were let loose they came together fiercely, and there followed
a splendid fight, both severe and long. Little need was there for
the men to urge them or to use the sticks. The two horses rose
high on their hind legs, biting at each other savagely until their
manes and necks and shoulders were torn and bloody. Often the animals
were parted, but only to renew the fight with greater fierceness.
The combat went on until eleven rounds had passed. Then Klerkon's
stallion took hold of the jawbone of Sleipner, and held on until
it seemed that he would never yield his hold. Two of the men then
rushed forward, each to his own horse, and beat and pushed them
asunder, when Sleipner fell down from exhaustion and hard fighting.
At which the vikings set up a loud cheer.

King Valdemar was the umpire, and he said now that the fight must
cease, for that Klerkon's horse had proved himself the victor in
eight rounds, and that it could easily be seen that the steward's
horse was no longer fit. Then the king asked Sigurd what prize he
had staked, and Sigurd answered:

"The prize was staked many months ago when I met Klerkon over in
Esthonia, and it was arranged that if the viking's horse should
overcome mine he was to take the young thrall Ole."

"Let the boy be given up to him, then," said the king; "for he has
won him very fairly."

"I will take the boy tonight," said Klerkon, who stood near, "for
my business in Holmgard is now over, and at sunrise I go back to
the coast."