re, so that it seemed as though the storm had
driven them along. Then he went into the hut, and called out aloud,

"Good things have not befallen us, my friend," said he; "for our
boat is all broken to pieces, and the nets lie a long way out in the
water."

"Go and bring them in then," said Grettir, "for methinks it is with
thy goodwill that the boat is broken."

Thorir answered, "Among manly deeds swimming is the least handy to
me, but most other deeds, I think, I may do against men who are not
marvellous; thou mayest wot well enough that I was minded that thou
shouldst not have to work while I abode here, and this I would not bid
if it were in me to do it."

Then Grettir arose and took his weapons, and went to the water-side.
Now the land was so wrought there that a ness ran into the water, and
a great creek was on the other side, and the water was deep right up
to the shore.

Now Grettir spake: "Swim off to the nets, and let me see how skilled a
man thou art."

"I told thee before," said Thorir, "that I might not swim; and now I
know not what is gone with thy manliness and daring."

"Well, the nets I may get in," said Grettir, "but betray thou me not,
since I trust in thee."

Said Thorir, "Deem me not to be so shamed and worthless."

"Thou wilt thyself prove thyself, what thou art," said Grettir, and
therewith he put off his clothes and weapons, and swam off for the
nets. He swept them up together, and brought them to land, and cast
them on to the bank; but when he was minded to come aland, then Thorir
caught up the short-sword and drew it hastily, and ran therewith
swiftly on Grettir, and smote at him as he set foot on the bank; but
Grettir fell on his back down into the water, and sank like a stone;
and Thorir stood gazing out on to the water, to keep him off from
the shore if he came up again; but Grettir dived and groped along the
bottom as near as he might to the bank, so that Thorir might not see
him till he came into the creek at his back, and got aland; and Thorir
heeded him not, and felt nought till Grettir heaved him up over his
head, and cast him down so hard that the short-sword flew out of his
hand; then Grettir got hold of it and had no words with him, but smote
off his head straightway, and this was the end of his life.

But after this would Grettir never take outlaws to him, yet hardly
might he bear to be alone.

CHAP. LVII.

<i>How Thorir of Garth set on Grettir on Ernewaterheat