CHAPTER V. HOWARD CLAIMETH ATONEMENT OF

THORBIORN.

HOWARD and Biargey, saith the tale, got these tidings of the death of their son Olaf, and old Howard sighed heavily and went to his bed ; and so say folk that he lay there in his bed all the next twelve months, and never came out of it But Biargey took such rede that she rowed out to sea every day with Thorhall,

Howard the Halt. 19

and worked benights, at what there was need to work in the house.

So wear away those seasons, and all is quiet : there was no blood-suit after Olaf, and men deemed it likely that his kin would never right their case ; for Howard was deemed fit for nought, and withal he had to do with men mighty, and little like to deal fairly. So wear the seasons.

On a morning it fell that Biargey went to master Howard, and asked if he were waking, and he said so it was, and asked what she would : she said, " I would have thee arise and go to Bathstead, and see Thorbiorn ; for it is manly for one who is unmeet for hardy deeds not to spare his tongue from speaking that which may avail : nor shalt thou claim overmuch if he bear himself well." He answered : "I see nought good herein ; yet shalt thou have thy will."

So old master Howard goes his way to Bathstead, and Thorbiorn gave him good greeting, and he took the same. Then spake old Howard: " This is the matter in hand, Thorbiorn, that I am come to claim weregild for my son Olaf, whom thou slewest sackless."

Thorbiorn answered : "It is well known, Howard, that I have slain many men, and though folk called them sackless, yet have I paid weregild for none : but whereas thou hast lost a brave son, and the matter touches thee So closely, meseemeth it were better to remember thee somewhat, were it never so little : now here above the garth goeth a horse that the lads call Dodderer: grey is he, sorebacked, and hath lain cast a long while until

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now ; for he is exceeding old : but now he hath been fed on chaff these days past, and belike is somewhat amended ; come, take him home, and keep him if thou wilt."

Howard reddened, and might not answer aught : he gat him gone straightway, wondrous wroth, and Vakr whooped after him as he walked all bent down to his boat, where Thorhall had awaited him meanwhile.

So they rowed home, and Howard went to his bed, and lay down, and never stood up for the next twelvemonth.

This was heard of far and wide, and folk deemed that Thorbiorn had again showed his evil heart and unrighteousness in that answer. And so wear the seasons.