h
a higher atonement than he."

"I have not to answer for that," said Atli, "nor are you the
representative of Thorbjorn."

Gunnar said it would have to be so nevertheless. "And now," he cried,
"let us go for them and profit by Grettir being away."

There were eight of them, and they set upon Atli's six. Atli led on his
men and drew the sword Jokulsnaut which Grettir had given him. Thorgeir
cried: "Good men are alike in many things. High did Grettir bear his
sword last summer on Hrutafjardarhals."

Atli answered: "He is more accustomed to deeds of strength than I am."

Then they fought. Gunnar made a resolute attack on Atli, and fought
fiercely. After they had battled for a time Atli said:

"There is nothing to be gained by each of us killing the other's
followers. The simplest course would be for us to play together, for I
have never fought with weapons before."

Gunnar, however, would not have it. Atli bade his servants look to
the packs, and he would see what the others would do. He made such a
vigorous onslaught that Gunnar's men fell back, and he killed two of
them. Then he turned upon Gunnar himself and struck a blow that severed
his shield right across below the handle, and the sword struck his leg
below the knee. Then with another rapid blow he killed him.

In the meantime Grim, the son of Thorhall, was engaging Thorgeir, and
a long tussle there was, both of them being men of great valour. When
Thorgeir saw his brother Gunnar fall he wanted to get away, but Grim
pressed upon him and pursued him until at last his foot tripped and he
fell forward. Then Grim struck him with an axe between the shoulders,
inflicting a deep wound. To the three followers who were left they gave
quarter. Then they bound up their wounds, reloaded the packs on to the
horses and went home, giving information of the battle. Atli stayed at
home with a strong guard of men that autumn. Thorbjorn Oxmain was not at
all pleased, but could do nothing, because Atli was very wary. Grim
was with him for the winter, and his brother-in-law Gamli. Another
brother-in-law, Glum the son of Ospak from Eyr in Bitra, was with them
too. They had a goodly array of men settled at Bjarg, and there was much
merriment there during the winter.

CHAPTER XLIV. SETTLEMENT OF THE FEUD AT THE HUNAVATN THING

Thorbfron Oxmain took up the suit arising from the death of Thorir's
sons. He prepared his case against Grim and Atli, and they prepared
their de