sible he really
had. Then the king asked what fault the bailiff Bjorn had. Dag said
Bjorn was a thief; and told also where Bjorn had concealed on his farm
the bones, horns, and hides of the cattle he had stolen in autumn; "for
he committed," said Dag, "all the thefts in autumn which he accuses
other people of." Dag also told the king the places where the king
should go after leaving them. When the king departed from Raud's house
he was accompanied on the way, and presented with friendly gifts; and
Raud's sons remained with the king. The king went first to Bjorn's,
and found there that all Dag had told him was true. Upon which he
drove Bjorn out of the country; and he had to thank the queen that he
preserved life and limbs.

175. THORER'S DEATH.

Thorer, a son of Olver of Eggja, a stepson of Kalf Arnason, and a
sister's son of Thorer Hund, was a remarkably handsome man, stout and
strong. He was at this time eighteen years old; had made a good marriage
in Hedemark, by which he got great wealth; and was besides one of the
most popular of men, and formed to be a chief. He invited the king and
his retinue home to him to a feast. The king accepted the invitation,
went to Thorer's, and was well received. The entertainment was very
splendid; they were excellently treated, and all that was set before the
guests was of the best that could be got. The king and his people talked
among themselves of the excellence of everything, and knew not what they
should admire the most,--whether Thorer's house outside, or the inside
furniture, the table service, or the liquors, or the host who gave them
such a feast. But Dag said little about it. The king used often to speak
to Dag, and ask him about various things; and he had proved the truth
of all that Dag had said, both of things that had happened or were to
happen, and therefore the king had much confidence in what he said.
The king called Dag to him to have a private conversation together,
and spoke to him about many things. Afterwards the king turned the
conversation on Thorer,--what an excellent man Thorer was, and what a
superb feast he had made for them. Dag answered but little to this,
but agreed it was true what the king said. The king then asked Dag
what disposition or faith he found in Thorer. Dag replied that he must
certainly consider Thorer of a good disposition, if he be really what
most people believe him to be. The king told him to answer direct what
he was asked, an