Thorbjorn thought it might be that the woman saw further than he supposed, so he sent through the country for men.  Answer came very quickly that none of those who had given up their shares would do anything to help him.  They said that both the island and the Grettir affair were Thorbjorn’s.  Tungu-Steinn gave him two men, Hjalti his brother three, Eirik in Guddal sent him one.  Of his own he had six.  These twelve rode out from Vidvik to Hof, where Halldor invited them to stay and asked their news.  Thorbjorn told him everything fully.  Halldor asked who had done it all; he said his foster-mother had urged him much.

“That will lead to no good.  She is a sorceress, and sorcery is now forbidden.”

“I cannot overlook everything,” said Thorbjorn; “I am determined that it shall now be brought to an end somehow.  But how shall I go to work to get on to the island?”

“It seems to me,” said Halldor, “that you are relying upon something, but I know not whether it is anything good.  If you want to accomplish anything go out to my friend Bjorn in Haganes in Fljot.  He has a good boat; ask him from me to lend it to you, and then you will be able to sail on to Drangey.  It seems to me that if you find Grettir well and hearty your journey will have been in vain.  One thing know for certain:  do not slay him in open fight, for there are enough men to avenge him.  Do not slay Illugi if you can help it.  I fear that my counsel may not appear altogether Christian.”

Halldor then gave him six men; one was named Kar, another Thorleif, the third Brand.  The names of the others are not mentioned.

These eighteen men then went to Fljot, reached Haganes, and gave Halldor’s message to Bjorn.  He said it was his duty to do it for Halldor’s sake, but that he was under no obligation to Thorbjorn.

He said it was an insane journey to make, and tried hard to dissuade them.  They answered that they could not turn back, so they went down to the sea and launched the boat, which was ready with all her gear in the boat-house.  Then they made ready to sail.  All those who were standing on the shore thought it impossible to cross.  They hoisted the sail and the boat was soon under way, far out in the fjord.  When they got right out to sea the weather quieted and was no longer too heavy.  In the evening as it was getting dark they reached Drangey.

CHAPTER LXXXII

THE LAST BATTLE—­DEATH OF GRETTIR AND ILLUGI

It has now to be told how Grettir became so ill that he could not stand on his feet.  Illugi sat with him and Glaum had to hold watch.  He still continued to object, and said they might think their lives were going to fall out of them, but there was no reason for it.  He went out, but most unwillingly.  When he came to the ladder he said to himself that there was no need to draw it up.  He felt very