to the Thing and never leave it until the suit comes to
an end."

After that they drew lots, and Geir the priest drew the lot to take up
the suit.

A little after, they rode from the west over the river, and came to the
spot where the meeting had been by Rangriver, and dug up the bodies, and
took witness to the wounds. After that they gave lawful notice and
summoned nine neighbours to bear witness in the suit.

They were told that Gunnar was at home with about thirty men; then Geir
the priest asked whether Gizur would ride against him with one hundred
men.

"I will not do that," says he, "though the balance of force is great on
our side."

After that they rode back home. The news that the suit was set on foot
was spread all over the country, and the saying ran that the Thing would
be very noisy and stormy.

CHAPTER LVI.

GUNNAR AND GEIR THE PRIEST STRIVE AT THE THING.

There was a man named Skapti. He was the son of Thorod. That father and
son were great chiefs, and very well skilled in law. Thorod was thought
to be rather crafty and guileful. They stood by Gizur the white in every
quarrel.

As for the Lithemen and the dwellers by Rangriver, they came in a great
body to the Thing. Gunnar was so beloved that all said with one voice
that they would back him.

Now they all come to the Thing and fit up their booths. In company with
Gizur the white were these chiefs: Skapti Thorod's son, Asgrim
Ellidagrim's son, Oddi of Kidberg, and Halldor Ornolf's son.

Now one day men went to the Hill of Laws, and then Geir the priest stood
up and gave notice that he had a suit of manslaughter against Gunnar for
the slaying of Otkell. Another suit of manslaughter he brought against
Gunnar for the slaying of Hallbjorn the white; then too he went on in
the same way as to the slaying of Audulf, and so too as to the slaying
of Skamkell. Then too he laid a suit of manslaughter against Kolskegg
for the slaying of Hallkell.

And when he had given due notice of all his suits of manslaughter it was
said that he spoke well. He asked, too, in what Quarter court the suits
lay, and in what house in the district the defendants dwelt. After that
men went away from the Hill of Laws, and so the Thing goes on till the
day when the courts were to be set to try suits. Then either side
gathered their men together in great strength.

Geir the priest and Gizur the white stood at the court of the men of
Rangriver looking north, and Gunn