But all men deemed that Thorir had got a worse part than before in their dealings together.

CHAP.  LXIV.

Of the ill haps at Sand-heaps, and how Guest came to the Goodwife there.

There was a priest called Stein, who dwelt at Isledale-river, in Bard-dale; he was good at husbandry and rich in beasts; his son was Kiartan, a brisk man and a well grown.  Thorstein the White was the name of him who dwelt at Sand-heaps, south of Isledale-river; his wife was called Steinvor, a young woman and merry-hearted, and children they had, who were young in those days.  But that place men deemed much haunted by the goings of trolls.

Now it befell two winters before Grettir came into the north country that Steinvor the goodwife of Sand-heaps fared at Yule-tide to the stead of Isledale-river according to her wont, but the goodman abode at home.  Men lay down to sleep in the evening, but in the night they heard a huge crashing about the bonder’s bed; none durst arise and see thereto, for very few folk were there.  In the morning the goodwife came home, but the goodman was gone, and none knew what had become of him.

Now the next year wears through its seasons, but the winter after the goodwife would fain go to worship, and bade her house-carle abide behind at home; thereto was he loth, but said nathless that she must rule; so all went the same way and the house-carle vanished; and marvellous men deemed it; but folk saw certain stains of blood about the outer door; therefore they deemed it sure that an evil wight had taken them both.

Now that was heard of wide through the country-side, and Grettir withal was told thereof; so he took his way to Bard-dale, and came to Sand-heaps at Yule-eve, and made stay there, and called himself Guest.  The goodwife saw that he was marvellous great of growth, but the home-folk were exceeding afeard of him; he prayed for guesting there; the mistress said that there was meat ready for him, “but as to thy safety see to that thyself.”

He said that so he should do:  “Here will I abide, but thou shalt go to worship if thou wilt.”

She answered, “Meseems thou art a brave man if thou durst abide at home here.”

“For one thing alone will I not be known,” said he.

She said, “I have no will to abide at home, but I may not cross the river.”

“I will go with thee,” says Guest.

Then she made her ready for worship, and her little daughter with her.  It thawed fast abroad, and the river was in flood, and therein was the drift of ice great:  then said the goodwife,

“No way across is there either for man or horse.”

“Nay, there will be fords there,” said Guest, “be not afeard.”

“Carry over the little maiden first,” said the goodwife; “she is the lightest.”

“I am loth to make two journeys of it,” said Guest, “I will bear thee in my arms.”