Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/208

 200 CHRONICLE OF THE saga vii. but when the wind freshened Thorer overtook them. They were seldom together, but always in sight of each other. When they came to Biarmeland they went straight to the merchant town, and the market began. All who had money to pay with got filled up with goods. Thorer also got a number of furs, and of beaver and sable skins. Carl had a considerable sum of money with him, with which he purchased skins and furs. When the fair was at an end they went out of the Dwina river, and then the truce with the country people was also at an end. When they came out of the river they held a seaman's council, and Thorer asked the crews if they would like to go on the land and get booty. They replied, that they would like it well enough, if they saw the booty before their eyes. Thorer replies, that there was booty to be got, if the voyage proved fortunate ; but that in all proba- bility there would be danger in the attempt. All said they would try, if there was any chance of booty. Thorer explained, that it was so established in this land, that when a rich man died all his move- able goods were divided between the dead man and his heirs. He got the half part, or the third part, or sometimes less, and that part was carried out into the forest and buried, — sometimes under a mound, sometimes in the earth, and sometimes even a house was built over it. He tells them at the same time to get ready for this expedition at the fall of day. It was resolved that one should not desert the other, and none should hold back when the commander or- dered them to come on board again. They now left people behind to take care of the ships, and went on land, where they found flat fields at first, and then great forests. Thorer went first, and the brothers Carl and Gunstein in rear. Thorer commanded the people to observe the utmost silence. " And let us