By good
hap I heard of their coming, and fled; but my foemen are on my tracks,
and short shrift can I look for at their hands.
SIGURD. Ill can I believe thee, peasant! In bygone days I knew
Gunnar as I know myself, and this I wot, that never did he wrong
a peaceful man.
KARE. Gunnar has no part in this wrong-doing; he is in the south-
land; nay, it is Hiordis his wife----
DAGNY. Hiordis!
ORNULF (to himself). Ay, ay, 'tis like her!
KARE. I offered Gunnar amends for the thrall, and he was willing;
but then came Hiordis, and egged her husband on with scornful words,
and hindered the peace. Since then has Gunnar gone to the south,
and to-day----
SIGURD (looking out to the left). Here come wayfarers northward.
Is it not----?
KARE. It is Gunnar himself!
ORNULF. Be of good heart; methinks I can make peace between you.
(GUNNAR HEADMAN, with several men, enters from the left. He is in
a brown tunic, cross-gartered hose, a blue mantle, and a broad
hat; he has no weapon but a small axe.)
GUNNAR (stops in surprise and uncertainty on seeing the knot of men).
Ornulf of the Fiords! Yes, it is----!
ORNULF. Thou seest aright.
GUNNAR (approaching). Then peace and welcome to thee in my land, if
thou come in peace.
ORNULF. If thy will be as mine, there shall be no strife between us.
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