r him sped Atli's house-carles,
till he came to the great cliffs that edge in the sea. Now they were
close upon him and their swords were aloft. Then, sooner than know the
kiss of steel, the liar leapt from the cliffs and was crushed, dying
miserably on the rocks below. This was the end of Koll the Half-witted,
Groa's thrall.

Swanhild sat in Straumey for a while, and took all Atli's heritage into
her keeping, for he had no male kin; nor did any say her nay. Also she
called in the moneys that he had out at interest, and that was a great
sum, for Atli was a careful and a wealthy man. Then Swanhild made ready
to go to Iceland. Atli had a great dragon of war, and she manned that
ship and filled it with stores and all things needful. This done, she
set stewards and grieves over the Orkney lands and farms, and, when the
Earl was six weeks dead, she sailed for Iceland, giving out that she
went thither to set a blood-suit on foot against Eric for the death of
Atli, her lord. There she came in safety just as folk rode to the Thing.

Now Hall of Lithdale came to Iceland and told his tale of the doings
of Eric and the death of Atli. Oft and loud he told it, and soon people
gossiped of it in field and fair and stead. Bjoern, Asmund's son, heard
this talk and sent for Hall. To him also Hall told the tale.

"Now," said Bjoern, "we will go to my sister Gudruda the Fair, and learn
how she takes these tidings."

So they went in to where Gudruda sat spinning in the hall, singing as
she span.

"Greeting, Gudruda," said Bjoern; "say, hast thou tidings of Eric
Brighteyes, thy betrothed?"

"I have no tidings," said Gudruda.

"Then here is one who brings them."

Now for the first time Gudruda the Fair saw Hall of Lithdale. Up she
sprang. "Thou hast tidings of Eric, Hall? Ah! thou art welcome, for no
tidings have come of him for many a month. Speak on," and she pressed
her hand against her heart and leaned towards him.

"My tidings are ill, lady."

"Is Eric dead? Say not that my love is dead!"

"He is worse than dead," said Hall. "He is shamed."

"There thou liest, Hall," she answered. "Shame and Eric are things
apart."

"Mayst thou think so when thou hast heard my tale, lady," said Hall,
"for I am sad at heart to speak it of one who was my mate."

"Speak on, I say," answered Gudruda, in such a voice that Hall shrank
from her. "Speak on; but of this I warn thee: that if in one word thou
liest, that shall be thy death whe