hest to show Thorsteinn the
treasures. When she knew who was outside she refused to open the door,
and said to Thorsteinn: "Quickly! Jump into the chest and keep very
quiet."

He did so. She locked the chest and sat upon it. Her husband then
entered, having forced his way in. She said:

"What are you coming here for with all this uproar? Are there robbers
after you?"

He said: "Now it is well that you yourself give proof of what you are.
Where is the man who was letting his voice run on so grandly? No doubt
you think his voice is better than mine."

"No man is a fool if he keeps silence," she said; "that applies to you.
You think yourself very cunning, and would like to fasten your lies on
to me, as in this case. Well, if you have spoken the truth, find the
man. He will not escape through the walls or the roof."

He searched all through the room and found nothing.

"Why don't you take him," she said, "if you are so certain?"

He was silent and knew not how he could have been deceived. He asked his
men whether they had not heard what he heard, but when they saw that the
lady was displeased there was nothing to be got out of them; they
said that one was often mistaken about sounds. He then went away, not
doubting that he knew the truth, though he could not find the man. After
that he ceased for some time to pry into his wife's concerns.

On another occasion, much later, Thorsteinn and Spes were sitting in a
tiring-room where dresses were kept which belonged to them, both made up
and in the piece. She showed many of the cloths to Thorsteinn and spread
them out. When they were least expecting it her husband came up with a
troop of men and broke into the room. While they were forcing their way
in she covered Thorsteinn up with a bundle of clothes and leaned against
the heap when they entered.

"Do you again deny," he said, "that there was a man here with you? There
are those present here now who saw you both."

She told him not to be so violent. "You will not fail to catch him now,"
she said. "Only leave me in peace and do not push me about."

They searched the room, but finding nothing had to give it up.

"It is always good to have better proofs than people suppose. It was
only to be expected that you would not find what was not there. Now,
my husband, will you admit your folly and free me from this slanderous
accusation?"

"By no means will I free you," he said, "for I know that what I have
accused you of i