and had wandered about for a whole week. But after they had eaten
and slept they soon recovered their strength, and when evening
came they had asked which was the greatest and richest house
thereabout, for thither they would go and seek for work. The wife
had answered that the parsonage, where Herr Arne dwelt, was the
best place. Then at once they had taken long knives out of their
packs and begun to sharpen them. They were at this a good while,
with such ferocious looks that the charcoal-burner and his wife
durst not leave their home. "I can still see them as they sat
grinding their knives," said the man. "They looked terrible with
their great beards that had not been cut or tended for many a day,
and they were clad in rough coats of skin, which were tattered and
befouled. I thought I had three werewolves in the house with me,
and I was glad when at last they took themselves off."

When Torarin heard this he told the charcoal-burner what he
himself had witnessed at the parsonage.

"So it was true enough that this night they whetted knives at
Branehog," said Torarin, laughing. He had drunk deeply, because of
the sorrow and heaviness that were upon him when he came, seeking
to comfort himself as best he could. "Now I am of good cheer
again," said he, "since I am well assured it was no evil omen the
parson's lady heard, but only these tanners making ready their
gear."

IV

Long after midnight a couple of men came out of the house at
Branehog to harness their horses and drive home.