it would be most to my mind that this bargain should be left alone as
I and Bolli have settled it." Kjartan said, "I do not call that a sale
of land which is not bound by witnesses. Now you do one of two things,
either sell me the lands on the same terms as you agreed upon with the
others, or live on your land yourself." Thorarin chooses to sell him
the land, and witnesses were forthwith taken to the sale, and after
the purchase Kjartan rode home. That same evening this was told at
Laugar. Then Gudrun said, "It seems to me, Bolli, that Kjartan has
given you two choices somewhat harder than those he gave
Thorarin--that you must either leave the countryside with little
honour, or show yourself at some meeting with him a good deal less
slow than you have been heretofore." Bolli did not answer, but went
forthwith away from this talk. [Sidenote: Kjartan rides to Saurby] All
was quiet now throughout what was left of Lent. The third day after
Easter Kjartan rode from home with one other man, on the beach, for a
follower. They came to Tongue in the day. Kjartan wished Thorarin to
ride with them to Saurby to gather in debts due to him, for Kjartan
had much money-at-call in these parts. But Thorarin had ridden to
another place. Kjartan stopped there awhile, and waited for him. That
same day Thorhalla the Chatterbox was come there. She asked Kjartan
where he was minded to go. He said he was going west to Saurby. She
asked, "Which road will you take?" Kjartan replied, "I am going by
Sælingsdale to the west, and by Swinedale from the west." She asked
how long he would be. Kjartan answered, "Most likely I shall be riding
from the west next Thursday (the fifth day of the week)." "Would you
do an errand for me?" said Thorhalla. "I have a kinsman west at
Whitedale and Saurby; he has promised me half a mark's worth of
homespun, and I would like you to claim it for me, and bring it with
you from the west." Kjartan promised to do this. After this Thorarin
came home, and betook himself to the journey with them. They rode