for it, whatever dale he may dwell in.  So we shall turn upon Thorstein the Black, for no one has taken a worse share in these matters than he.” [Sidenote:  Snorri’s advice] Snorri spake, “Thorstein’s guilt against you is the same as that of the other men who joined in the raid against Bolli, but did not wound him.  But you leave such men to sit by in quiet on whom it seems to me revenge wrought would be revenge indeed, and who, moreover, did take the life of Bolli, such as was Helgi Hardbienson.”  Gudrun said, “That is true, but I cannot be sure that, in that case, all these men against whom I have been stirring up enmity will sit quietly by doing nothing.”  Snorri said, “I see a good way to hinder that.  Lambi and Thorstein shall join the train of your sons, and that is a fitting ransom for those fellows, Lambi and Thorstein; but if they will not do this, then I shall not plead for them to be let off, whatever penalty you may be pleased to put upon them.”  Gudrun spake:  “How shall we set about getting these men that you have named to go on this journey?” Snorri spake:  “That is the business of them who are to be at the head of the journey.”  Gudrun spake:  “In this we must have your foresight as to who shall rule the journey and be the leader.”  Then Snorri smiled and said, “You have chosen your own men for it.”  Gudrun replied, “You are speaking of Thorgils.”  Snorri said so it was.  Gudrun spake:  “I have talked the matter over already with Thorgils, but now it is as good as all over, for he gave me the one choice, which I would not even look at.  He did not back out of undertaking to avenge Bolli, if he could have me in marriage in return; but that is past all hope, so I cannot ask him to go this journey.” [Sidenote:  The trick to be played on Thorgils] Snorri spoke:  “On this I will give you a counsel, for I do not begrudge Thorgils this journey.  You shall promise marriage to him, yet you shall do it in language of this double meaning, that of men in this land you will marry none other but Thorgils, and that shall be holden to, for Thorkell Eyjolfson is not, for the time being, in this land, but it is he whom I have in my mind’s eye for this marriage.”  Gudrun spake:  “He will see through this trick.”  Snorri answered, “Indeed he will not see through it, for Thorgils is better known for foolhardiness than wits.  Make the covenant with but few men for witnesses, and let Halldor, his foster-brother, be there, but not Ornolf, for he has more wits, and lay the blame on me if this will not work out.”  After that they parted their talk and each bade the other farewell, Snorri riding home, and Gudrun unto Thickshaw.  The next morning Gudrun rode from Thickshaw and her sons with her, and when they ride west along Shawstrand they see that men are riding after them.  They ride on quickly and catch them up swiftly, and lo, there was Thorgils Hallason.  They greeted each other well, and now ride on in the day all together, out to Holyfell.

CHAP.  LX