Afterthat，theyaskedoneanotherthenewsoftheday。
ThenAsgrimspoketoSnorri，andsaid，“ForthatamIandmykinsmanGizurcomehither，toasktheeforthyhelp。“
“Thouspeakestofwhatthoumayestalwaysbeforgivenforasking，forhelpintheblood-feudaftersuchconnectionsasthouhadst。
We，too，gotmanywholesomecounselsfromNjal，thoughfewnowbearthatinmind；butasyetIknownotofwhatyethinkyestandmostinneed。“
“Westandmostinneed，“answersAsgrim，“ofbriskladsandgoodweapons，ifwefightthemhereattheThing。“
“Trueitis，“saidSnorri，“thatmuchliesonthat，anditislikeliestthatyewillpressthemhomewithdaring，andthattheywilldefendthemselvessoinlikewise，andneitherofyouwillallowtheothers\'right。Thenyewillnotbearwiththemandfallonthem，andthatwillbetheonlywayleft；forthentheywillseektopayyouoffwithshameformanscathe，andwithdishonourforlossofkin。“
Itwaseasytoseethathegoadedthemonineverything。
ThenGizurtheWhitesaid“Thouspeakestwell，Snorri，andthoubehavestevermostlikeachiefwhenmostliesatstake。“
“Iwishtoknow，“saidAsgrim，“inwhatwaythouwiltstandbyusifthingsturnoutasthousayest。“
“Iwillshowtheethosemarksoffriendship，“saidSnorri，“onwhichallyourhonourwillhang，butIwillnotgowithyoutothecourt。ButifyefighthereontheThing，donotfallonthematallunlessyeareallmoststeadfastanddauntless，foryouhavegreatchampionsagainstyou。Butifyeareovermatched，yemustletyourselvesbedrivenhithertowardsus，forIshallthenhavedrawnupmymeninarrayhereabouts，andshallbereadytostandbyyou。Butifitfallsoutotherwise，andtheygivewaybeforeyou，mymeaningisthattheywilltrytorunforastrongholdinthe“GreatRift。“Butiftheycomethither，thenyewillnevergetthebetterofthem。NowIwilltakethatonmyhands，todrawupmymenthere，andguardthepasstothestronghold，butwewillnotfollowthemwhethertheyturnnorthorsouthalongtheriver。AndwhenyouhaveslainoutoftheirbandaboutasmanyasIthinkyewillbeabletopayblood-finesfor，andyetkeepyourpriesthoodsandabodes，thenIwillrunupwithallmymenandpartyou。ThenyeshallpromisetodoasI
bidyou，andstopthebattle，ifIonmypartdowhatIhavenowpromised。“
Gizurthankedhimkindly，andsaidthatwhathehadsaidwasjustwhattheyallneeded，andthentheyallwentout。
“Whithershallwegonow？“saidGizur。
“TotheNortlanders\'booth，“saidAsgrim。
Thentheyfaredthither。
139。OFASGRIMANDGUDMUND
AndwhentheycameintothebooththentheysawwhereGudmundthePowerfulsateandtalkedwithEinarConal\'sson，hisfoster-
child；hewasawiseman。
Thentheycomebeforehim，andGudmundwelcomedthemveryheartily，andmadethemcleartheboothforthem，thattheymightallbeabletositdown。
Thentheyaskedwhattidings，andAsgrimsaid，“ThereisnoneedtomutterwhatIhavetosay。Wewish，Gudmund，toaskforthysteadfasthelp。“
“Haveyeseenanyotherchiefsbefore？“saidGudmund。
TheysaidtheyhadbeentoseeSkaptiThorod\'ssonandSnorrithePriest，andtoldhimquietlyhowtheyhadfaredwitheachofthem。
ThenGudmundsaid，“LasttimeIbehavedbadlyandmeanlytoyou。
ThenIwasstubborn，butnowyeshalldriveyourbargainwithmeallthemorequicklybecauseIwasmorestubbornthen，andnowI
willgomyselfwithyoutothecourtwithallmyThing-men，andstandbyyouinallsuchthingsasIcan，andfightforyouthoughthisbeneeded，andlaydownmylifeforyourlives。I
willalsopaySkaptioutinthisway，thatThorsteinGape-mouthhissonshallbeinthebattleonourside，forhewillnotdaretodoaughtelsethanIwill，sincehehasJodisamydaughtertowife，andthenSkaptiwilltrytopartus。“
Theythankedhim，andtalkedwithhimlongandlowafterwards，sothatnoothermencouldhear。
ThenGudmundbadethemnottogobeforethekneesofanyotherchiefs，forhesaidthatwouldbelittle-hearted。
“Wewillnowruntheriskwiththeforcethatwehave。Yemustgowithyourweaponstoalllaw-business，butnotfightasthingsstand。“
Thentheywentallofthemhometotheirbooths，andallthiswasatfirstwithfewmen\'sknowledge。
SonowtheThinggoeson。
140。OFTHEDECLARATIONSOFTHESUITS
ItwasonedaythatmenwenttotheHillofLaws，andthechiefsweresoplacedthatAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andGizurtheWhite，andGudmundthePowerful，andSnorrithePriest，wereontheupperhandbytheHillofLaws；buttheEastfirthersstooddownbelow。
MordValgard\'ssonstoodnexttoGizurhisfather-in-law，hewasofallmenthereadiest-tongued。
Gizurtoldhimthatheoughttogivenoticeofthesuitformanslaughter，andbadehimspeakup，sothatallmighthearhimwell。
ThenMordtookwitnessandsaid，“ItakewitnesstothisthatI
givenoticeofanassaultlaiddownbylawagainstFlosiThord\'sson，forthatberushedatHelgiNjal\'ssonanddealthimabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Isaythatinthissuitheoughttobemadeaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed。Isaythatallhisgoodsareforfeited，halftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarter，whohavearightbylawtotakehisforfeitedgoods。IgivenoticeofthissuitformanslaughterintheQuarterCourtintowhichthissuitoughtbylawtocome。Igivenoticeofthislawfulnotice；IgivenoticeinthehearingofallmenontheHillofLaws；Igivenoticeofthissuittobepleadedthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstFlosiThord\'sson；I
givenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
ThenagreatshoutwasutteredattheHillofLaws，thatMordspokewellandboldly。
ThenMordbegantospeakasecondtime。
“Itakeyoutowitnesstothis，“sayshe，“thatIgivenoticeofasuitagainstFlosiThord\'sson。IgivenoticeforthathewoundedHelgiNjal\'ssonwithabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeathonthatspotwhereFlosiThord\'ssonhadfirstrushedonHelgiNjal\'ssonwithanassaultlaiddownbylaw。Isaythatthou，Flosi，oughttobemadeinthissuitaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed。Isaythatallthygoodsareforfeited，halftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarter，whohavearightbylawtotakethegoodswhichhavebeenforfeitedbythee。I
givenoticeofthissuitintheQuarterCourtintowhichitoughtbylawtocome；Igivenoticeofthislawfulnotice；IgivenoticeofitinthehearingofallmenontheHillofLaws；I
givenoticeofthissuittobepleadedthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstFlosiThord\'sson。IgivenoticeofthesuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhathhandedovertome。“
AfterthatMordsathimdown。
Flosilistenedcarefully，butsaidneverawordthewhile。
ThenThorgeirCraggeirstoodupandtookwitness，andsaid，“I
takewitnesstothis，thatIgivenoticeofasuitagainstGlumHilldir\'sson，inthathetookfiringandlitit，andboreittothehouseatBergthorsknoll，whentheywereburnedinsideit，towit，NjalThorgeir\'sson，andBergthoraSkarphedinn\'sdaughter，andallthoseothermenwhowereburnedinsideitthereandthen。
Isaythatinthissuitheoughttobemadeaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed。Isaythatallhisgoodsareforfeited。
halftome，andhalftothemenoftheQuarter，whohavearightbylawtotakehisforfeitedgoods；IgivenoticeofthissuitintheQuarterCourt，intowhichitoughtbylawtocome。IgivenoticeinthehearingofallmenontheHillofLaws。Igivenoticeofthissuittobepleadedthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstGlumHilldir\'sson。“
KariSolmund\'ssondeclaredhissuitsagainstKolThorstein\'sson，andGunnarLambi\'sson，andGraniGunnar\'sson，anditwasthecommontalkofmenthathespokewondrouswell。
ThorleifCrowdeclaredhissuitagainstallthesonsofSigfus，butThorgrimtheBig，hisbrother，againstModolfKettle\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson，andHroarHamond\'sson，brotherofLeidolftheStrong。
AsgrimEllidagrim\'ssondeclaredhissuitagainstLeidolfandThorsteinGeirleif\'sson，ArniKol\'sson，andGrimtheRed。
Andtheyallspokewell。
Afterthatothermengavenoticeoftheirsuits，anditwasfaroninthedaythatitwentonso。
Thenmenfaredhometotheirbooths。
EyjolfBolverk\'ssonwenttohisboothwithFlosi，theypassedeastaroundtheboothandFlosisaidtoEyjolf。
“See\'stthouanydefenceinthesesuits。“
“None，“saysEyjolf。
“Whatcounselisnowtobetaken？“saysFlosi。
“Iwillgivetheeapieceofadvice，“saidEyjolf。“NowthoushalthandoverthypriesthoodtothybrotherThorgeir，butdeclarethatthouhastjoinedtheThingofAskelthePriestthesonofThorkettle，northawayinReykiardale；butiftheydonotknowthis，thenmaybethatthiswillharmthem，fortheywillbesuretopleadtheirsuitintheEastfirthers\'court，buttheyoughttopleaditintheNorthlanders\'court，andtheywilloverlookthat，anditisaFifthCourtmatteragainstthemiftheypleadtheirsuitinanothercourtthanthatinwhichtheyought，andthenwewilltakethatsuitup，butnotuntilwehavenootherchoiceleft。“
“Maybe，“saidFlosi，“thatweshallgettheworthofthering。“
“Idon\'tknowthat，“saysEyjolf；“butIwillstandbytheeatlaw，sothatmenshallsaythatthereneverwasabetterdefence。
Now，wemustsendforAskel，butThorgeirshallcometotheeatonce，andamanwithhim。“
AlittlewhileafterThorgeircame，andthenhetookonhimFlosi\'sleadershipandpriesthood。
BythattimeAskelwascomethithertoo，andthenFlosideclaredthathehadjoinedhisThing，andthiswaswithnoman\'sknowledgesavetheirs。
Nowallisquitetillthedaywhenthecourtsweretogoouttotrysuits。
141。NOWMENGOTOTHECOURTS
Nowthetimepassesawaytillthecourtsweretogoouttotrysuits。Bothsidesthenmadethemreadytogothither，andarmedthem。Eachsideputwar-tokensontheirhelmets。
ThenThorhallAsgrim\'ssonsaid，“Walkhastilyinnothingfathermine，anddoeverythingaslawfullyandrightlyasyecan，butifyefallintoanystraitletmeknowasquicklyasyecan，andthenIwillgiveyoucounsel。“
Asgrimandtheotherslookedathim，andhisfacewasasthoughitwereallblood，butgreatteardropsgushedoutofhiseyes。
Hebadethembringhimhisspear，thathadbeenagifttohimfromSkarphedinn，anditwasthegreatesttreasure。
Asgrimsaidastheywentaway，“OurkinsmanThorhallwasnoteasyinhismindaswelefthimbehindinthebooth，andIknownotwhathewillbeat。“
ThenAsgrimsaidagain，“NowwewillgotoMordValgard\'sson，andthinkofnoughtelsebutthesuit，forthereismoresportinFlosithaninverymanyothermen。“
ThenAsgrimsentamantoGizurtheWhite，andHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andGudmundthePowerful。Nowtheyallcametogether，andwentstraighttothecourtofEastfirthers。Theywenttothecourtfromthesouth，butFlosiandalltheEastfirtherswithhimwenttoitfromthenorth。TherewerealsothemenofReykdaleandtheAxefirtherswithFlosi。There，too，wasEyjolfBolverk\'sson。FlosilookedatEyjolf，andsaid，“Allnowgoesfairly，andmaybethatitwillnotbefarofffromthyguess。“
“Keepthypeaceaboutit，“saysEyjolf，“andthenweshallbesuretogainourpoint。“
NowMordtookwitness，andbadeallthosemenwhohadsuitsofoutlawrybeforethecourttocastlotswhoshouldfirstpleadordeclarehissuit，andwhonext，andwholast；hebadethembyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgesheardit。
Thenlotswerecastastothedeclarations，andhe，Mord，drewthelottodeclarehissuitfirst。
NowMordValgard\'ssontookwitnessthesecondtime，andsaid，“I
takewitnesstothis，thatIexceptallmistakesinwordsinmypleading，whethertheybetoomanyorwronglyspoken，andIclaimtherighttoamendallmywordsuntilIhaveputthemintoproperlawfulshape。Itakewitnesstomyselfofthis。“
AgainMordsaid，“Itakewitnesstothis，thatIbidFlosiThord\'sson，oranyothermanwhohasundertakenthedefencemadeovertohimbyFlosi，tolistenforhimtomyoath，andtomydeclarationofmysuit，andtoalltheproofsandproceedingswhichIamabouttobringforwardagainsthim；Ibidhimbyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgesmayhearitacrossthecourt。“
AgainMordValgard\'ssonsaid，“Itakewitnesstothis，thatI
takeanoathonthebook，alawfuloath，andIsayitbeforeGod，thatIwillsopleadthissuitinthemosttruthful，andmostjustandmostlawfulway，sofarasIknow；andthatIwillbringforwardallmyproofsindueform，andutterthemfaithfullysolongasIaminthissuit。“
Afterthathespokeinthesewords，“IhavecalledThoroddasmyfirstwitness，andThorbjornasmysecond；IhavecalledthemtobearwitnessthatIgavenoticeofanassaultlaiddownbylawagainstFlosiThord\'sson，onthatspotwherehe，FlosiThord\'sson，rushedwithanassaultlaiddownbylawonHelgiNjal\'sson，whenFlosiThord\'ssonwoundedHelgiNjal\'ssonwithabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Isaidthatheoughttobemadeinthissuitaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed；IsaidthatallhisgoodswereforfeitedhalftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarterwhohavetherightbylawtotakethegoodswhichhehasforfeited；IgavenoticeofthesuitinthequarterCourtintowhichthesuitoughtbylawtocome；Igavenoticeofthatlawfulnotice；IgavenoticeinthehearingofallmenattheHillofLaws；Igavenoticeofthissuittobepleadednowthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstFlosiThord\'sson。IgavenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhadhandedovertome；andIhadallthesewordsinmynoticewhichIhavenowusedinthisdeclarationofmysuit。InowdeclarethissuitofoutlawryinthisshapebeforethecourtoftheEastfirthersovertheheadofJohn，asIuttereditwhenIgavenoticeofit。“
ThenMordspokeagain，“IhavecalledThoroddasmyfirstwitness，andThorbjornasmysecond。IhavecalledthemtobearwitnessthatIgavenoticeofasuitagainstFlosiThord\'ssonforthathewoundedHelgiNjal\'ssonwithabrainorabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Isaidthatheoughttobemadeinthissuitaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed；Isaidthatallhisgoodswereforfeited，halftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarterwhohavetherightbylawtotakethegoodswhichhehasforfeited；I
gavenoticeofthesuitintheQuarterCourtintowhichthesuitoughtbylawtocome；Igavenoticeofthatlawfulnotice；IgavenoticeinthehearingofallmenattheHillofLaws；Igavenoticeofthissuittobepleadednowthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstFlosiThord\'sson。IgavenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhadhandedovertome；andIhadallthesewordsinmynoticewhichIhavenowusedinthisdeclarationofmysuit。InowdeclarethissuitofoutlawryinthisshapebeforethecourtoftheEastfirthersovertheheadofJohn，asIuttereditwhenIgavenoticeofit。“
ThenMord\'switnessestothenoticecamebeforethecourt，andspakesothatoneutteredtheirwitness，butbothconfirmeditbytheircommonconsentinthisform，“IbearwitnessthatMordcalledThoroddashisfirstwitness，andmeashissecond，andmynameisThorbjorn“——thenhenamedhisfather\'sname——“MordcalledustwoashiswitnessesthathegavenoticeofanassaultlaiddownbylawagainstFlosiThord\'ssonwhenherushedonHelgiNjal\'sson，inthatspotwhereFlosiThord\'ssondealtHelgiNjal\'ssonabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，thatprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。HesaidthatFlosioughttobemadeinthissuitaguiltyman，anoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredbyanyman；hesaidthatallhisgoodswereforfeited，halftohimselfandhalftothemenoftheQuarterwhohavetherightbylawtotakethegoodswhichhehadforfeited；hegavenoticeofthesuitintheQuarterCourtintowhichthesuitoughtbylawtocome；hegavenoticeofthatlawfulnotice；hegavenoticeinthehearingofallmenattheHillofLaws；hegavenoticeofthissuittobepleadednowthissummer，andoffulloutlawryagainstFlosiThord\'sson。HegavenoticeofasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhadhandedovertohim。Heusedallthosewordsinhisnoticewhichheusedinthedeclarationofhissuit，andwhichwehaveusedinbearingwitness；wehavenowborneourwitnessrightlyandlawfully，andweareagreedinbearingit；webearthiswitnessinthisshapebeforetheEastfirthers\'CourtovertheheadofJohn，asMorduttereditwhenhegavehisnotice。“
Asecondtimetheyboretheirwitnessofthenoticebeforethecourt，andputthewoundsfirstandtheassaultlast，andusedallthesamewordsasbefore，andboretheirwitnessinthisshapebeforetheEastfirthers\'CourtjustasMordutteredthemwhenhegavehisnotice。
ThenMord\'switnessestothehandingoverofthesuitwentbeforethecourt，andoneutteredtheirwitness，andbothconfirmeditbycommonconsent，andspokeinthesewords，“Thatthosetwo，MordValgard\'ssonandThorgeirThorir\'sson，tookthemtowitnessthatThorgeirThorir\'ssonhandedoverasuitformanslaughtertoMordValgard\'ssonagainstFlosiThord\'ssonfortheslayingofHelgiNjal\'sson；hehandedovertohimthenthissuit，withalltheproofsandproceedingswhichbelongedtothesuit，hehandeditovertohimtopleadandtosettle，andtomakeuseofallrightsasthoughheweretherightfulnextofkin:Thorgeirhandeditoverlawfully，andMordtookitlawfully。
TheyborewitnessofthehandingoverofthesuitinthisshapebeforetheEastfirther\'sCourtovertheheadofJohn，justasMordorThorgeirhadcalledthemaswitnessestoprove。
Theymadeallthesewitnessesswearonoatheretheyborewitness，andthejudgestoo。
AgainMordValgard\'ssontookwitness。“Itakewitnesstothis，“
saidhe，“thatIbidthosenineneighbourswhomIsummonedwhenI
laidthissuitagainstFlosiThord\'sson，totaketheirseatswestontheriver-bank，andIcallonthedefendanttochallengethisrequest，Icallonhimbyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourtsothatthejudgesmayhear。“
AgainMordtookwitness。“Itakewitnesstothis，thatIbidFlosiThord\'sson，orthatothermanwhohasthedefencehandedovertohim，tochallengetheinquestwhichIhavecausedto，taketheirseatswestontheriver-bank。Ibidtheebyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourtsothatthejudgesmayhear。“
AgainMordtookwitness。“Itakewitnesstothis，thatnowareallthefirststepsandproofsbroughtforwardwhichbelongtothesuit。Summonstobearmyoath，oathtaken，suitdeclared，witnessbornetothenotice，witnesshometothehandingoverofthesuit，theneighboursontheinquestbiddentotaketheirseats，andthedefendantbiddentochallengetheinquest。Itakethiswitnesstothesestepsandproofswhicharenowbroughtforward，andalsotothisthatIshallnotbethoughttohaveleftthesuitthoughIgoawayfromthecourttolookupproofs，oronotherbusiness。“
NowFlosiandhismenwentthitherwheretheneighboursontheinquestsate。
ThenFlosisaidtohismen，“ThesonsofSigfusmustknowbestwhetherthesearetherightfulneighbourstothespotwhoareheresummoned。“
KettleoftheMarkanswered，“HereisthatneighbourwhoheldMordatthefontwhenhewasbaptized，butanotherishissecondcousinbykinship。
Thentheyreckoneduphiskinship，andproveditwithanoath。
ThenEyjolftookwitnessthattheinquestshoulddonothingtillitwaschallenged。
AsecondtimeEyjolftookwitness，“Itakewitnesstothis，“saidhe，“thatIchallengeboththesemenoutoftheinquest，andsetthemaside“——herehenamedthembyname，andtheirfathersaswell——“forthissake，thatoneofthemisMord\'ssecondcousinbykinship，buttheotherforgossipry2，forwhichsakeitislawfultochallengeaneighbourontheinquest；yetwoareforalawfulreasonincapableofutteringafinding，fornowalawfulchallengehasovertakenyou，thereforeIchallengeandsetyouasidebytherightfulcustomofpleadingattheAlthing，andbythelawoftheland；IchallengeyouinthecausewhichFlosiThord\'ssonhashandedovertome。“
Nowallthepeoplespokeout，andsaidthatMord\'ssuithadcometonaught，andallwereagreedinthisthatthedefencewasbetterthantheprosecution。
ThenAsgrimsaidtoMord，“Thedayisnotyettheirown，thoughtheythinknowthattheyhavegainedagreatstep；butnowsomeoneshallgotoseeThorhallmyson，andknowwhatadvicehegivesus。“
ThenatrustymessengerwassenttoThorhall，andtoldhimasplainlyashecouldhowfarthesuithadgone，andhowFlosiandhismenthoughttheyhadbroughtthefindingoftheinquesttoadeadlock。
“Iwillsomakeitout，“saysThorhall，“thatthisshallnotcauseyoutolosethesuit；andtellthemnottobelieveit，thoughquirksandquibblesbebroughtagainstthem，forthatwiseacreEyjolfhasnowoverlookedsomething。Butnowthoushaltgobackasquicklyasthoucanst，andsaythatMordValgard\'ssonmustgobeforethecourt，andtakewitnessthattheirchallengehascometonaught，“andthenhetoldhimstepbystephowtheymustproceed。
ThemessengercameandtoldthemThorhall\'sadvice。
ThenMordValgard\'ssonwenttothecourtandtookwitness。“I
takewitnesstothis，“saidhe，“thatImakeEyjolf\'schallengevoidandofnoneeffect；andmygroundis，thathechallengedthemnotfortheirkinshiptothetrueplaintiff，thenextofkin，butfortheirkinshiptohimwhopleadedthesuit；Itakethiswitnesstomyself，andtoallthosetowhomthiswitnesswillbeofuse。“
Afterthathebroughtthatwitnessbeforethecourt。
Nowhewentwhithertheneighbourssateontheinquest，andbadethosetositdownagainwhohadrisenup，andsaidtheywererightlycalledontoshareinthefindingoftheinquest。
ThenallsaidthatThorhallhaddonegreatthings，andallthoughttheprosecutionbetterthanthedefence。
ThenFlosisaidtoEyjolf，“Thinkestthouthatthisisgoodlaw？“
“Ithinkso，surely，“hesays，“andbeyondadoubtweoverlookedthis；butstillwewillhaveanothertrialofstrengthwiththem。“
ThenEyjolftookwitness。“Itakewitnesstothis，“saidhe，“thatIchallengethesetwomenoutoftheinquest“——herehenamedthemboth——“forthatsakethattheyarelodgers，butnothouseholders；Idonotallowyoutwotositontheinquest，fornowalawfulchallengehasovertakenyou；Ichallengeyoubothandsetyouasideoutoftheinquest，bytherightfulcustomoftheAlthingandbythelawoftheland。“
NowEyjolfsaidhewasmuchmistakenifthatcouldbeshaken；andthenallsaidthatthedefencewasbetterthantheprosecution。
NowallmenpraisedEyjolf，andsaidtherewasneveramanwhocouldcopewithhiminlawcraft。
MordValgard\'ssonandAsgrimEllidagrim\'ssonnowsentamantoThorhalltotellhimhowthingsstood；butwhenThorhallheardthat，heaskedwhatgoodstheyowned，oriftheywerepaupers？
Themessengersaidthatonegainedhislivelihoodbykeepingmilch-kine，and“hehasbothcowsandewesathisabode；buttheotherhasathirdofthelandwhichheandthefreeholderfarm，andfindshisownfood:andtheyhaveonehearthbetweenthem，heandthemanwholetstheland，andoneshepherd。“
ThenThorhallsaid，“Theywillfarenowasbefore，fortheymusthavemadeamistake，andIwillsoonupsettheirchallengeandthisthoughEyjolfhadusedsuchbigwordsthatitwaslaw。“
NowThorhalltoldthemessengerplainly，stepbystep，howtheymustproceed；andthemessengercamebackandtoldMordandAsgrimallthecounselthatThorhallhadgiven。
ThenMordwenttothecourtandtookwitness。“Itakewitnesstothis，thatIbringtonaughtEyjolfBolverk\'sson\'schallengesforthathehaschallengedthosemenoutoftheinquestwhohavealawfulrighttobethere；everymanhasarighttositonaninquestofneighbours，whoownsthreehundredsinlandormore，thoughhemayhavenodairystock；andhetoohasthesamerightwholivesbydairystockworththesamesum，thoughheleasesnoland。“
Thenhebroughtthiswitnessbeforethecourt，andthenhewentwhithertheneighboursontheinquestwere，andbadethemsitdown，andsaidtheywererightfullyamongtheinquest。
ThentherewasagreatshoutandcryandthenallmensaidthatFlosi\'sandEyjolf\'scausewasmuchshaken，andnowmenwereofonemindastothis，thattheprosecutionwasbetterthanthedefence。
ThenFlosisaidtoEyjolf，“Canthisbelaw？“
Eyjolfsaidbehadnotwisdomenoughtoknowthatforasurety，andthentheysentamantoSkapti，theSpeakeroftheLaw，toaskwhetheritweregoodlaw，andhesentthembackwordthatitwassurelygoodlaw，thoughfewknewit。
ThenthiswastoldtoFlosi，andEyjolfBolverk\'ssonaskedthesonsofSigfusastotheotherneighbourswhoweresummonedthither。
Theysaidtherewerefourofthemwhowerewronglysummoned；“forthosesitnowathomewhowerenearerneighbourstothespot。“
ThenEyjolftookwitnessthathechallengedallthosefourmenoutoftheinquest，andthathediditwithlawfulformofchallenge。Afterthathesaidtotheneighbours，“Yeareboundtorenderlawfuljusticetobothsides，andnowyeshallgobeforethecourtwhenyearecalled，andtakewitnessthatyefindthatbartoutteringyourfinding；thatyearebutfivesummonedtoutteryourfinding，butthatyeoughttobenine；。
andnowThorhallmayproveandcarryhispointineverysuit，ifhecancurethisflawinthissuit。“
AndnowitwasplainineverythingthatFlosiandEyjolfwereveryboastful；andtherewasagreatcrythatnowthesuitfortheburningwasquashed，andthatagainthedefencewasbetterthantheprosecution。
ThenAsgrimspoketoMord，“TheyknownotyetofwhattoboasterewehaveseenmysonThorhall。NjaltoldmethathehadsotaughtThorhalllaw，thathewouldturnoutthebestlawyerinIcelandwheneveritwereputtotheproof。“
ThenamanwassenttoThorhalltotellhimhowthingsstood，andofFlosi\'sandEyjolf\'sboasting，andthecryofthepeoplethatthesuitfortheburningwasquashedinMord\'shands。
“Itwillbewellforthem，“saysThorhall，“iftheygetnotdisgracefromthis。ThoushaltgoandtellMordtotakewitnessandswearanoath，thatthegreaterpartoftheinquestisrightlysummoned，andthenheshallbringthatwitnessbeforethecourt，andthenhemaysettheprosecutiononitsfeetagain；buthewillhavetopayafineofthreemarksforeverymanthathehaswronglysummoned；buthemaynotbeprosecutedforthatatthisThing；andnowthoushaltgoback。“
Hedoesso，andtoldMordandAsgrimall，wordforword，thatThorhallhadsaid。
ThenMordwenttothecourt，andtookwitness，andsworeanoaththatthegreaterpartoftheinquestwasrightlysummoned，andsaidthenthathehadsettheprosecutiononitsfeetagain，andthenhewenton，“Andsoourfoesshallhavehonourfromsomethingelsethanfromthis，thatwehaveheretakenagreatfalsestep。“
ThentherewasagreatroarthatMordhandledthesuitwell；butitwassaidthatFlosiandhismenbetookthemonlytoquibblingandwrong。
FlosiaskedEyjolfifthiscouldbegoodlaw，buthesaidhecouldnotsurelytell，butsaidtheLawmanmustsettlethisknottypoint。
ThenThorkelGeiti\'ssonwentontheirbehalftotelltheLawmanhowthingsstood，andaskedwhetherthisweregoodlawthatMordhadsaid。
“Moremenaregreatlawyersnow，“saysSkapti，“thanIthought。
Imusttellthee，then，thatthisissuchgoodlawinallpoints，thatthereisnotawordtosayagainstit；butstillIthoughtthatIalonewouldknowthis，nowthatNjalwasdead，forhewastheonlymanIeverknewwhoknewit。“
ThenThorkellwentbacktoFlosiandEyjolf，andsaidthatthiswasgoodlaw。
ThenMordValgard\'ssonwenttothecourtandtookwitness。“I
takewitnesstothis，“hesaid，“thatIbidthoseneighboursontheinquestinthesuitwhichIsetonfootagainstFlosiThord\'ssonnowtouttertheirfinding，andtofinditeitheragainsthimorforhim；Ibidthembyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgesmayhearitacrossthecourt。“
ThentheneighboursonMord\'sinquestwenttothecourt，andoneutteredtheirfinding，butallconfirmeditbytheirconsent；andtheyspokethus，wordforword，“MordValgard\'ssonsummonednineofusthanesonthisinquest，butherewestandfiveofus，butfourhavebeenchallengedandsetaside，andnowwitnesshasbeenhomeastotheabsenceofthefourwhooughttohaveutteredthisfindingalongwithus，andnowweareboundbylawtoutterourfinding。Weweresummonedtobearthiswitness，whetherFlosiThord\'ssonrushedwithanassaultlaiddownbylawonHelgiNjal\'sson，onthatspotwhereFlosiThord\'ssonwoundedHelgiNjal\'ssonwithabrain，orabody，oramarrowwound，whichprovedadeath-wound，andfromwhichHelgigothisdeath。Hesummonedustoutterallthosewordswhichitwaslawfulforustoutter，andwhichheshouldcallonustoanswerbeforethecourt，andwhichbelongtothissuit；hesummonedus，sothatweheardwhathesaid；hesummonedusinasuitwhichThorgeirThorir\'ssonhadhandedovertohim，andnowwehaveallswornanoath，andfoundourlawfulfinding，andareallagreed，andweutterourfindingagainstFlosi，andwesaythatheistrulyguiltyinthissuit。Weninemenonthisinquestofneighbourssoshapen，utterthisourfindingbeforetheEastfirthers\'CourtovertheheadofJohn，asMordsummonedustodo；butthisisthefindingofallofus。“
AgainasecondtimetheyutteredtheirfindingagainstFlosi，anduttereditfirstaboutthewounds，andlastabouttheassault，butalltheirotherwordstheyutteredjustastheyhadbeforeutteredtheirfindingagainstFlosi，andbroughthimintrulyguiltyinthesuit。
ThenMordValgard\'ssonwentbeforethecourt，andtookwitnessthatthoseneighbourswhomhehadsummonedinthesuitwhichhehadsetonfootagainstFlosiThord\'ssonhadnowutteredtheirfinding，andbroughthimintrulyguiltyinthesuit；hetookwitnesstothisforhisownpart，orforthosewhomightwishtomakeuseofthiswitness。
AgainasecondtimeMordtookwitnessandsaid，“ItakewitnesstothisthatIcallonFlosi，orthatmanwhohastoundertakethelawfuldefencewhichhehashandedovertohim，tobeginhisdefencetothissuitwhichIhavesetonfootagainsthim，fornowallthestepsandproofshavebeenbroughtforwardwhichbelongbylawtothissuit；allwitnesshome，thefindingoftheinquestutteredandbroughtin，witnesstakentothefinding，andtoallthestepswhichhavegonebefore；butifanysuchthingarisesintheirlawfuldefencewhichIneedtoturnintoasuitagainstthem，thenIclaimtherighttosetthatsuitonfootagainstthem。Ibidthismylawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgesmayhear。“
“Itgladdensmenow，Eyjolf，“saidFlosi，“inmyhearttothinkwhatawryfacetheywillmake，andhowtheirpateswilltinglewhenthoubringestforwardourdefence。“
ENDNOTES:
1Johnforaman，andGudrunaforawoman，werestandingnamesintheFormulariesoftheIcelandiccode，answeringtothe“MorN“inourLiturgy，ortothosefamousfictionsofEnglishlaw，“JohnDoeandRichardRoe。“
2“Gossipry，“thatis，becausetheyweregossips，“God\'ssib“，relationsbybaptism。
142。OFEYJOLFBOLVERK\'SSON
ThenEyjolfBolverk\'ssonwentbeforethecourt，andtookwitnesstothis，“Itakewitnessthatthisisalawfuldefenceinthiscause，thatyehavepleadedthesuitintheEastfirthers\'Court，whenyeoughttohavepleadeditintheNorthlanders\'Court；forFlosihasdeclaredhimselfoneoftheThingmenofAskelthePriestandherenowarethosetwowitnesseswhowereby，andwhowillbearwitnessthatFlosihandedoverhispriesthoodtohisbrotherThorgeir，butafterwardsdeclaredhimselfoneofAskelthePriest\'sThingmen。Itakewitnesstothisformyownpart，andforthosewhomayneedtomakeuseofit。“
AgainEyjolftookwitness，“Itakewitness，“hesaid，“tothis，thatIbidMordwhopleadsthissuit，orthenextofkin，tolistentomyoath，andtomydeclarationofthedefencewhichI
amabouttobringforward；Ibidhimbyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgesmayhearme。“
AgainEyjolftookwitness，“Itakewitnesstothis，thatIswearanoathonthebook，alawfuloath，andsayitbeforeGod，thatI
willsodefendthiscause，inthemosttruthful，andmostjust，andmostlawfulway，sofarasIknow，andsofulfilalllawfuldutieswhichbelongtomeatthisThing。“
ThenEyjolfsaid，“ThesetwomenItaketowitnessthatIbringforwardthislawfuldefencethatthissuitwaspleadedinanotherQuarterCourt，thanthatinwhichitoughttohavebeenpleaded；
andIsaythatforthissaketheirsuithascometonaught；I
utterthisdefenceinthisshapebeforetheEastfirthers\'Court。“
Afterthatheletallthewitnessbebroughtforwardwhichbelongedtothedefence，andthenhetookwitnesstoallthestepsinthedefencetoprovethattheyhadallbeendulytaken。
AfterthatEyjolfagaintookwitnessandsaid，“Itakewitnesstothis，thatIforbidthejudges，byalawfulprotestbeforethepriest，toutterjudgmentinthesuitofMordandhisfriends，fornowalawfuldefencehasbeenbroughtbeforethecourt。I
forbidyoubyaprotestmadebeforeapriest；byafull，fair，andbindingprotest；asIhavearighttoforbidyoubythecommoncustomoftheAlthing，andbythelawoftheland。“
Afterthatbecalledonthejudgestopronounceforthedefence。
ThenAsgrimandhisfriendsbroughtontheothersuitsfortheburning，andthosesuitstooktheircourse。
143。THECOUNSELOFTHORHALLASGRIM\'SSON
NowAsgrimandhisfriendssentamantoThorhall，andlethimbetoldinwhatastraittheyhadcome。
“ToofaroffwasInow，“answersThorhall，“forthiscausemightstillnothavetakenthisturnifIhadbeenby。InowseetheircoursethattheymustmeantosummonyoutotheFifthCourtforcontemptoftheThing。TheymustalsomeantodividetheEastfirthersCourtinthesuitfortheburning，sothatnojudgmentmaybegiven，fornowtheybehavesoastoshowthattheywillstayatnoill。Nowshaftthougobacktothemasquicklyasthoucanst，andsaythatMordmustsummonthemboth，bothFlosiandEyjolf，forhavingbroughtmoneyintotheFifthCourt，andmakeitacaseoflesseroutlawry。Thenheshallsummonthemwithasecondsummonsforthattheyhavebroughtforwardthatwitnesswhichhadnothingtodowiththeircause，andsowereguiltyofcontemptoftheThing；andtellthemthatI
saythis，thatiftwosuitsforlesseroutlawryhangoveroneandthesameman，thatheshallbeadjudgedathoroughoutlawatonce。Andforthisyemustsetyoursuitsonfootfirst，thatthenyewillfirstgototrialandjudgment。“
NowthemessengerwenthiswaybackandtoldMordandAsgrim。
AfterthattheywenttotheHillofLaws，andMordValgard\'ssontookwitness。“ItakewitnesstothisthatIsummonFlosiThord\'sson，forthathegavemoneyforhishelphereattheThingtoEyjolfBolverk\'sson。Isaythatheoughtonthischargetobemadeaguiltyoutlaw，forthissakealonetobeforwardedortobeallowedtherightoffrithstow1，ifhisfineandbailarebroughtforwardattheexecutionleviedonhishouseandgoods，butelsetobecomeathoroughoutlaw。Isayallhisgoodsareforfeited，halftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarterwhohavetherightbylawtotakehisgoodsafterhehasbeenoutlawed。IsummonthiscausebeforetheFifthCourt，whitherthecauseoughttocomebylaw；Isummonittobepleadednowandtofulloutlawry。Isummonwithalawfulsummons。I
summoninthehearingofallmenattheHillofLaws。“
WithalikesummonshesummonedEyjolfBolverk\'sson，forthathehadtakenandreceivedthemoney，andhesummonedhimforthatsaketotheFifthCourt。
AgainasecondtimehesummonedFlosiandEyjolf，forthatsakethattheyhadbroughtforwardthatwitnessattheThingwhichhadnothinglawfullytodowiththecauseoftheparties，andhadsobeenguiltyofcontemptoftheThing；andhelaidthepenaltyforthatatlesseroutlawry。
ThentheywentawaytotheCourtofLaws，theretheFifthCourtwasthenset。
NowwhenMordandAsgrimhadgoneaway，thenthejudgesintheEastfirthers\'Courtcouldnotagreehowtheyshouldgivejudgment，forsomeofthemwishedtogivejudgmentforFlosi，butsomeforMordandAsgrim。ThenFlosiandEyjolftriedtodividethecourt，andtheretheystayed，andlosttimeoverthatwhilethesummoningattheHillofLawsgoingon。AlittlewhileafterFlosiandEyjolfweretoldthattheyhadbeensummonedattheHillofLawsintotheFifthCourt，eachofthemwithtwosummons。
ThenEyjolfsaid，“Inanevilhourhaveweloiteredherewhiletheyhavebeenbeforeusinquicknessofsummoning。NowhathcomeoutThorhall\'scunning，andnomanishismatchinwit。Nowtheyhavethefirstrighttopleadtheircausebeforethecourt，andthatwaseverythingforthem；butstillwewillgototheHillofLaws，andsetoursuitonfootagainstthem，thoughthatwillnowstandusinlittlestead。“
ThentheyfaredtotheHillofLaws，andEyjolfsummonedthemforcontemptoftheThing。
AfterthattheywenttotheFifthCourt。
NowwemustsaythatwhenMordandAsgrimcametotheFifthCourt，Mordtookwitnessandbadethemlistentohisoathandthedeclarationofhissuit，andtoallthoseproofsandstepswhichhemeanttobringforwardagainstFlosiandEyjolf。Hebadethembyalawfulbiddingbeforethecourt，sothatthejudgescouldhearhimacrossthecourt。
IntheFifthCourtvouchershadtofollowtheoathsoftheparties，andtheyhadtotakeanoathafterthem。
Mordtookwitness。“Itakewitness，“hesaid，“tothis，thatI
takeaFifthCourtoath。IprayGodsotohelpmeinthislightandinthenext，asIshallpleadthissuitasIknowtobemosttruthful，andjust，andlawful。IbelievewithallmyheartthatFlosiistrulyguiltyinthissuit，ifImaybringforwardmyproofs；andIhavenotbroughtmoneyintothiscourtinthissuit，andIwillnotbringit。Ihavenottakenmoney，andI
willnottakeit，neitherforalawfulnorforanunlawfulend。“
ThemenwhowereMord\'svouchersthenwenttwoofthembeforethecourt，andtookwitnesstothis——“Wetakewitnessthatwetakeanoathonthebook，alawfuloath；weprayGodsotohelpustwointhislightandinthenext，aswelayitonourhonourthatwebelievewithallourheartsthatMordwillsopleadthissuitasheknowstobemosttruthful，andmostjust，andmostlawful，andthathehathnotbroughtmoneyintothiscourtinthissuittohelphimself，andthathewillnotofferit，andthathehathnottakenmoney，norwillhetakeit，eitherforalawfulorunlawfulend。“
MordhadsummonednineneighbourswholivednexttotheThingfieldontheinquestinthesuit，andthenMordtookwitness，anddeclaredthosefoursuitswhichhehadsetonfootagainstFlosiandEyjolf；andMordusedallthosewordsinhisdeclarationthathehadusedinhissummons。HedeclaredhissuitsforoutlawryinthesameshapebeforetheFifthCourtashehadutteredthemwhenhesummonedthedefendants。
Mordtookwitness，andbadethosenineneighboursontheinquesttotaketheirseatswestontheriverbank。
Mordtookwitnessagain，andbadeFlosiandEyjolftochallengetheinquest。
Theywentuptochallengetheinquest，andlookednarrowlyatthem，butcouldgetnoneofthemsetaside；thentheywentawayasthingsstood，andwereveryillpleasedwiththeircase。
ThenMordtookwitness，andbadethosenineneighbourswhomhehadbeforecalledontheinquest，touttertheirfinding，andtobringitineitherfororagainstFlosi。
ThentheneighboursonMord\'sinquestcamebeforethecourt，andoneutteredthefinding，butalltherestconfirmeditbytheirconsent。TheyhadalltakentheFifthCourtoath，andtheybroughtinFlosiastrulyguiltyinthesuit，andbroughtintheirfindingagainsthim。TheybroughtitinsuchashapebeforetheFifthCourtovertheheadofthesamemanoverwhoseheadMordhadalreadydeclaredhissuit。Afterthattheybroughtinallthosefindingswhichtheywereboundtobringinalltheothersuits，andallwasdoneinlawfulform。
EyjolfBolverk\'ssonandFlosiwatchedtofindaflawintheproceedings，butcouldgetnothingdone。
ThenMordValgard\'ssontookwitness。“Itakewitness，“saidhe，“tothis，thatthesenineneighbourswhomIcalledonthesesuitswhichIhavehadhangingovertheheadsofFlosiThord\'sson，andEyjolfBolverk\'sson，havenowutteredtheirfinding，andhavebroughtthemintrulyguiltyinthesesuits。“
Hetookthiswitnessforhisownpart。
AgainMordtookwitness。“Itakewitness，“hesaid，“tothis，thatIbidFlosiThord\'sson，orthatothermanwhohastakenhislawfuldefenceinhand，nowtobegintheirdefence；fornowallthestepsandproofshavebeenbroughtforwardinthesuit，summonstolistentooaths，oathstaken，suitdeclared，witnesstakentothesummons，neighbourscalledontotaketheirseatsontheinquest，defendantcalledontochallengetheinquest，findinguttered，witnesstakentothefinding。“
Hetookthiswitnesstoallthestepsthathadbeentakeninthesuit。
Thenthatmanstoodupoverwhoseheadthesuithadbeendeclaredandpleaded，andsummedupthecase。HesummedupfirsthowMordhadbadethemlistentohisoath，andtohisdeclarationofthesuit，andtoallthestepsandproofsinit；thenhesummedupnexthowMordtookhisoathandhisvoucherstheirs；thenhesummeduphowMordpleadedhissuit，andusedtheverywordsinhissummingupthatMordhadbeforeusedindeclaringandpleadinghissuit，andwhichhehadusedinhissummons，andhesaidthatthesuitcamebeforetheFifthCourtinthesameshapeasitwaswhenheuttereditatthesummoning。Thenhesummedupthatmenhadbornewitnesstothesummoning，andrepeatedallthosewordsthatMordhadusedinhissummons，andwhichtheyhadusedinbearingtheirwitness，“andwhichInow，“hesaid，“haveusedinmysummingup，andtheyboretheirwitnessinthesameshapebeforetheFifthCourtasheutteredthematthesummoning。“AfterthathesummedupthatMordbadetheneighboursontheinquesttotaketheirseats，thenhetoldnextofallhowhebadeFlositochallengetheinquest，orthatmanwhohadundertakenthislawfuldefenceforhim；thenhetoldhowtheneighbourswenttothecourt，andutteredtheirfinding，andbroughtinFlositrulyguiltyinthesuit，andhowtheybroughtinthefindingofaninquestofninemeninthatshapebeforetheFifthCourt。ThenhesummeduphowMordtookwitnesstoallthestepsinthesuit，andhowhehadbiddenthedefendanttobeginhisdefence。
AfterthatMordValgard\'ssontookwitness。“Itakewitness，“hesaid，“tothis，thatIforbidFlosiThord\'sson，orthatothermanwhohasundertakenthelawfuldefenceforhim，tosetuphisdefence；fornowareallthestepstakenwhichbelongtothesuit，whenthecasehasbeensummedupandtheproofsrepeated。“
AfterthattheforemanaddedthesewordsofMordtohissummingup。
ThenMordtookwitness，andprayedthejudgestogivejudgmentinthissuit。
ThenGizurtheWhitesaid，“Thouwilthavetodomoreyet，Mord，forfourtwelvescanhavenorighttopassjudgment。“
NowFlosisaidtoEyjolf，“Whatcounselistobetakennow？“
ThenEyjolfsaid，“Nowwemustmakethebestofabadbusiness；
butstillwewillbideourtime，fornowIguessthattheywillmakeafalsestepintheirsuit，forMordprayedforjudgmentatonceinthesuit，buttheyoughttocallandsetasidesixmenoutofthecourt，andafterthattheyoughttoofferustocallandsetasidesixothermen，butwewillnotdothat，forthentheyoughttocallandsetasidethosesixmen，andtheywillperhapsoverlookthat；thenalltheircasehascometonaughtiftheydonotdothat，forthreetwelveshavetojudgeineverycause。“
“Thouartawiseman，Eyjolf，“saidFlosi，“sothatfewcancomenighthee。“
MordValgard\'ssontookwitness。“Itakewitness，“hesaid“tothis，thatIcallandsetasidethesesixmenoutofthecourt“——
andnamedthemallbyname——“Idonotallowyoutositinthecourt；IcallyououtandsetyouasidebytherightfulcustomoftheAlthing，andthelawoftheland。“
AfterthatheofferedEyjolfandFlosi，beforewitnesses，tocalloutbynameandsetasideothersixmen，butFlosiandEyjolfwouldnotcallthemout。
ThenMordmadethempassjudgmentinthecause；butwhenthejudgmentwasgiven，Eyjolftookwitness，andsaidthatalltheirjudgmenthadcometonaught，andalsoeverythingelsethathadbeendone，andhisgroundwasthatthreetwelvesandonehalfhadjudged，whenthreeonlyoughttohavegivenjudgment。
“AndnowwewillfollowupoursuitsbeforetheFifthCourt，“
saidEyjolf，“andmakethemoutlaws。“
ThenGizurtheWhitesaidtoMordValgard\'sson，“Thouhastmadeaverygreatmistakeintakingsuchafalsestep，andthisisgreatill-luck；butwhatcounselshallwenowtake，kinsmanAsgrim？“saysGizur。
ThenAsgrimsaid，“NowwewillsendamantomysonThorhall，andknowwhatcounselhewillgiveus。“
ENDNOTES:
1AnoldEnglishlawtermforasylumorsanctuary。
144。BATTLEATTHEALTHING
NowSnorrithePriesthearshowthecausesstood，andthenhebeginstodrawuphismeninarrybelow“theGreatRift，“betweenitandHadbooth，andlaiddownbeforehandtohismenhowtheyweretobehave。
NowthemessengercomestoThorhallAsgrim\'sson，andtellshimhowthingsstood，andhowMordValgard\'ssonandhisfriendswouldallbemadeoutlaws，andthesuitsformanslaughterbebroughttonaught。
Butwhenheheardthat，hewassoshockedatitthathecouldnotutteraword。Hejumpedupthenfromhisbed，andclutchedwithbothhandshisspear，Skarphedinn\'sgift，anddroveitthroughhisfoot；thenfleshclungtothespear，andtheeyeoftheboiltoo，forhehadcutitcleanoutofthefoot，butatorrentofbloodandmatterpouredout，sothatitfellinastreamalongthefloor。Nowhewentoutoftheboothunhalting，andwalkedsohardthatthemessengercouldnotkeepupwithhim，andsohegoesuntilhecametotheFifthCourt。TherehemetGrimtheRed，Flosi\'skinsman，andassoonasevertheymet，Thorhallthrustathimwiththespear，andsmotehimontheshieldandcloveitintwain，butthespearpassedrightthroughhim，sothatthepointcameoutbetweenhisshoulders。Thorhallcasthimoffhisspear。
ThenKariSolmund\'ssoncaughtsightofthat，andsaidtoAsgrim，“Here，now，iscomeThorhallthyson，andhasstraightwayslainaman，andthisisagreatshame，ifhealoneshallhavethehearttoavengetheburning。“
“Thatshallnotbe，“saysAsgrim，“butletusturnonthemnow。“
Thentherewasamightycryalloverthehost，andthentheyshoutedtheirwar-cries。
Flosiandhisfriendsthenturnedagainsttheirfoes，andbothsideseggedontheirmenfast。
KariSolmund\'ssonturnednowthitherwhereAmiKol\'ssonandHallbjorntheStrongwereinfront，andassoonaseverHallbjornsawKari，hemadeablowathim，andaimedathisleg，butKarileaptupintotheair，andHallbjornmissedhim。KariturnedonArniKol\'ssonandcutathim，andsmotehimontheshoulder，andcutasundertheshoulderbladeandcollar-bone，andtheblowwentrightdownintohisbreast，andAmifelldowndeadatoncetoearth。
AfterthathehewedatHallbjornandcaughthimontheshield，andtheblowpassedthroughtheshield，andsodownandcutoffhisgreattoe。HolmsteinhurledaspearatKari，buthecaughtitintheair，andsentitback，anditwasaman\'sdeathinFlosi\'sband。
ThorgeirCraggeircameuptowhereHallbjorntheStrongwasinfront，andThorgeirmadesuchaspear-thrustathimwithhislefthandthatHallbjornfellbeforeit，andhadhardworktogetonhisfeetagain，andturnedawayfromthefightthereandthen。
ThenThorgeirmetThorwalldKettleRumble\'sson，andhewedathimatoncewiththeaxe，“theogressofwar，“whichSkarphedinnhadowned。Thorwalldthrewhisshieldbeforehim，andThorgeirhewedtheshieldandcleftitfromtoptobottom，buttheupperhornoftheaxemadeitswayintohisbreast，andpassedintohistrunk，andThorwalldfellandwasdeadatonce。
NowitmustbetoldhowAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，andThorhallhisson，HjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andGizurtheWhite，madeanonslaughtwhereFlosiandthesonsofSigfusandtheotherburnerswere；——
thentherewasaveryhardfight，andtheendofitwasthattheypressedonsohard，thatFlosiandhismengavewaybeforethem。
GudmundthePowerful，andMordValgard\'sson，andThorgeirCraggeir，madetheironslaughtwheretheAxefirthersandEastfirthers，andthemenofReykdalestood，andtheretootherewasaveryhardfight。
KariSolmund\'ssoncameupwhereBjarniBroddhelgi\'ssonhadthelead。Karicaughtupaspearandthrustathim，andtheblowfellonhisshield。Bjarnislippedtheshieldononesideofhim，elseithadgonestraightthroughhim。ThenhecutatKariandaimedathisleg，butKaridrewbackhislegandturnedshortroundonhisheel，andBjarnimissedhim。Karicutatonceathim，andthenamanranforwardandthrewhisshieldbeforeBjarni。Kariclefttheshieldintwain，andthepointoftheswordcaughthisthigh，andrippedupthewholelegdowntotheankle。Thatmanfellthereandthen，andwaseverafteracripplesolongashelived。
ThenKariclutchedhisspearwithbothhands，andturnedonBjarniandthrustathim；hesawhehadnootherchancebuttothrowhimselfdownsidelongawayfromtheblow，butassoonaseverBjarnifoundhisfeet，awayhefellbackoutofthefight。
ThorgeirCraggeirandGizurtheWhitefellontherewhereHolmsteinthesonofBersitheWise，andThorkelGeiti\'ssonwereleaders，andtheendofthestrugglewas，thatHolmsteinandThorkelgaveway，andthenaroseamightyhootingafterthemfromthemenofGudmundthePowerful。
ThorwalldTjorfi\'ssonofLightwatergotagreatwound，hewasshotintheforearm，andmenthoughtthatHalldorGudmundthePowerful\'ssonhadhurledthespear，butheborethatwoundaboutwithhimallhislifelong，andgotnoatonementforit。
Nowtherewasamightythrong。Butthoughweheretellofsomeofthedeedsthatweredone，stilltherearefarmanymoreofwhichmenhavehandeddownnostories。
FlosihadtoldthemthattheyshouldmakeforthestrongholdintheGreatRiftiftheywereworsted，“Forthere，“saidhe，“theywillonlybeabletoattackusononeside。“ButthebandwhichHalloftheSideandhissonLjotled，hadfallenawayoutofthefightbeforetheonslaughtofthatfatherandson，AsgrimandThorhall。TheyturneddowneastofAxewater，andHallsaid，“ThisisasadstateofthingswhenthewholehostofmenattheThingfight，andIwould，kinsmanLjot，thatwebeggedushelpeventhoughthatbebroughtagainstusbysomemen，andthatwepartthem。Thoushaltwaitformeatthefootofthebridge，andIwillgototheboothsandbegforhelp。“
“IfIsee，“saidLjot，“thatFlosiandhismenneedhelpfromourmen，thenIwillatoncerunupandaidthem。“
“Thouwiltdointhatasthoupleasest，“saysHall，“butIpraytheetowaitformehere。“
NowflightbreaksoutinFlosi\'sband，andtheyallflywestacrossAxewater；butAsgrimandGizurtheWhitewentafterthemandalltheirhost。FlosiandhismenturneddownbetweentheriverandtheOutworkbooth。SnorrithePriesthaddrawnuphismenthereinarray，sothickthattheycouldnotpassthatway，andSnorrithePriestcalledoutthentoFlosi，“Whyfareyeinsuchhaste，orwhochaseyou？“
“Thouaskestnotthis，“answeredFlosi，“becausethoudostnotknowitalready；butwhosefaultisitthatwecannotgettothestrongholdintheGreatRift？“
“Itisnotmyfault，“saysSnorri，“butitisquitetruethatI
knowwhosefaultitis，andIwilltelltheeifthouwilt；itisthefaultofThorwalldCropbeardandKol。“
Theywereboththendead，buttheyhadbeentheworstmeninallFlosi\'sband。
AgainSnorrisaidtohismen，“Nowdoboth，cutatthemandthrustatthem，anddrivethemawayhence，theywillthenholdoutbutashortwhilehere，iftheothersattackthemfrombelow；
butthenyeshallnotgoafterthem，butletbothsidesshiftforthemselves。“
ThesonofSkaptiThorod\'ssonwasThorsteingapemouth，aswaswrittenbefore，hewasinthebattlewithGudmundthePowerful，hisfather-in-law，andassoonasSkaptiknewthat，hewenttotheboothofSnorrithePriest，andmeanttobegforhelptopartthem；butjustbeforehehadgotasfarasthedoorofSnorri\'sbooth，therethebattlewashottestofall。Asgrimandhisfriends，andhismenwerejustcomingupthither，andthenThorhallsaidtohisfatherAsgrim，“SeetherenowisSkaptiThorod\'sson，father。“
“Iseehimkinsman，“saidAsgrim，andthenheshotaspearatSkapti，andstruckhimjustbelowwherethecalfwasfattest，andsothroughbothhislegs。Skaptifellattheblow，andcouldnotgetupagain，andtheonlycounseltheycouldtakewhowereby，wastodragSkaptiflatonhisfaceintotheboothofaturf-
cutter。
ThenAsgrimandhismencameupsofastthatFlosiandhismengavewaybeforethemsouthalongtherivertotheboothsofthemenofModruvale。TheretherewasamanoutsideoneboothwhosenamewasSolvi；hewasboilingbrothinagreatkettle，andhadjustthentakenthemeatout，andthebrothwasboilingashotlyasitcould。
SolvicasthiseyesontheEastfirthersastheyfled，andtheywerethenjustoveragainsthim，andthenhesaid，“CanallthesecowardswhoflyherebeEastfirthers，andyetThorkelGeiti\'sson，heranbyasfastasanyoneofthem，andverygreatlieshavebeentoldabouthimwhenmensaythatheisallheart，butnownooneranfasterthanhe。“
HallbjorntheStrongwasnearbythen，andsaid，“Thoushaltnothaveittosaythatweareallcowards。“
Andwiththathecaughtholdofhim，andliftedhimupaloft，andthrusthimheaddownintothebroth-kettle。Solvidiedatonce；
butthenarushwasmadeatHallbjornhimself，andhehadtoturnandfly。
FlosithrewaspearatBruniHaflidi\'sson，andcaughthimatthewaist，andthatwashisbane；hewasoneofGudmundthePowerful\'sband。
ThorsteinHlenni\'ssontookthespearoutofthewound，andhurleditbackatFlosi，andhithimontheleg，andhegotagreatwoundandfell；heroseupagainatonce。
ThentheypassedontotheWaterfirthers\'booth，andthenHallandLjotcamefromtheeastacrosstheriver，withalltheirband；butjustwhentheycametothelava，aspearwashurledoutofthebandofGudmundthePowerful，anditstruckLjotinthemiddle，andhefelldowndeadatonce；anditwasneverknownsurelywhohaddonethatmanslaughter。
FlosiandhismenturneduproundtheWaterfirther\'sbooth，andthenThorgeirCraggeirsaidtoKariSolmund\'sson，“Look，yondernowisEyjolfBolverk\'sson，ifthouhastamindtopayhimoffforthering。“
“ThatIweenisnotfarfrommymind，“saysKari，andsnatchedaspearfromaman，andhurleditatEyjolf，anditstruckhiminthewaist，andwentthroughhim，andEyjolfthenfelldeadtoearth。
Thentherewasalittlelullinthebattle，andthenSnorrithePriestcameupwithhisband，andSkaptiwasthereinhiscompany，andtheyraninbetweenthem，andsotheycouldnotgetatoneanothertofight。
ThenHallthrewinhispeoplewiththeirs，andwasforpartingthemthereandthen，andsoatrucewasset，andwastobekeptthroughouttheThing，andthenthebodieswerelaidoutandbornetothechurch，andthewoundsofthosemenwereboundupwhowerehurt。
ThedayaftermenwenttotheHillofLaws。ThenHanoftheSidestoodupandaskedforahearing，andgotitatonce；andhespokethus，“HeretherehavebeenhardhappeningsinlawsuitsandlossoflifeattheThing，andnowIwillshowagainthatI
amlittle-hearted，forIwillnowaskAsgrimandtheotherswhotaketheleadinthesesuits，thattheygrantusanatonementoneventerms；“andsohegoesonwithmanyfairwords。
KariSolmund\'ssonsaid，“Thoughallotherstakeanatonementintheirquarrels，yetwillItakenoatonementinmyquarrel；foryewillwishtoweighthesemanslayingsagainsttheburning，andwecannotbearthat。“
InthesamewayspokeThorgeirCraggeir。
ThenSkaptiThorod\'ssonstoodupandsaid，“Betterhaditbeenforthee，Kari，nottohaverunawayfromthyfather-in-lawandthybrothers-in-law，thannowtosneakoutofthisatonement。“
ThenKarisangtheseverses:
“WarriorwightthatweaponwieldestSparethyspeeringwhywefled，Oftforlessfallshailofbattle，Forthwefledtowreakrevenge；
Whowashe，faintheartedfoeman，Who，whentonguesofsteelsunghigh，Stolebeneaththeboothforshelter，Whilehisbeardblushedredforshame？
“ManyfettersSkaptifetteredWhenthemen，theGodsoffight，FromthefrayfaredallunwillingWheretheskaldscarceheldhisshield；
ThenthesuttlersdraggedthelawyerStoutinscoldingtotheirbooth，Laidhimlowamongsttheriffraff，Howhisheartthenquakedforfear。
“MenwhoskimthemainonseastagWellinthisyeshowedyoursenseMakinggameabouttheBurning，MockingHelgi，Grim，andNjal；
NowthemoorroundrockySwinestye1，Asmenrunandshaketheirshields，WithanothergruntshallrattleWhenthisThingispastandgone。“
Thentherewasgreatlaughter。SnorrithePriestsmiledandsangthisbetweenhisteeth，butsothatmanyheard:
“SkillhathSkaptiustotellWhetherAsgrim\'sshaftflewwell；
Holmsteinhurriedswifttoflight，Thorsteinturnedhimsoontofight。“
Nowmenburstoutingreatfitsoflaughter。
ThenHalloftheSidesaid，“AllmenknowwhatagriefIhavesufferedinthelossofmysonLjot；manywillthinkthathewouldbevalueddearestofallthosemenwhohavefallenhere；
butIwilldothisforthesakeofanatonement——Iwillputnopriceonmyson，andyetwillcomeforwardandgrantbothpledgesandpeacetothosewhoaremyadversaries。Ibegthee，SnorrithePriest，andotherofthebestmen，tobringthisabout，thattheremaybeanatonementbetweenus。“
Nowhesitshimdown，andagreathuminhisfavourfollowed，andallpraisedhisgentlenessandgoodwill。
ThenSnorrithePrieststoodupandmadealongandcleverspeech，andbeggedAsgrimandtheotherswhotooktheleadinthequarreltolooktowardsanatonement。
ThenAsgrimsaid，“ImadeupmymindwhenFlosimadeaninroadonmyhousethatIwouldneverbeatonedwithhim；butnowSnorrithePriest，Iwilltakeanatonementfromhimforthyword\'ssakeandotherofourfriends。“
InthesamewayspokeThorleifCrowandThorgrimtheBig，thattheywerewillingtobeatoned，andtheyurgedineverywaytheirbrotherThorgeirCraggeirtotakeanatonementalso；buthehungback，andsayshewouldneverpartfromKari。
ThenGizurtheWhitesaid，“NowFlosimustseethathemustmakehischoice，whetherhewillbeatonedontheunderstandingthatsomewillbeoutoftheatonement。“
Flosisayshewilltakethatatonement；“Andmethinksitissomuchthebetter，“hesays，“thatIhavefewergoodmenandtrueagainstme。“
ThenGudmundthePowerfulsaid，“IwilloffertohandselpeaceonmybehalffortheslayingsthathavehappenedhereattheThing，ontheunderstandingthatthesuitfortheburningisnottofalltotheground。“
InthesamewayspokeGizurtheWhiteandHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，AsgrimEllidagrim\'ssonandMordValgard\'sson。
Inthiswaytheatonementcameabout，andthenhandswereshakenonit，andtwelvemenweretouttertheaward；andSnorrithePriestwasthechiefmanintheaward，andotherswithhim。Thenthemanslaughtersweresetofftheoneagainsttheother，andthosemenwhowereoverandabovewerepaidforinfines。Theyalsomadeanawardinthesuitabouttheburning。
Njalwastobeatonedforwithatriplefine，andBergthorawithtwo。TheslayingofSkarphedinnwastobesetoffagainstthatofHauskuldtheWhitenessPriest。BothGrimandHelgiweretobepaidforwithdoublefines；andonefullman-fineshouldbepaidforeachofthosewhohadbeenburntinthehouse。
NoatonementwastakenfortheslayingofThordKari\'sson。
ItwasalsointheawardthatFlosiandalltheburnersshouldgoabroadintobanishment，andnoneofthemwastosailthesamesummerunlesshechose；butifhedidnotsailabroadbythetimethatthreewinterswerespent，thenheandalltheburnersweretobecomethoroughoutlaws。AnditwasalsosaidthattheiroutlawrymightbeproclaimedeitherattheHarvest-ThingorSpring-Thing，whichevermenchose；andFlosiwastostayabroadthreewinters。
AsforGunnarLambi\'sson，andGraniGunnar\'sson，GlumHilldir\'sson，andKolThorstein\'sson，theywerenevertobeallowedtocomeback。
ThenFlosiwasaskedifhewouldwishtohaveapriceputuponhiswound，buthesaidhewouldnottakebribesforhishurt。
EyjolfBolverk\'ssonhadnofineawardedforhim，forhisunfairnessandwrongfulness。
Andnowthissettlementandatonementwashandselledandwaswellkeptafterwards。
AsgrimandhisfriendsgaveSnorrithepriestgoodgifts，andhehadgreathonourfromthesesuits。
Skaptigotafineforhishurt。
GizurtheWhite，andHjalltiSkeggi\'sson，andAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson，askedGudmundthePowerfultocomeandseethemathome。Heacceptedthebidding，andeachofthemgavehimagoldring。
NowGudmundrideshomenorthandhadpraisefromeverymanfortheparthehadtakeninthesequarrels。
ThorgeirCraggeiraskedKaritogoalongwithhim，butyetfirstofalltheyrodewithGudmundrightuptothefellsnorth。KarigaveGudmundagoldenbrooch，butThorgeirgavehimasilverbelt，andeachwasthegreatesttreasure。Sotheypartedwiththeutmostfriendship，andGudmundisoutofthisstory。
KariandThorgeirrodesouthfromthefell，anddowntotheRapes1，andsotoThurso-water。
Flosi，andtheburnersalongwithhim，rodeeasttoFleetlithe，andheallowedthesonsofSigfustosettletheiraffairsathome。ThenFlosiheardthatThorgeirandKarihadriddennorthwithGudmundthePowerful，andsotheburnersthoughtthatKariandhisfriendmustmeantostayinthenorthcountry；andthenthesonsofSigfusaskedleavetogoeastunderEyjafelltogetintheirmoney，fortheyhadmoneyoutoncallatHeadbrink。
Flosigavethemleavetodothat，butstillbadethembewareofthemselves，andbeasshortatimeaboutitastheycould。
ThenFlosirodeupbyGodaland，andsonorthofEyjafellJokul，anddidnotdrawbridlebeforehecamehomeeasttoSwinefell。
NowitmustbesaidthatHalloftheSidehadsufferedhissontofallwithoutafine，anddidthatforthesakeofanatonement，butthenthewholehostofmenattheThingagreedtopayafineforhim，andthemoneysopaidwasnotlessthaneighthundredinsilver，butthatwasfourtimesthepriceofaman；butalltheotherswhohadbeenwithFlosigotnofinespaidfortheirhurts，andwereveryillpleasedatit。
ThesonsofSigfusstayedathometwonights，butthethirddaytheyrodeeasttoRaufarfell，andweretherethenight。Theywerefifteentogether，andhadnottheleastfearforthemselves。
Theyrodethencelate，andmeanttoreachHeadbrinkabouteven。
TheybaitedtheirhorsesinCarlinedale，andthenagreatslumbercameoverthem。
ENDNOTES:
1“Swinestye，“ironicallyforSwinefell，whereFlosilived。
2ThisistheEnglishequivalentfortheIcelandicHrep，adistrict。Itstilllingersin“theRapeofBramber，“andotherdistrictsinSussexandthesoutheast。
145。OFKARIANDTHORGEIR
Thosetwo，KariSolmund\'ssonandThorgeirCraggeir，rodethatdayeastacrossMarkfleet，andsooneasttoSelialandsmull。
Theyfoundtheresomewomen。Thewivesknewthem，andsaidtothem，“YetwoarelesswantonthanthesonsofSigfusyonder，butstillyefareunwarily。“
“WhydoyetalkthusofthesonsofSigfus，orwhatdoyeknowaboutthem？“
“Theywerelastnight，“theysaid，“atRaufarfell，andmeanttogettoMyrdaleto-night，butstillwethoughttheymusthavesomefearofyou，fortheyaskedwhenyewouldbelikelytocomehome。“
ThenKariandThorgeirwentontheirwayandspurredtheirhorses。
“Whatshallwelaydownforourselvestodonow，“saidThorgeir，“orwhatismosttothymind？Wiltthouthatwerideontheirtrack？“
“Iwillnothinderthis，“answersKari，“norwillIsaywhatoughttobedone，foritmayoftenbethatthoselivelongwhoareslainwithwordsalone1；butIwellknowwhatthoumeanesttotakeonthyself，thoumustmeantotakeonthyhandseightmen，andafterallthatislessthanitwaswhenthouslewestthoseseveninthesea-crags2，andletthyselfdownbyaropetogetatthem；butitisthewaywithallyoukinsmen，thatyealwayswishtobedoingsomefamousfeat，andnowIcandonolessthanstandbytheeandhavemyshareinthestory。Sonowwetwoalonewillrideafterthem，forIseethatthouhastsomadeupthymind。“
Afterthattheyrodeeastbytheupperway，anddidnotpassbyHolt，forThorgeirwouldnotthatanyblameshouldbelaidathisbrother\'sdoorforwhatmightbedone。
ThentheyrodeeasttoMyrdale，andtheretheymetamanwhohadturf-panniersonhishorse。Hebegantospeakthus，“Toofewmen，messmateThorgeir，hastthounowinthycompany。“
“Howisthat？“saysThorgeir。
“Why，“saidtheother，“becausethepreyisnowbeforethyhand。
ThesonsofSigfusrodebyawhileago，andmeantosleepthewholedayeastinCarlinedale，fortheymeantogonofartherto-nightthantoHeadbrink。“
AfterthattheyrodeontheirwayeastonArnstacksheath，andthereisnothingtobetoldoftheirjourneybeforetheycametoCarlinedale-water。
Thestreamwashigh，andnowtheyrodeupalongtheriver，fortheysawtherehorseswithsaddles。Theyrodenowthitherward，andsawthatthereweremenasleepinadellandtheirspearswerestandinguprightinthegroundalittlebelowthem。Theytookthespearsfromthem，andthrewthemintotheriver。
ThenThorgeirsaid，“Wiltthouthatwewakethem？“
“Thouhastnotaskedthis，“answersKari，“becausethouhastnotalreadymadeupthymindnottofallonsleepingmen，andsotoslayashamefulmanslaughter。“
Afterthattheyshoutedtothem，andthentheyallawokeandgraspedattheirarms。