f and King Onund heard that King Canute had sailed to the
Sound, and lay there with a great force, the kings held a House-thing,
and spoke much about what resolution they should adopt. King Olaf wished
they should remain there with all the fleet, and see what King Canute
would at last resolve to do. But the Swedes held it to be unadvisable to
remain until the frost set in, and so it was determined; and King Onund
went home with all his army, and King Olaf remained lying after them.

165. OF EGIL AND TOFE.

While King Olaf lay there, he had frequently conferences and
consultations with his people. One night Egil Halson and Tofe Valgautson
had the watch upon the king's ship. Tofe came from West Gautland,
and was a man of high birth. While they sat on watch they heard much
lamentation and crying among the people who had been taken in the war,
and who lay bound on the shore at night. Tofe said it made him ill to
hear such distress, and asked Egil to go with him, and let loose these
people. This work they set about, cut the cords, and let the people
escape, and they looked upon it as a piece of great friendship; but the
king was so enraged at it, that they themselves were in the greatest
danger. When Egil afterwards fell sick the king for a long time would
not visit him, until many people entreated it of him. It vexed Egil
much to have done anything the king was angry at, and he begged his
forgiveness. The king now dismissed his wrath against Egil, laid his
hands upon the side on which Egil's pain was, and sang a prayer; upon
which the pain ceased instantly, and Egil grew better. Tofe came, after
entreaty, into reconciliation with the king, on condition that he should
exhort his father Valgaut to come to the king. He was a heathen; but
after conversation with the king he went over to Christianity, and died
instantly when he was baptized.

166. TREACHERY TOWARDS KING OLAF.

King Olaf had now frequent conferences with his people, and asked advice
from them, and from his chiefs, as to what he should determine upon.
But there was no unanimity among them--some considering that unadvisable
which others considered highly serviceable; and there was much
indecision in their councils. King Canute had always spies in King
Olaf's army, who entered into conversation with many of his men,
offering them presents and favour on account of King Canute. Many
allowed themselves to be seduced, and gave promises of fidelity, and to