n, and the tenth Hunbogi. Those last were
the sons of Alf o' Dales. They rode on their way up to Sweeping-Pass,
and across Long-waterdale, and then right across Burgfirth. They rode
across North-river at Isleford, but across White-river at Bankford, a
short way down from the homestead of By. Then they rode over Reekdale,
and over the neck of land to Skorradale, and so up through the wood in
the neighbourhood of the farmstead of Water-Nook, where they got off
their horses, as it was very late in the evening. The homestead of
Water-Nook stands a short way from the lake on the south side of the
river. [Sidenote: Thorgils takes the lead] Thorgils said to his
followers that they must tarry there over night, "and I will go to the
house and spy and see if Helgi be at home. I am told Helgi has at most
times very few men with him, but that he is of all men the wariest of
himself, and sleeps on a strongly made lock-bed." Thorgils' followers
bade him follow his own foresight. Thorgils now changed his clothes,
and took off his blue cloak, and slipped on a grey foul-weather
overall. He went home to the house. When he was come near to the
home-field fence he saw a man coming to meet him, and when they met
Thorgils said, "You will think my questions strange, comrade, but
whose am I come to in this countryside, and what is the name of this
dwelling, and who lives here?" The man answered, "You must be indeed a
wondrous fool and wit-bereft if you have not heard Helgi Hardbienson
spoken of, the bravest of warriors, and a great man withal." Thorgils
next asked how far Helgi took kindly to unknown people coming to see
him, such as were in great need of help. He replied, "In that matter,
if truth is told, only good can be said of Helgi, for he is the most
large-hearted of men, not only in giving harbour to comers, but also
in all his high conduct otherwise." "Is Helgi at home now?" asked
Thorgils; "I should like to ask him to take me in." [Sidenote:
Thorgils and Helgi's servant] The other then asks what matters he had
on his hands. Thorgils answered, "I was outlawed this summer at the
Thing, and I want to seek for myself the help of some such man as is a
mighty one of his hands and ways, and I will in return offer my
fellowship and service. So now you take me home to the house to see
Helgi." "I can do that very well, to show you home," he said, "for you
will be welcome to quarters for the night, but you will not see Helgi,
for he is not at ho