be paid for
the sons of Thorir, but half fell away because of the onslaught and
attack, and attempt on Atli's life, the slaying of Atli's house-carle,
who was slain on Ramfirth-neck, and the slaying of those twain who
fell with the sons of Thorir were set off one against the other. Grim
Thorhallson should leave dwelling in the district, but Atli alone
should pay the money atonement.

This peace pleased Atli much, but Thorbiorn misliked it, but they
parted appeased, as far as words went; howsoever it fell from
Thorbiorn that their dealings would not be made an end of yet, if
things went as he would.

But Atli rode home from the Thing, and thanked Thorvald well for his
aid. Grim Thorhallson went south to Burgfirth, and dwelt at Gilsbank,
and was a great bonder.

CHAP. XLV.

<i>Of the Slaying of Atli Asmundson</i>.

There was a man with Thorbiorn Oxmain who was called Ali; he was a
house-carle, a somewhat lazy and unruly man.

Thorbiorn bade him work better, or he would beat him. Ali said he had
no list thereto, and was beyond measure worrying. Thorbiorn would not
abide it, and drave him under him, and handled him hardly. Then Ali
went off from his service, and fared over the Neck to Midfirth,
and made no stay till he came to Biarg. Atli was at home, and asked
whither he went. He said that he sought service.

"Art thou not Thorbiorn's workman?" said Atli.

"That did not go off so pleasantly," said Ali; "I was not there long,
and evil I deemed it while I was there, and we parted, so that I
deemed his song about my throat nowise sweet; and I will go to dwell
there no more, whatso else may hap to me; and true it is that much
unlike ye are in the luck ye have with servants, and now I would fain
work with thee if I might have the choice."

Atli answered, "Enough I have of workmen, though I reach not out to
Thorbiorn's hands for such men as he has hired, and methinks there is
no gain in thee, so go back to him."

Ali said, "Thither I go not of my own free-will."

And now he dwells there awhile; but one morning he went out to
work with Atli's house-carles, and worked so that his hands were
everywhere, and thus he went on till far into summer. Atli said nought
to him, but bade give him meat, for he liked his working well.

Now Thorbiorn hears that Ali is at Biarg; then he rode to Biarg with
two men, and called out Atli to talk with him. Atli went out and
welcomed him.

Thorbiorn said, "Still wilt thou ta