Gunnar
the slayer of Thridrandi. He said that Gudrun had better take the
management of that matter, "for you have taken it so hard in hand,
that you will put up with nothing but that he be sent away with
honour." Gudrun said he guessed aright: "I wish you to give him a
ship, and therewithal such things as he cannot do without." Thorkell
said and smiled, "You think nothing small on most matters, Gudrun, and
would be ill served if you had a mean-minded man for a husband; nor
has that ever been your heart's aim. Well, this shall be done after
your own will"--and carried out it was. Gunnar took the gifts most
gratefully. "I shall never be so 'long-armed' as to be able to repay
all this great honour you are doing to me," he said. Gunnar now went
abroad and came to Norway, and then went to his own estates. Gunnar
was exceeding wealthy, most great-hearted, and a good and true man
withal.

CHAP. LXX

Thorleik goes to Norway

Thorkell Eyjolfson became a great chieftain; he laid himself out much
for friendships and honours. He was a masterful man within his own
countryside, and busied himself much about law-suits; yet of his
pleadings at court there is no tale to tell here. Thorkell was the
richest man in Broadfirth during his lifetime next after Snorri.
[Sidenote: Thorleik wishes to leave Iceland] Thorkell kept his house
in good order. He had all the houses at Holyfell rebuilt large and
strong. He also had the ground of a church marked out, and gave it out
that he had made up his mind to go abroad and fetch timber for the
building of his church. Thorkell and Gudrun had a son who was called
Gellir; he looked early most likely to turn out well. Bolli Bollison
spent his time turn and turn about at Tongue or Holyfell, and Snorri
was very fond of him. Thorleik his brother lived at Holyfell. These
brothers were both tall and most doughty looking, Bolli being the
foremost in all things. Thorkell was kind to his stepsons, and Gudrun
loved Bolli most of all her children. He was now sixteen, and Thorleik
twenty years old. [Sidenote: He goes to Norway] So, once on a time,
Thorleik came to talk to his stepfather and his mother, and said he
wished to go abroad. "I am quite tired of sitting at home like a
woman, and I wish that means to travel should be furnished to me."
Thorkell said, "I do not think I have done against you two brothers in
anything since our alliance began. Now, I think it is the most natural
thing that you shou