedthemoverinlawfulform，andEyjolftooktheminlawfulform，andthenhesaidtoFlosiandBjarni，“NowI
haveundertakenthisdefencejustasyeasked，butmywishitisthatyeshouldstillkeepitsecretatfirst；butifthemattercomesintotheFifthCourt，thenbemostcarefulnottosaythatyehavegivengoodsformyhelp。“
ThenFlosiwenthometohisbooth，andBjarniwithhim，butEyjolfwenttotheboothofSnorrithePriest，andsatedownbyhim，andtheytalkedmuchtogether。
SnorrithePriestcaughtholdofEyjolf\'sarm，andturnedupthesleeve，andseesthathehadagreatringofgoldonhisarm。
ThenSnorrithePriestsaid，“Pray，wasthisringboughtorgiven？“
Eyjolfwasputoutaboutit，andhadneverawordtosay。ThenSnorrisaid，“Iseeplainlythatthoumusthavetakenitasagift，andmaythisringnotbethydeath！“
Eyjolfjumpedupandwentaway，andwouldnotspeakaboutit；andSnorrisaid，asEyjolfarose，“ItisverylikelythatthouwiltknowwhatkindofgiftthouhasttakenbythetimethisThingisended。“
ThenEyjolfwenttohisbooth。
ENDNOTES:
1EyjolftheGuilefulwasthesonofThordGellir，thesonofOleifFeilan。ThemotherofEyjolftheGuilefulwasRodny，thedaughterofSkeggiofMidfirth。
138。OFASGRIM，ANDGIZUR，ANDKARI
NowAsgrimEllidagrim\'ssontalkstoGizurtheWhite，andKariSolmund\'sson，andtoHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，MordValgard\'sson，andThorgeirCraggeir，andsays，“Thereisnoneedtohaveanysecretshere，foronlythosemenarebywhoknowallourcounsel。
NowIwillaskyouifyeknowanythingoftheirplans，forifyoudo，itseemstomethatwemusttakefreshcounselaboutourownplans。“
“SnorrithePriest，“answersGizurtheWhite，“sentamantome，andbadehimtellmethatFlosihadgottengreathelpfromtheNorthlanders；butthatEyjolfBolverk\'sson，hiskinsman，hadhadagoldringgivenhimbysomeone，andmadeasecretofit，andSnorrisaiditwashismeaningthatEyjolfBolverk\'ssonmustbemeanttodefendthesuitatlaw，andthattheringmusthavebeengivenhimforthat。“
Theywereallagreedthatitmustbeso。ThenGizurspoketothem，“NowhasMordValgard\'sson，myson-in-law，undertakenasuit，whichallmustthinkmosthard，toprosecuteFlosi；andnowmywishisthatyesharetheothersuitsamongstyou，fornowitwillsoonbetimetogivenoticeofthesuitsattheHillofLaws。Weshallneedalsotoaskformorehelp。“
Asgrimsaidsoitshouldbe，“butwewillbegtheetogoroundwithuswhenweaskforhelp。“Gizursaidhewouldbereadytodothat。
AfterthatGizurpickedoutallthewisestmenoftheircompanytogowithhimashisbackers。TherewasHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andAsgrim，andKari，andThorgeirCraggeir。
ThenGizurtheWhitesaid，“NowwillwefirstgototheboothofSkaptiThorod\'sson，“andtheydoso。GizurtheWhitewentfirst，thenHjallti，thenKari，thenAsgrim，thenThorgeirCraggeir，andthenhisbrothers。
Theywentintothebooth。Skaptisatonthecrossbenchonthedais，andwhenhesawGizurtheWhiteheroseuptomeethim，andgreetedhimandallofthemwell，andbadeGizurtositdownbyhim，andhedoesso。ThenGizursaidtoAsgrim，“NowshaltthoufirstraisethequestionofhelpwithSkapti，butIwillthrowinwhatIthinkgood。“
“Wearecomehither，“saidAsgrim，“forthissake，Skapti，toseekhelpandaidatthyhand。“
“Iwasthoughttobehardtowinthelasttime，“saidSkapti，“whenIwouldnottaketheburdenofyourtroubleonme。“
“Itisquiteanothermatternow，“saidGizur。“NowthefeudisformasterNjalandmistressBergthora，whowereburntintheirownhousewithoutacause，andforNjal\'sthreesons，andmanyotherworthymen，andthouwiltsurelyneverbewillingtoyieldnohelptomen，ortostandbythykinsmenandconnections。“
“Itwasinmymind，“answersSkapti，“whenSkarphedinntoldmethatIhadmyselfbornetaronmyownhead，andcutupasodofturfandcreptunderit，andwhenhesaidthatIhadbeensoafraidthatThorolfLopt\'ssonofEyrarboremeabroadinhisshipamonghismeal-sacks，andsocarriedmetoIceland，thatI
wouldnevershareinthebloodfeudforhisdeath。“
“Nowthereisnoneedtobearsuchthingsinmind，“saidGizurtheWhite，“forheisdeadwhosaidthat，andthouwiltsurelygrantmethis，thoughthouwouldstnotdoitforothermen\'ssake。“
“Thisquarrel，“saysSkapti，“isnobusinessofthine，exceptthouchoosesttobeentangledinitalongwiththem。“
ThenGizurwasverywrath，andsaid，“Thouartunlikethyfather，thoughhewasthoughtnottobequitecleanhanded；yetwasheeverhelpfultomenwhentheyneededhimmost。“
“Weareunlikeintemper，“saidSkapti。“Yetwo，Asgrimandthou，thinkthatyehavehadtheleadinmightydeeds；thou，GizurtheWhite，becausethouovercamestGunnarofLithend；butAsgrim，forthatheslewGauk，hisfoster-brother。“
“Few，“saidAsgrim，“bringforwardthebetteriftheyknowtheworse，butmanywouldsaythatIslewnotGaukereIwasdriventoit。Thereissomeexcusefortheefornothelpingus，butnoneforheapingreproachesonus；andIonlywishbeforethisThingisoutthatthoumayestgetfromthissuitthegreatestdisgrace，andthattheremaybenonetomakethyshamegood。“
ThenGizurandhismenstoodupallofthem，andwentout，andsoontotheboothofSnorrithePriest。
Snorrisatonthecross-benchinhisbooth；theywentintothebooth，andheknewthemenatonce，andstooduptomeetthem，andbadethemallwelcome，andmaderoomforthemtositbyhim。