he Peacock] Olaf grew up
with Thord, and became a great man and strong. He was so handsome that
his equal was not to be found, and when he was twelve years old he
rode to the Thing meeting, and men in other countrysides looked upon
it as a great errand to go, and to wonder at the splendid way he was
made. In keeping herewith was the manner of Olaf's war-gear and
raiment, and therefore he was easily distinguished from all other men.
Thord got on much better after Olaf came to live with him. Hoskuld
gave Olaf a nickname, and called him Peacock, and the name stuck to
him.

CHAP. XVII

About Viga Hrapp's Ghost, A.D. 950

The tale is told of Hrapp that he became most violent in his
behaviour, and did his neighbours such harm that they could hardly
hold their own against him. But from the time that Olaf grew up Hrapp
got no hold of Thord. Hrapp had the same temper, but his powers waned,
in that old age was fast coming upon him, so that he had to lie in
bed. [Sidenote: Hrapp's death] Hrapp called Vigdis, his wife, to him,
and said, "I have never been of ailing health in life," said he, "and
it is therefore most likely that this illness will put an end to our
life together. Now, when I am dead, I wish my grave to be dug in the
doorway of my fire hall, and that I be put: thereinto, standing there
in the doorway; then I shall be able to keep a more searching eye on
my dwelling." After that Hrapp died, and all was done as he said, for
Vigdis did not dare do otherwise. And as evil as he had been to deal
with in his life, just so he was by a great deal more when he was
dead, for he walked again a great deal after he was dead. People said
that he killed most of his servants in his ghostly appearances. He
caused a great deal of trouble to those who lived near, and the house
of Hrappstead became deserted. Vigdis, Hrapp's wife, betook herself
west to Thorstein Swart, her brother. He took her and her goods in.
And now things went as before, in that men went to find Hoskuld, and
told him all the troubles that Hrapp was doing to them, and asked him
to do something to put an end to this. Hoskuld said this should be
done, and he went with some men to Hrappstead, and has Hrapp dug up,
and taken away to a place near to which cattle were least likely to
roam or men to go about. After that Hrapp's walkings-again abated
somewhat. Sumarlid, Hrapp's son, inherited all Hrapp's wealth, which
was both great and goodly. Sumarlid set up hous