nd." After that they parted. There arose forthwith a
fair wind, when Olaf got on board, and they sailed straightway out to
sea.

[Footnote 1: One hundred = 120 X 30 = 3600 x 120 = 432,000 ells
altogether.]

CHAP. XXI

Olaf the Peacock goes to Ireland, A.D. 955

Now Hoskuld came back from the Thing and heard these tidings, and was
very much displeased. But seeing that his near akin were concerned in
the matter, he quieted down and let things alone. Olaf and his
companions had a good voyage, and came to Norway. Orn urges Olaf to go
to the court of King Harald, who, he said, bestowed goodly honour on
men of no better breeding than Olaf was. Olaf said he thought he would
take that counsel. Olaf and Orn now went to the court, and were well
received. The king at once recognised Olaf for the sake of his
kindred, and forthwith bade him stay with him. Gunnhild paid great
heed to Olaf when she knew he was Hrut's brother's son; but some men
would have it, that she took pleasure in talking to Olaf without his
needing other people's aid to introduce him. [Sidenote: Olaf wishes to
leave Norway] As the winter wore on, Olaf grew sadder of mood. Orn
asked him what was the matter of his sorrow? Olaf answered, "I have on
hand a journey to go west over the sea; and I set much store by it and
that you should lend me your help, so that it may be undertaken in the
course of next summer." Orn bade Olaf not set his heart on going, and
said he did not know of any ships going west over the sea. Gunnhild
joined in their talk, and said, "Now I hear you talk together in a
manner that has not happened before, in that each of you wants to have
his own way!" Olaf greeted Gunnhild well, without letting drop their
talk. After that Orn went away, but Gunnhild and Olaf kept conversing
together. Olaf told her of his wish, and how much store he set by
carrying it out, saying he knew for certain that Myrkjartan, the king,
was his mother's father. Then Gunnhild said, "I will lend you help for
this voyage, so that you may go on it as richly furnished as you
please." Olaf thanked her for her promise. Then Gunnhild had a ship
prepared and a crew got together, and bade Olaf say how many men he
would have to go west over the sea with him. Olaf fixed the number at
sixty; but said that it was a matter of much concern to him, that such
a company should be more like warriors than merchants. She said that
so it should be; and Orn is the only man mentioned b