attended by Helgi and Ketill, were rowed ashore.

Liot was gay and cheerful as a man going to a feast; while Estein
sat silent in the stern, his thoughts busy with a landing at
another island.

"You need ale, Estein," said his opponent; "a man going to fight
should be gay."

"It is more fitting," replied Helgi, "for the man who comes back
to be cheerful."

"Well said," said Ketill.

Liot only laughed, and springing ashore before the boat had
touched the rocks, cried,--

"I had little thought to have such a pleasant morning. We will
finish what we began before, Estein."

"Ay, we will finish," said Estein.

They found a wide ring marked off with stones, and in this the two
champions took their stand. Each was armed with a helmet and a
coat of ring-mail, and bore in his right hand a sword, and in his
left a long, heart-shaped shield. Round their waists another sword
was girded, though there was likely to be little time to draw
this. In height and build they were very equally matched, but men
noticed that Estein moved more lightly on his feet.