Now Hall stood forward, trembling with fear, for he saw the eye of
Skallagrim watching him close, and while Lambstail watched, his fingers
toyed with the handle of his axe.

"It is true, lord, that Swanhild charged me with that message which I
gave to the Lady Gudruda. Also she bade me give the lock of hair."

"And for this service thou didst take money, Hall?"

"Ay, lord, she gave me money for my faring."

"And all the while thou knewest the tidings false?"

Hall made no reply.

"Answer!" thundered Eric--"answer the truth, knave, or by every God that
passes the hundred gates I will not spare thee twice!"

"It is so, lord," said Hall.

"Thou liest, fox!" cried Swanhild, white with wrath and casting a fierce
look upon Hall. But men took no heed of Swanhild's words, for all eyes
were bent on Eric.

"Is it now your pleasure, comrades, that I should tell you the truth?"
said Brighteyes.

The most part of the company shouted "Yea!" but the men of Ospakar stood
silent.