“Those who were fain
  His back to gain
  Lost head and hand,
  Till of the band,
  From the Well-wharf-side,
  Must there abide
  Eighteen behind
  That none can find.

  “With the giant’s kin
  Have I oft raised din;
  To the rock folk
  Have I dealt out stroke;
  Ill things could tell
  That I smote full well;
  The half-trolls know
  My baneful blow.

  “Small gain in me
  Did the elf-folk see,
  Or the evil wights
  Who ride anights.”

Many other deeds of his did Hallmund sing in that song, for he had fared through all the land.

Then spake his daughter, “A man of no slippery hand was that; nor was it unlike that this should hap, for in evil wise didst thou begin with him:  and now what man will avenge thee?”

Hallmund answered, “It is not so sure to know how that may be; but, methinks, I know that Grettir would avenge me if he might come thereto; but no easy matter will it be to go against the luck of this man, for much greatness lies stored up for him.”

Thereafter so much did Hallmund’s might wane as the song wore, that well-nigh at one while it befell that the song was done and Hallmund dead; then she grew very sad and wept right sore.  Then came Grim forth and bade her be of better cheer, “For all must fare when they are fetched.  This has been brought about by his own deed, for I could scarce look on while he robbed me.”

She said he had much to say for it, “For ill deed gains ill hap.”

Now as they talked she grew of better cheer, and Grim abode many nights in the cave, and got the song by heart, and things went smoothly betwixt them.

Grim abode at Ernewaterheath all the winter after Hallmund’s death, and thereafter came Thorkel Eyulfson to meet him on the Heath, and they fought together; but such was the end of their play that Grim might have his will of Thorkel’s life, and slew him not.  So Thorkel took him to him, and got him sent abroad and gave him many goods; and therein either was deemed to have done well to the other.  Grim betook himself to seafaring, and a great tale is told of him.

CHAP.  LXIII.

How Grettir beguiled Thorir of Garth when he was nigh taking him.

Now the story is to be taken up where Grettir came from the firths of the east-country; and now he fared with hidden-head for that he would not meet Thorir, and lay out that summer on Madderdale-heath and in sundry places, and at whiles he was at Reek-heath.

Thorir heard that Grettir was at Reek-heath, so he gathered men and rode to the heath, and was well minded that Grettir should not escape this time.

Now Grettir was scarce aware of them before they were on him; he was just by a mountain-dairy that stood back a little from the wayside, and another man there was with him, and when he saw their band, speedy counsel must he take; so he bade that they should fell the horses and drag them into the dairy shed, and so it was done.