n. It belonged to Glumm the Gruff; whose gruffness, however,
had abated considerably, now that there was a prospect of what we
moderns would call "letting the steam off" in a vigorous manner.

Soon the oars were dipped in the fiord, and the sails were set, for a
light favourable wind was blowing. In a short time the fleet rounded
the ness, and came in sight of the ground where Erling and Skarpedin
were preparing to renew the combat.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

THE TALE RETURNS TO THE SPRINGS--DESCRIBES A GREAT LAND FIGHT, AND TELLS
OF A PECULIAR STYLE OF EXTENDING MERCY TO THE VANQUISHED.

In a previous chapter we left Skarpedin discussing with his chiefs the
best mode of attacking the small band of his opponents in the pass of
the Springs. They had just come to a decision, and were about to act on
it, when they suddenly beheld six warships sweeping round the ness.

"Now will we have to change our plans," said Skarpedin.

Thorvold agreed with this, and counselled getting on board their ships
and meeting the enemy on the water; but the other objected, because he
knew that while his men were in the act of embarking, Erling would sally
forth and kill many of them before they could get away.

"Methinks," said he, "I will take forty of my best men, and try to
entice that fox out of his hole, before he has time to see the ships."

"Grief only will come of that," says Thorvold.

Skarpedin did not reply, but choosing forty of his stoutest carles he
went to the pass and defied Erling to come out and fight.

"Now here am I, Erling, with forty men. Wilt thou come forth? or is thy
title of Bold ill bestowed, seeing thou hast more men than I?"

"Ill should I deserve the title," replies Erling, "if I were to meet
thee with superior force."

With that he chose thirty men, and, running down to the plain, gave the
assault so fiercely that men fell fast on every side, and the Danes gave
back a little. When they saw this, and that Erling and Thorer hewed men
down wherever they went, the Danes made a shield circle round Skarpedin,
as was the custom when kings went into battle; because they knew that if
he fell there would be no one so worthy to guide them in the fight with
the approaching longships. Thus they retreated, fighting. When Erling
and his men had gone far enough, they returned to the pass, and cheered
loudly as they went, both because of the joy of victory, and because
they saw the warships of their friends coming in