this. I will
venture to make a guess that the speech the king has made comes from
some man's tongue who is of far less understanding and goodness than he
is, and has evidently proceeded from those who are our enemies. It is
speaking improbabilities to say that I could be Thoralf's murderer; for
he was my foster-brother and good friend. Had the case been otherwise,
and had there been anything outstanding between me and Thoralf, yet I am
surely born with sufficient understanding to have done this deed in the
Farey Islands, rather than here between your hands, sire. But I am ready
to clear myself, and my whole ship's crew, of this act, and to make
oath according to what stands in your laws. Or, if ye find it more
satisfactory, I offer to clear myself by the ordeal of hot iron; and I
wish, sire, that you may be present yourself at the proof."

When Sigurd had ceased to speak there were many who supported his case,
and begged the king that Sigurd might be allowed to clear himself of
this accusation. They thought that Sigurd had spoken well, and that the
accusation against him might be untrue.

The king replies, "It may be with regard to this man very differently,
and if he is belied in any respect he must be a good man; and if not, he
is the boldest I have ever met with: and I believe this is the case, and
that he will bear witness to it himself."

At the desire of the people, the king took Sigurd's obligation to take
the iron ordeal; he should come the following day to Lygra, where the
bishop should preside at the ordeal; and so the Thing closed. The king
went back to Lygra, and Sigurd and his comrades to their ship.

As soon as it began to be dark at night Sigurd said to his ship's
people. "To say the truth, we have come into a great misfortune; for
a great lie is got up against us, and this king is a deceitful, crafty
man. Our fate is easy to be foreseen where he rules; for first he made
Thoralf be slain, and then made us the misdoers, without benefit of
redemption by fine. For him it is an easy matter to manage the iron
ordeal, so that I fear he will come ill off who tries it against him.
Now there is coming a brisk mountain breeze, blowing right out of the
sound and off the land; and it is my advice that we hoist our sail, and
set out to sea. Let Thrand himself come with his wool to market another
summer; but if I get away, it is my opinion I shall never think of
coming to Norway again."

His comrades thought the a