with curds, and felt more disgusted than at any wound which Audun
could have given him. Then they went for each other and wrestled pretty
smartly. Grettir rushed at him, but Audun escaped his grasp. He saw,
however, that Grettir had gained upon him. They drove up and down the
room, overthrowing everything that was near them. Neither of them spared
himself, but Grettir had the advantage, and at last Audun fell, after
tearing off all Grettir's weapons. They struggled hard and the din was
terrific.

Then there was a loud noise below. Grettir heard a man ride up to the
house, get off his horse and come quickly inside. He saw a handsome man
in a red jacket wearing a helmet. Hearing the commotion going on in the
room where they were wrestling, he came in and asked what was in the
room. Grettir told him his name; "but who is it that wants to know?" he
asked.

"My name is Bardi," answered the stranger.

"Are you Bardi the son of Gudmund from Asbjarnarnes?"

"The same," he replied. "But what are you after?"

Grettir said: "I and Audun are playing here."

"I don't know about your play," said Bardi. "But you are not alike. You
are overbearing and insolent, while he is modest and good-natured. Let
him get up at once."

Grettir said: "Many a man seizes the lock for the door. You would do
better to avenge your brother Hall than to come between me and Audun
when we are contending."

"I am always hearing that," said Bardi, "and I don't know whether I
shall ever obtain my vengeance. But I want you to leave Audun in peace,
for he is a quiet man."

Grettir said he was willing to do so because of Bardi's intercession,
though he did not like it much. Bardi asked what they were contending
about. Grettir replied in a verse:

"I know not if for all your pride
he may not try your throat to squeeze.
Thus when within my home I dwelt
did he once belabour me."

Bardi said there was certainly some excuse if he was taking revenge.
"Let me now settle it between you," he said. "Let matters remain as they
are and cease your strife."

So they consented, for they were kinsmen. But Grettir had little liking
for Bardi or his brothers. They all rode away together. On the way
Grettir said: "I hear, Bardi, that you intend to go South to Borgarfjord
this summer; I propose that I shall go with you, which I think is more
than you deserve."

Bardi was very pleased with this offer, and at once accepted it most
thankfully. Th