_Brand_.--I know that! I know that!

_Helgi_.--I found the men on guard in the West. When I came to the first
of them, the messengers of Lady Helga were there. Both they and the
guards raised a great outcry against me, and I owe it to my horse and
the storm that I escaped with my life. At the second and the third post
it went the same way.

_Brand_.--And no one wanted to follow me?

_Helgi_.--They all said that you always suffered the most disgraceful
reverses, while victory was perched on the helmet of Kolbein.

_Brand_.--I did not have the hardness and the ruthlessness of my kinsman
Kolbein to kill men.

_Jorun_.--And it is better not to be ruthless.

_Helgi_.--I went to the peasants in the West, but got the worst
reception. Often I did not even get food. I was allowed to stay
overnight only in the outhouses. At Bolstadahlid the hut burned down in
which I slept. I do not know whether the farmer intended to burn me in
it, but three armed men were standing outside when I made my escape from
the fire. They did nothing to put out the fire, but neither did they
attack me. Maybe that they were not minded to seek a night's shelter
under my axe. After that I was not allowed to come into the house. I
stood under the house wall during the remainder of the night, with my
axe on my shoulder, and looking into the fire. Now I have come here!

_Brand_.--Our cause is altogether lost. Yeoman Thorvard tries to murder