ALLEN FRENCH. Of the Lighting of the Beacon 1
II. Of the Soursops, and the Curse which Hung on Them 20
III. Of Schemings 78
IX. And Hiarandi
taught the lad all he knew of weapon-craft, which was not a little. He was rich but covetous, and fond of
show, and fond of praise. "See," said Einar, "how proud is Hiarandi of his son!" "Aye," answered Einar. "And as for the shooting of this lad," remarked Ondott, "it is not so
fine after all." "Have a care," said
they. "The wind howls for a
storm, and this night will be bad." asked Asdis in a low voice. "The woman is
strange, but she forecasts well." "Aye," answered Hiarandi, "it is likely that ships will be on the
rocks by morning. responded Hiarandi. "That is true," quoth Hiarandi. "Hear the hag," said Asdis, shuddering. asked Hiarandi. "Now," quoth Hiarandi, "that might be done." asked Asdis. asked Asdis. "Moreover," went on Hiarandi, "the sea is but giving me again what it
took away." "Remember the boy," said Hiarandi. But Asdis stood upright, and she sang:
"Suffer not wrong
To happen long,
Lest punishment
From heaven be sent." So he stood astonished. But Asdis sang with great vehemence:
"Let God decide
What fate shall ride
Upon the wind. My rede is best. To others do
As I did once to you." Moreover, as he
listened, the storm roared louder. And Rolf toiled too; but Asdis did best of all, for
she brought out in a kettle great strips of whale's blubber, and flung
them on the fire. Then the flames flared high and wide, as bright as
day. Then, pointing, he cried, "Look!" she asked, yet speaking as if she
knew. "Aye, safe," answered Hiarandi. "Now," said she, "thou hast brought thy evil fortune on thyself, and
it will be hard to avoid the extreme of it." "I care not," answered Hiarandi, "even though I suffer for a good
deed." "Nevertheless," said the carline, "the future may be safe, though
without riches, if thou wilt be guided by me. "Two were to prosper," the woman replied. Snorri the Priest is one of
those two, as all men know. "So I have long believed," said Hiarandi calmly. "More misfortune is coming than
thou deemest," she said. "Outlawry. But she said: "I will not abide the curse. Hiarandi, I have worked
long in thy house. asked Asdis. "All times are alike," the woman said. "Heed thou this, Hiarandi. "He is one," answered Hiarandi, "whom I fear not at all." "It needs no great wisdom to say that," retorted Hiarandi upon her. And she went
out into the night. "But thou hast no enemies, father?" asked the lad. asked Rolf. All men knew of Snorri the Priest, who was
no temple priest at all but a priest of the law. "It would be well," said the lad, "to have Snorri on our side." "It is better," said Asdis, "never to go to the law. And Hiarandi added, "By law we have ever suffered." Hiarandi said: "Saw ye upon the ship, as it lay below us, the faces of
any of the men?" "Aye," answered they both, "for it was as clear as day." "I saw him," answered Rolf. "Who is he, then?" asked the boy. Once only he came back, out at elbow, and asked
my father for money. But if that was his
ship, then he has prospered." asked Rolf. Yet Rolf liked him not. he cried,
"come hold my horse and stable him." asked Kiartan. "My mother is in the house," answered Rolf. And our beacon saved thee." "Aye," said Kiartan. But he never gave a word of thanks, either to
Rolf or to Hiarandi, for the saving of his life. Now stable the horse, and I will see thy mother. "Even for that am I come," answered Kiartan. Perhaps," and he looked about him, "I can even help thee." But come, the wife prepares the meal. "I think not much of it," answered Rolf. "Now," said Kiartan, "thou shouldst learn to prize thyself higher. "Yet he is no longer his own man," answered Rolf. asked Kiartan. "Aye," answered Hiarandi. "Now," said Kiartan, "let me say to thee what is in my mind. And he would
have put his hand upon the boy's shoulder, but Rolf drew away. Send Rolf with me, and
let him see the world." "I care not for trading," replied Rolf. "There are courts to be seen," said Kiartan, "and thou mayest serve in
them thyself." "I am not ready to be a servant," quoth Rolf. "But thou mayest see wars and fighting," cried Kiartan. And he would speak no more with them that night, but went to his
locked bed and shut himself in. "Now," said the lad, "if I tell my father this, he will give thee a
beating. But Rolf put his hand to his belt, and Kiartan drew away. "He is not changed," said Hiarandi, "in all the years he has been
gone." And she laughed, but rejoiced too soon. But Asdis and Rolf strove to keep him in good heart. His holding was wide, for he owned all that the fathers of Hiarandi
had had. For he was not loved, and men
thought little of his counsels. She was of a sweet nature. Dalla sent for Einar. "The man," said she, "calls upon his doom, and I will not stay to
share it." And she told of the beacon, and how thereby a ship had been
saved. "Now," quoth Einar, "Hiarandi is a fool, so to break an old custom." "Let not the old woman stay here," she whispered. "For I like not her
looks, and I mistrust her." And Dalla added: "She is a good worker, and
handy to have about the place. All stood by and heard this, and they applauded. Lawfully must vengeance be taken, or not at all. And he looked across at Cragness with
fretting. cried Einar. "Now," quoth Einar in great delight, "I will lengthen thy name, and
thou shalt be called Ondott Crafty." Then they called from the house that man who had brought the news. asked Einar. "We must have witnesses to the summoning," answered Ondott. "But it is not necessary to bear arms," said Einar. Then
Einar said no more, and they rode to Cragness. "This is the first I have heard of it," said Hiarandi. Hiarandi
answered no word, but looked from one to the other. "Now," said Ondott, "these same men will be witnesses to what we say
here together." "Now," said Ondott quickly to Einar, "let me speak for thee in this
affair." When he had
finished, Hiarandi burst out upon him. "Foolish are ye to suppose," cried Hiarandi, "that I will ever give up
this stead which my fathers have settled. Ondott spoke to Einar. Then he prepared to ride away, but Ondott spoke once more. He spoke no word; but he strode
to Ondott, and smote with his staff. Ondott warded the blow, but the
arm was broken at the wrist. "And what is the punishment," asked Rolf, "for slaying?" "A fine or outlawry," replied Hiarandi. "Tell me of outlawry," begged Rolf. "There are outlaws of many kinds," answered Hiarandi. If he stays, his enemies may slay him if they can, and no man
may ask atonement. "Ask me not," said Hiarandi. "For the matter troubles me. But Asdis thought rightly in the matter. And
I have none." Moreover, Snorri draws ever to those who wax
in fortune, and such is Einar; and he helps little those whose
fortunes wane, and such am I." "Then I will wait," said Hiarandi, and sat down on a bench at the
door. "I am too late," he said to himself, "for Einar is before me. But Hiarandi stood up alone,
without counsel, and spoke for himself. But Hiarandi said: "No counsel can save me here. Let an end come now." "Foolish art thou," answered the man. asked Hiarandi. "But he," said Hiarandi, "has been in talk with Einar, who sues me." But Hiarandi answered in bitter mood: "Snorri casteth his weight where
is the greater power, that his own strength may grow." "Nay," replied the cowled man, "now it is too late. "Perhaps even I," said the man, "know more of the law than thou. "That I will," answered Hiarandi quickly. "Then shalt thou do thus and so," said the man. "Now," said Hiarandi, "it seems hard that so much shall be my
punishment. Einar hesitated. "Thus it seems to me," he said, and all men listened while he
spoke--for Snorri was one of those who had known the great men of old
time, who had seen the great fight at the Althing after Njal's
Burning, and who had swayed its event. "Thus it seems to me," said
Snorri. But the case of Einar seems strong, yet it
is weak. And such is
my finding." Snorri took his thanks, and smiled at Hiarandi. "Now I see," said Hiarandi, "that thou wert the man in the cloak." "Now," quoth Ondott, "call Hiarandi hither, and let him decide." This he said with a sneer: but Frodi answered gravely: "My cousin
shall not break his outlawry for a sheep. But call Rolf hither." "I call no boys to my counsel," answered Ondott. "The matter is
between thee and me." Drive the sheep to
Cragness, and let Hiarandi see it." "Now," said Ondott, "I have no time for that. But draw thy whittle,
and we can settle the matter here." But Hiarandi must stay at home. asked Einar. "Wait awhile." "Aye," answered the thrall, "for she goes to my home. cried
Ondott. "That also," said the thrall, "was in my mind." Now be thou guided by me, and I promise
that in the end thy wishes will be fulfilled. And
he persuaded Einar to go. They went as before, with Hallvard and
Hallmund. asked the men. But Hiarandi spoke to Einar, and not to Ondott. This outlawry irks me not, and in two months I am free to go where I
wish. "See," said he to Ondott, "where thy counsels have brought
me. I am mocked and sent away." For thou hast made a fair offer to Hiarandi, and
hast shown a good heart. Now what happens to him is his own fault, and
no man can blame us." Leave all to me." asked Ondott. "I am a slave," said the man, "and not a servant." "The life of a thrall," said Ondott, "is very hard." "Aye," said the man. "Yet thy fellow went away," quoth Ondott. "Aye," answered the thrall, "but he fled over the sea. "Come to Einar," said Ondott. "But thou must come," said Ondott, "in the way I shall name. "That is not thine affair," quoth Ondott. So his melancholy gained on him again. asked Asdis of him. "Now," said Hiarandi, "for all my words to Einar, this life irks
terribly. But Hiarandi answered, "The day is fine and the wind soft. I
will take no sword, for it gets in the way." But Asdis detained Rolf, and spoke to him earnestly. "Now this was the cause of his outlawing. He took a brand and warded himself, and won his way
out, but not before fire had sprung from the brands to the straw in
the hall. "At what lookest thou, man?" "Nothing," answered the thrall, and turned his face another way. "Nothing," answered the thrall again. "Nevertheless," said Hiarandi, "go, Rolf, and fetch me my sword; for I
repent that I came without weapon hither." Hiarandi sprang from his work, and ran after
the thrall. Yet he might not catch the
man, who fled past the oak. He leaped to the
tree, and set his back against it to defend himself. And Rolf, as he came running, saw how the men fell upon his father. When he was within killing distance, he sent his
arrow through one of the armed men. Then that struggle around Hiarandi
suddenly ceased, and the men fled in all directions, not stopping for
their companion; but one of them carried a shaft in his shoulder, and
a third bore one in his leg. Freedom came to the man, but not as he had deemed. He
looked, and saw that Hiarandi was dead. "That is to be seen," quoth Rolf, and he went to the edge of the
brook. Now see," said Rolf, "if I
can throw an arrow so far." "I cannot do it," groaned he. "It is impossible to any man," said Frodi. Try thou for me." beseeched Rolf. "Said I not," asked he,
"that I was not able? And if they surpass
thee by no more than a rood, no help is in them for this matter." But he said: "Would I were the
weakest in all Broadfirth dales, if only men might be found to surpass
me by so much. But I will not leave this matter, and all the rest
shall be done as is right." Then she sang to herself:
"To-night to sleep,
Some day to weep." Then they went to the place of the slaying; they viewed the tree, and
Rolf named it as the spot to which Hiarandi went farthest; and he
called on those men to witness that the tree stood there; and the
distance was measured, and the tree was put under the protection of
the men of the Quarter, so that it might not be cut. Now we may be proved in the wrong, and this
slaying turn against us." asked Rolf at once, "and what kind was their
following, whether fighting-men or not?" "Now, would I had been there!" But Kari came also to
Rome, and was absolved from the sin of his vengeance, and went home. Now all this tale was known to Rolf, as it was to all men in Iceland,
and as it should be known to all who read of the deeds of great men. When he was
gone a great laughter rose, so that Flosi asked to be told the cause
of it. So I sent
him from me, bidding him do some brave deed ere he returned. And he
went seeking an outlaw, to slay him. "But for all that my son would fight. "His son am I," answered Rolf. "So must thy father be dead," said Snorri. Sit here before us, and tell what hath happened." This he said with fire, for he was a young man. And the
young man sat down again. But Kari called on Snorri for his opinion. "If that is all," answered Kari, "then we will help him." Then they called Rolf to show his skill. Rolf struck the apples, and then the sticks, and then the moving mark. Then they swung a hoop on the end of a pole, and Rolf sent his arrow
through it, but most of the others failed. Kari laughed. But now let us try at the distance." "Ye must do better," he said. Snorri laughed. asked Rolf. For he was huge and
fierce of aspect. And he went his way after the robber. "He is not far before thee," answered the man. "The ewe is mine," said Rolf. "I will have it again." "Not I," quoth Rolf, and he went on. That man turned at once, drawing his sword. he asked. And his voice was harsh, like his face,
so that he was a man to terrify many. "That sheep is mine," said Rolf. "Leave it and go thy way." "Go home, boy!" said the man. "I would not hurt thee." Draw thy
sword, then!" "Nay," he responded, "but I will hurt thee with my arrows. "No shield do I need," sneered the man again, "against such as thou. "Let us
see, then!" the lad cried. quoth he. The man laughed mightily. he cried. It seemed as if he
had often been there before. But Grettir saw no one, for he looked about on the hillside below him. he asked. "Not very sure," answered Rolf. "Come down," said Grettir, "and we will eat together." asked Grettir. So I am a fearsome man in the dark, though in the
day no man may daunt me. "Let me see," answered Rolf, "if with the bow thou canst shoot farther
than I." "Be not wroth," begged Rolf, "for I have the best of reasons." he
asked. "Now string thy bow, and show me how far thou canst shoot." "Now do I wonder," said Grettir. "Let me see thy bow." "Such a bow," said Rolf, "saw I never." asked Grettir. And it flew far beyond the arrow of Rolf, full five rood
further. "That I will," quoth Grettir, "and joyfully too, for I see little of
men. asked Rolf. Then they talked the matter over, and Grettir advised Rolf once more
to seek Snorri the Priest, to find what steps should be taken. "Now," said Rolf, when he was ready to go, "keep the ewe for thy
kindness's sake." "Do thou take her," answered Grettir. And the first booty
is this, which ever I rendered again." They asked tidings. But at
last he said:
"Now go thy way, and summon Einar with a formal summons. he asked. "It is the custom of the land," said Frodi, "and many men do it for
the sake of peace." Nay, I even break my vow which I made
before thee. Then they went together to the house of Einar, and were seen from the
hall as they entered the yard, and men came and stood in the porch as
they approached. All bore weapons. asked Frodi. The men of
Einar laughed. "Laugh not," said Frodi mildly. "I was not by at his slaying," answered Einar. And Frodi said: "Were it not better to atone Rolf for the death of his
father, rather than have bad blood between neighbors? asked Ondott. "I will hear it," answered Rolf. "Now this I would award," said Ondott, "if I were in thy place, Einar. Some laughed, but not for long, and so far was this from a jest that
the most were silent. But none paid attention, for Rolf was gathering himself to speak. So he recited the summons. He named the deed and the place, and the
wounds of which Hiarandi had died. Einar stood irresolute. she asked. "Now," said he to Einar, "thy defence is sure. "No court," answered Einar, "will punish Rolf for that." And he would
not go, though he gave Ondott permission to go in his stead. Now Snorri conducted the case of Rolf, and all went in due order. The judges
said he was. "That is so," said the judges. "Now say further," demanded Snorri. "That also is true," answered the judges. "Now," said Snorri, "one last thing do I ask, whether or not he who
goes to make the proof by shooting an arrow, may go and come freely,
whatsoever man he be?" "We see no reason why this may not be so," said the judges. Now men began to whisper and say that the end of Grettir's
outlawry was but four years off, and then Rolf could be justified. Ondott spoke for Einar. Snorri was angry that he had been tricked, yet he could see no way to
help himself. he cried. "Thou canst win it back," answered Snorri. Never have I found a
bow too stiff for me, save his alone." demanded Rolf. Snorri was silent, for he feared no such bow was to be found. Rolf sighed. he asked next. "Hurry,
all of you, for he delivers himself into our hands." "Now," said he, "far rather would I stay here in this island, until
the time of outlawry is past. "Yet," said Rolf, "I am minded to do it." "Now," said Grettir, "listen to me, and learn what it means to be an
outlaw. Moreover, I know my mother mourns me
at home. asked Rolf. "None by me," answered Rolf. "And thy neighbor Einar," asked Grettir. he cried. Now fare thee well, Grettir. But Grettir said nay to that. So he rode into the yard. he asked. she cried. "Einar
and his men are at the crags, and there they make thee outlaw. So Rolf ran at
him, drawing his sword. Einar rolled over
on his back. cried he, and made no attempt to ward himself. "Now," quoth Rolf, "I go across the sea, yet thou shalt hear from me
again. By that, the men of Einar were close at hand. Rolf
comes into the smithy, and Frodi greets him well. asks he. But Rolf would not stay. And so he came to the ship, and was sheltered. He went back to his smithy, and sat there
weeping. Then they laughed the more, and taunted him grievously, saying they
were glad at the news, and mocking his weeping. asked Rolf. "I will go with thee," answered Frodi. Ar was a vain man and fond of show, kindly but weak. Ar sent for Sweyn, the master of
his ship. "Thou shalt take the best of thy men," said Ar, "and search for those
vikings. Sweyn said he would. asked the others. asked the shipmaster. Now men began to shout from the water, where they were swimming. Grani said nay thereto. "But I gave wounds, and this has been a great
fight." "Now," said Sweyn, "let us free those who worked at the oars." "No Orkneymen can I give thee as thrall," said Sweyn. "Ye are captives," said Grani. "Take them then," replied Sweyn. Grani said to Rolf and Frodi: "Ye are my thralls; I will treat you
well. "A thrall," answered Rolf, "hath no father and no home." "It is plain to see," said Sweyn, "that these two should be free men." He seemed kindly, but petulant and
uncertain. Put in close, and sail along under the cliffs." Then they sailed along under the cliffs, and a grand sight that was,
to see them high above and stretching far ahead. Rolf stood in the
bow, and he looked first up at the cliffs, and then down into the
green water. Rolf shouted
in warning. They swam toward the cliff, and those
who swam worst clung to the oars. They watched to find out, and at last it was sure: the tide was
coming. "They seem to me like the cliffs at home. Were we there I could climb
up." asked Frodi. Grani asked: "What are my thralls saying?" "The water," said Rolf, "will take thy thralls from thee." "Send one of those," answered Rolf, "who cares to save his life." This
he said of a set purpose, for of the men some were heavy and some were
old. Grani said:
"I will give thee thy freedom if thou wilt save us." asked Rolf. cried Grani. asked Rolf. Grani would not go, but sent up the men in the order of their height. "I will stay to the last," answered Grani. "I will not go," said Grani. Grani said: "I will go
in the ship; they are sending a boat." Grani said so. "Aye," answered Grani. "It hath come to my mind," said the other, "that they did not save
thee, but I did. Moreover, there was no need for climbing the cliff,
for I should have been able to save ye all." "That is true," said Grani. "Now," quoth the shipmaster, "thou art very reckless of thy
possessions if thou settest those thralls free." "Thou didst not reserve any save Orkneymen," answered Grani. "Thou didst not save my
life," said he. "That is true," answered Rolf. "Moreover," quoth Grani, "the ship would have saved us all." "That also is true," said Rolf. "See," said Grani to Ar, "they make
no objection; therefore I shall keep them as thralls. But I will give
each of them what he cares to choose of the spoil, if thou permit." But Rolf
put the gold and silver by, and took only a cloak. "Choose again," repeated Grani. cried Grani. But Rolf would take nothing more, and
Frodi took naught but a cloak and a whittle. "A strange pair are ye,"
quoth Grani. "We take only our own," answered Rolf. "And thy things," asked Ar of Rolf. But Rolf would tell nothing. Now all men sit down for the evening meal. "So they did," answers Rolf. But he does not attend, and falls to
brooding. Rolf asks him why. asked Frodi. "They seem a good pair," he answered. "He knew us well," answered
Rolf. asked Frodi. "I see naught to do," said Rolf. Moreover, no thrall can bring a suit in any land." responded Rolf. If
I were thee, I would set them at the sheep-herding or the field-work." I cannot spare them." But when other people were about, Rolf did
all that Grani said. When he was
about to go away, he asked if any man needed from him counsel or
comfort. Frodi stood up. Since the viking came to take life,
it was no sin to slay him." "It is the same," answered the bishop. "Even if thirty died," answered the bishop, "the answer is still the
same." asked Grani. "He seeks to gain influence over thee," answered Kiartan. Moreover, to lack dignity at any time
is not seeming in one of thy station." It was answered that they were not. They went outside the hall to wait, and Grani bound on his shoes. He went outside the hall and found Rolf and Frodi waiting. No cloak is needed, and I forbid ye to
take yours." In going so he missed his
way, and they came to the sheepcotes roundabout and late. Some men said that would be
on the morrow, for the wind was falling. "See," said Grani, "the storm is over; it was but a gale." The head shepherd said he thought not so, and that more was to be
looked for. "Moreover, thy Icelanders think the same, as I can see by
their faces." "I ask not what they think," answered Grani. "Thy thralls and I," replied the shepherd, "look to the north. "I see thou hast fear for me," said Grani. "But I will return." "Then hasten," begged the shepherd. Then that which
had appeared to be fog on the water at last moved inland, so that they
saw it coming like a wall. The night grew black, and the wind was loud. asked Grani. "I hear no surf," answered Grani. Grani asked what they
should do. asked Grani. "We cannot keep our direction," said Rolf. asked Grani. So they
sought to do so, and they walked for another while. Frodi, what can we do?" "Either we should walk over
the cliffs, or die of freezing in the first mile. Then they pulled stalks of grass and shook them free of snow; they
found in the shepherd's cloak a flint and steel, and so made a fire at
the mouth of the barrow. Very strange was that sight, and those three gazed at
it in silence. "He looks," said Frodi, "as if he would walk." "If he is ever to do it, he will do it now," said Rolf. They went back and slept until the day came, but the storm was still
so violent that they could not travel. Then they made larger the
entrance to the mound so that light came into the ship; and they
buried the viking in the ground. Now when they came to examine his
treasures, Grani and Frodi were busy long, casting aside each thing
for something better. asked he. It seemed very strong, cunningly
made: a wonderful weapon. "Now," said Grani, "this is far better than jewels or fine cloths, and
it is the best weapon here. "That is true," answered Grani. asked Ar. "That bow and those arrows," said Rolf. "Our freedom," answered Rolf. "Your freedom shall you have," said Grani. Then, before all who were
in the hall, he spoke Rolf and Frodi free. "Not so," answered Ar. "Thou shalt never succeed with him in that," replied Ar, "until thou
hast said those words which will make him forget that he was once a
thrall in this place. Men took it and handled it, admiring it
much. Frodi held it in his hands, and turned it this way and that. "Break it
I might," quoth he, "but string it never." But Rolf would not try to string the bow. asked Frodi. and he pressed the
bill on Frodi, who drew back. For he was the worst of all vikings who had ravaged in the Orkneys,
since he not only took tribute, but burnt towns and slaughtered people
wantonly. Grani said: "This is no place for us to stay, for the baresarks will
burn us alive. Then that was
done; and when they reached the church, going hastily and in a body so
that none should be left behind, they found Rolf and Frodi sitting at
the door, with their weapons. asked Grani. Only nine came. They
burned some huts, but the church and the hall they might not force. Now all the time in the hall Frodi had walked up and down, looking
very white and knocking his bill against everything, as if he were
afraid. "I am justly rebuked," said he. He took a lighter bow. But I will keep the bill." Grani asked: "What man will go out against Vemund?" All the Orkneyingers cried out against that, saying they should die
together within the hall; it might be Sweyn would come in time to save
them. Such a man is Vemund named. "Give me then," said Rolf, "the bow and arrows of the viking." But he said to Frodi, "Go to the forge and heat it." And he said to
Grani, "Bring me here some silver." He asked who was to come against
him. "I," answered Rolf. Vemund laughed, and the other baresarks also, calling Rolf a boy. "Let
me see thy weapons," said Vemund. asked Vemund. "Now," said he, "withdraw thy men to the
beach, and let us begin." "I will do as
thou sayest, and then will come at thee. All the Orkneymen
cried out in fear, but the baresarks shouted. "Shoot arrows at them," said Grani to Rolf. "I have done my share," quoth he. "Go now," said Ar, "and seek him out. Confess thyself in the wrong." "It is hard to do that," responded Grani. "Aye," answered Grani. cried Grani. And if I leave this land without being burned, then I am
lucky." Grani laughed, and then Rolf spoke. But if thy earls fall out,
then the Orkneys are rent with war. "And consider this," Rolf said. "I fear no misfortune," answered Grani. "Then," quoth Rolf, "thou art fitted to be an Icelander. "True," replied Rolf. At length he said:
"Rolf." Grani said nothing for a while more; at length again he said, "Rolf." "There comes another ship," cried Frodi. They watched that ship appear: a war-ship, long and low. "More of them are in sight," said Frodi. Those three left the
headland and ran to Hawksness; there they told the tidings and
gathered men, arming all those who came to the hall. "Not in the face of this danger," answered Rolf. Kiartan ran his ship upon the beach, and his men leaped out and pushed
her higher up the shingle. Kiartan ran to Ar, and begged protection. "Fight thou with us," quoth Ar. Grani laughed. Now when the Scots neared the shore, the people gave way from the
beach and drew a little up the hillside; and the nearer the Scots
came, the more the Orkneymen withdrew. But Ar said he would not flee, and went back
again to fight. "This is no Icelanders quarrel," said Ar. "We go to die, but the Scots
will give you peace." "Nevertheless we will look on a while," answered Rolf. "Now," said Frodi to Rolf, "shall we stay or go?" asked Grani. A spear struck Sweyn in the leg, and down he sat. "Here I stay," quoth
he. "Then here stay I," answered Grani. Then he
heard a panting, and looked down. "They can never escape," said he. "I will call them hither," replied Grani. Kiartan cried. We will sup." "That was strange to me also," said Grani. said Rolf. "Call him here," said Rolf. asked Grani. He is my uncle, and through him my
father came to his death." For the sake of air, they left the door wide. "Now," said Frodi, "they will go away." "Be not too hopeful," said Grani. "So," quoth Frodi, "I shall be burned in the Orkneys
after all. asked Rolf. Grani said after a silence: "I shall never speak again to my father,
whom I have not seen these many years." exclaimed Rolf. "Let wonders be," said Frodi. asked Grani. Then the Scots who watched went their way, and Kiartan with
them. Then they sent out vessels to ravage
in the Orkneys; but the main body, and the leader, sat there at
Hawksness, and because it was believed Earl Thorfinn thought them
still in Scotland, and no ship had been spared to go south and tell of
them, they had no fear of him. But the men laughed. asked the Earl. "But bring them in," said the Earl. One was of middle height,
and slender; he bore a bow. One was taller, and carried a sword. All in rags were those men, as if their garments had been
scorched. asked the Earl. "We rowed," answered they. asked the Earl. "It sunk off the shore," said those men, "and we swam the last mile." "Now," said the Earl, "I know the man to whom my father gave the
sword, and he went out to Iceland. "A light matter on which to hang lives," quoth that one. But I got it from Kari, Solmund's
son." "Thou shalt have thine own way with him," quoth Thorfinn. "I ask not his death," said Rolf. His sorrow he confessed, and he asked for pardon. But again Rolf spoke coolly, and said:
"Mayhap I am willing to do that." "Come, then," said Thorfinn. "Grani hight I," answered that one. So much I know and no more." "Now," quoth Thorfinn grimly, "here is an odd end to
blood-brothership. he cried. "Then of thee," said the Earl, "I wash my hands. But I will take Rolf
to me, to be of my bodyguard so long as he will." "I know that well, lord," answered Grani. And his men were angry, and some drew their swords. He stood before Rolf in the starlight, wrapped in a cloak. "Good is the law," quoth Rolf, "and once it helped me ere now. But thy
voice is muffled in the cloak, man. Rolf laughed. So now he is out of the story. Then on a morning
the man rose and walked by the rail, and looked upon the sea. And Rolf turned away and walked in the stern, but Grani waited
in the same place. "Outlaw was I,
and the Earl gave me but three days to quit his land." "Now," said Rolf, "thou art on my ship lawfully, and naught will I do
against thee. Rolf clambers back to his place. Then they cried that Hiarandi was lawfully slain, and Rolf was outlaw. And now we know who are with us." All men housed themselves, and a murky night came on. She sang:
"Bad luck and good
Are both abroad. said Ondott to Einar. He sang the song after her. For he was easily turned in
his purposes. She sang:
"Thy rocks beneath,
Men fight with death. Einar hurries his men out into the storm, and himself after them. Then that man threw down the rope again, and waited a while, and held
the rope securely; it seemed as if a weight were on it. They laid the body down before the fire, and Einar saw it was a
handsome youth. Rolf is out of the
law, and no harm will come of the slaying." "Unlawful is such a deed," she cried, "until
the morning light comes. "Aye," answered Ondott, "and in the morning the twain were fled." he cried. --This I discern." So she went out into the storm. Then that was
done, and they freed themselves. "Now remember the prophecy which I coined," answered Rolf. "Come then," Frodi said. But Rolf would not. asked Frodi. "I must have my bow," replied Rolf. Show now the like wisdom." Next the two took the old crone again, and went away. asked Ondott. "Find him who can," answered Asdis. And Frodi is at his
smithy again, there not far from the ferry to Hvamm." Grani asked. Then spoke Grani, lying on his bed. Now tell me the truth of all
this, ere I accept aught from thee." Quoth Ondott: "Leave all to me. I will settle this." So he went to
Grani, and Einar with him. And Rolf
had no right to the land, being outlawed at the Althing. "Twice he did that," answered Grani. "See now," cried Ondott, "the guile that is in him!" Einar forgave him. No welcome gave Asdis to them, but asked
their errand. "Ever thou liest in wait for blood," answered Asdis. "But ask not me
for news of Rolf. Now all the time Thurid sat there, and combed no flax, nor said a
word. For thou hast not
done it." Such is her mood." "Asdis, I wish thee joy
of thy mad-woman." "Better live with her than alone," quoth Asdis. "He is soft as custard," quoth Ondott. "Otherwise was he in the Orkneys," replied Grani. He asked what they would of him. Asked Ondott, "Was he not?" "Now," said Ondott, "bring forth the bill which is Einar's, and
deliver it to us." Grani said, "I ask nothing." No use is
it to us, for we have none that can wield it." "Yea," answered Grani. Now when they were come to Cragness, Helga met them at the door and
welcomed them in. They asked if aught had happened in their absence. They asked what were her words. "Then with great steps she went out of the hall, and came not again." Those three, Einar and Ondott and Grani, looked at each other with
alarm. Then they praised their fortune that they had it still. "That I did," says Grani. But Helga, who had listened, burst into tears. "Oh, hold it not!" cried Helga. Now all that
they found was what looked to be a grave, not far from the home-mead. Now the dais was heavy, and that work had been done with much
strength. Asdis said she
slept within, and would not come out. "She speaks to no one save me," said Asdis, "and never when
questioned." So take heed
to her, goodwife, and thyself as well." She goes away sorrowful, and says no more of this to anyone. asked Grani. "This only do I fear, that we
have not enough food ready. Few do I think will assay, but
all are free to it. In token of peace leave your arms here, and let us
go down to the boundary." Einar felt fear. As
for that feud, it is not mine, but it belongs to the nearest of kin. "The shooting is past," said Einar, "but stay if it pleases thee. As
for that bill, keep it for thine own, if it is at all dear to thee." Then he turned to Snorri, and said, "Shall we not go to the feast?" "But tell us of this great bill," said Snorri. "Much would I like to see that bow," says Snorri. Come now to the feast, for it
is all ready." asked Snorri. asked Snorri as if impatient. "Bid her
to speak." "She speaks never," answered Einar. "But he gave it thee again," says Snorri. "Thou canst cast the bill in the sea," says Snorri. Snorri looked upon Einar, who was pale with fear. "Now," said Snorri,
"what of that bow which, if shooting here at this boundary may cost
thee thy life, is mayhap the greater danger to thee of the two?" Over them make ye the sign
Of the church, with holy wine. "Now," said Snorri, "this burning is the best counsel, for weapons
cast in the sea would come again to shore." asked Grani. "Be comforted," said Grani. Violence meets violence, so
says the good book." "Let all give back," said he. Snorri gave it her. No woman was
she at all, but Rolf in his weapons! At no man he
looked, but up to heaven. "It was all Ondott's doing," said Einar. "Now," quoth Rolf, "this do I award, and thy forgetting it will be thy
death. Grani said nothing. "Only two words," said Rolf again. "Proud is the heart of youth," quoth Snorri. "Come, let us sheathe our
weapons. Aye, and the men of Einar left
him, and went to the hall with the others. "Let us go to our new home," said Einar. "Silver pennies also they had in their purses," said Rolf. asks Frodi. "Much," answers Rolf. "They are free," said Rolf, "either to stay or go." Frodi grumbled to himself, but said no more to Rolf. And he looked hard at Hallvard, who
was the slyer of those two. On a morning not long after came those two, leading the ewe. So they take the ewe to Einar, and bring back silver. "Her pen is not strong," Hallvard said. They went and brought back jewels, one arm-ring and two brooches; and
Hallvard said, "All that he had Einar gave, rather than trust himself
to the law." "Belike the rope is not strong," said Rolf. "Go now," said Rolf. They went and returned, and said to Rolf: "The ewe is thine." And he would speak no more of that. asks Frodi. And they have saved no hay, and but
little grain; it is there in the pen of the ewe." Now one
of them was all bloody. asked Rolf. asked Rolf. But I do not desire blood, only
money-atonement for the slander. Now you who have my honor in your care,
go to-morrow to Grani. Put all this in thy mind,
and unsay what thou hast said." Then they took swords, axes, and shields, and went to the hut across
the valley, but had no heart in their going. "Grani," said they, "has done this to us. Now, master, avenge us on
him!" "Now," said Rolf, "all is come about as I wished." But
as for all the rest of you, bide ye here till I come again." Then he turned about, and looked off from the hillside. Einar sought to excuse himself to his son, but appeased him not. asked Helga. "He will get small profit from them," says Helga. When he was alone Helga came to him. "I blame not thy mildness at all," says Helga, "rather do I praise it. But nowadays no man will do such a deed--no, not to
save his father." He went out of
the house, and Helga after him. She said to him: "Be comforted, my brother." For when we were on
the cliffs he might have cast me down, and no man would have known he
did it. But he never did evil for evil, and I
remember it now." "Now," said Einar, "we might have had help of Rolf, and thou hast
refused it." Thou savedst his life, else he had
been slain in our hall. "Forgive me that saying," begged Helga. Grani said. "Aye," says Grani. "So I have thought," Grani answers. "Either it is that, or it is
revenge; yet Rolf has no spite in him." "Greatly dost thou praise him," Helga says. "Not overmuch," quoth Grani. "Go to him now," cries Helga. That seemed to them the best counsel, and they
stole upon him. But she saw the men, and cried "Beware!" Rolf came into the yard, and he had his sword and shield. "This offer will I
make," said Grani. asked Rolf. "I will make this offer," said Grani. asked Rolf again. "Nothing
better to offer have I," said he. For he
despised himself, and thought his life ended. Then they fought again. Rolf cried, and there they embraced and made peace. So here we end the Story of Rolf. 12mo. 12mo. They built a shack, went swimming,
fishing, berrying, etc. THE BROWNS
8. Cloth. These books ("Jolly Good Times," etc.) 12mo. Grunwald. 12mo. 12mo. 2. TWO IN A BUNGALOW. 3. THREE IN A CAMP. Cloth.