ld yearn to get to know the customs of other men,
for I know you will be counted a brisk man wheresoever you may come
among doughty men." Thorleik said he did not want much money, "for it
is uncertain how I may look after matters, being young and in many
ways of an unsettled mind." Thorkell bade him have as much as he
wanted. After that Thorkell bought for Thorleik a share in a ship that
stood up in Daymeal-Ness, and saw him off to his ship, and fitted him
well out with all things from home. Thorleik journeyed abroad that
summer. The ship arrived in Norway. The lord over the land then was
King Olaf the Holy. Thorleik went forthwith to see King Olaf, who gave
him a good welcome; he knew Thorleik from his kindred, and so asked
him to stay with him. Thorleik accepted with thanks, and stayed with
the king that winter and became one of his guard, and the king held
him in honour. Thorleik was thought the briskest of men, and he stayed
on with King Olaf for several months. [Sidenote: Bolli's wooing] Now
we must tell of Bolli Bollison. The spring when he was eighteen years
old he spoke to his stepfather and his mother, and said that he wished
they would hand him out his father's portion. Gudrun asked him what he
had set his mind on doing, since he asked them to give him this
money. Bolli answered, "It is my wish that a woman be wooed on my
behalf, and I wish," said Bolli, "that you, Thorkell, be my spokesman
and carry this through." Thorkell asked what woman it was Bolli wished
to woo. Bolli answered, "The woman's name is Thordis, and she is the
daughter of Snorri the Priest; she is the woman I have most at heart
to marry; I shall be in no hurry to marry if I do not get this one for
wife. And I set a very great store by this matter being carried out."
Thorkell answered, "My help is quite welcome to you, my son, if you
think that if I follow up this matter much weight lies thereon. I
think the matter will be easily got over with Snorri, for he will know
well enough how to see that a fair offer is made him by such as you."
Gudrun said, "I will say at once, Thorkell, that I will let spare
nothing so that Bolli may but have the match that pleases him, and
that for two reasons, first, that I love him most, and then he has
been the most whole-hearted of my children in doing my will." Thorkell
gave it out that he was minded to furnish Bolli off handsomely. "It is
what for many reasons is due to him, and I know, withal, that in Bolli
a