Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/180

 172 CHRONICLE OF THE saga vn. next place that he kills a man in the king's lodging ; and in the third that he makes my feet his execution- block, although that may appear a small matter to thee and thy father?" Skialg replies, "It is ill done, king, in as far as it displeases thee ; but the deed is, otherwise, done ex- cellently well. But if the deed appear to thee so important, and be so contrary to thy will, yet may I expect something for my services from thee ; and certainly there are many who will say that thou didst well." The king replies, " Although thou hast made me greatly indebted to thee, Skialg, for thy services, yet I will not for thy sake break the law, or cast away my own dignity." Then Skialg turned round, and went out of the hall. Twelve men who had come with Skialfi: all followed him, and many others went out with him. Skialg said to Thorarin Nefiolfsson, " If thou wilt have me for a friend, take care that this man be not killed before Sunday." Thereupon Skialg and his men set off, took a rowing boat which he had, and rowed south as fast as they could, and came to Jederen with the first glimpse of morning. They went up instantly to the house, and to the loft in which Erling slept. Skialg rushed so hard against the door that it burst asunder at the nails. Erling and the others who were within started up. He was in one spring upon his legs, grasped his shield and sword, and rushed to the door, demanding who was there. Skialg names himself, and begs him to open the door. Erling replies, " It was most likely to be thee who hast behaved so foolishly ; or is there any one who is pursuing thee?" Thereupon the door was unlocked. Then said Skialg, " Although it appears to thee that I am so hasty, I suppose our relation Asbiorn will not think my proceedings too quick; for he sits in chains