1 36 Norivay and the Norivegians 



shields were hung up, and he sees that they are away. 

 He said, ' "Who have taken down our shields ? ' 



' Thy sons went out with them,' says Bergthora. 



Njal pulled his shoes on his feet and went out at 

 once, and round to the other side of the house, and sees 

 that they are taking their course right up the slope. 

 He said, ' Whither away, Skarphediun ? ' 



' To look after thy sheep,' he answers. 



' You would not then be armed,' said Njal, ' if you 

 meant that, and your errand must be something else.' 



Then Skarphedinn said, — 



' We shall fish for salmon, father.' 



' 'Twould be well, then, if it turned out so that the 

 prey does not get away from you.' 



They went on their way, but Njal w^ent to his bed, 

 and he said to Bergthora, — ' Thy sons were out of doors, 

 all of them, with arms, and now thou must have egged 

 them on to something.' 



' I will give them my heartfelt thanks,' said Berg- 

 thora, ' if they tell me the slaying of Sigmund.' 



Now they, Njal's sons, fare up to Fleetlithe, and were 

 that night under the Lithe, and when the day began 

 they came near to Lithend. That same morning both 

 Sigmund and Skiolld rose up and meant to go to the 

 stud-horses; they had bridles with them, and caught the 

 horses that were in the farm-yard, and rode away on 

 them. They found the stud-horses between two brooks. 

 Skarphedinn caught sight of them; for Sigmund was 

 in bright clothing. Skarphedinn said, 'See you now 

 the red elf yonder, lads ? ' They looked that way and 

 said they saw him. 



Skarphedinn spoke again : ' Thou, Hauskuld, shalt 



