s end was nigh he called his kinsmen round him and
said his will was that Atli should take over all the property after his
day. "I fear," he said, "that the wicked will scarce leave you in peace.
And I wish all my kinsmen to support him to the best of their power. Of
Grettir I can say nothing, for his condition seems to me like a rolling
wheel. Strong though he is, I fear he will have more dealing with
trouble than with kinsmen's support. And Illugi, though young now, shall
become a man of valiant deeds if he remain unscathed."

When Asmund had settled everything with his sons according to his wish
his sickness grew upon him. He died soon after and was buried at Bjarg,
where he had had a church built. All felt his loss deeply.

Atli became a great bondi and kept a large establishment. He was a great
dealer in household provisions. Towards the end of the summer he went
to Snaefellsnes to get dried fish. He drove several horses with him and
rode from home to Melar in Hrutafjord to his brother-in-law, Gamli. Then
Grim, the son of Thorhall, Gamli's brother, made ready to accompany him
along with another man. They rode West by way of Haukadalsskard and
the road which leads out to the Ness, where they bought much fish
and carried it away on seven horses; when all was ready they turned
homewards.

CHAPTER XLIII. THE SONS OF THORIR OF SKARD ARE SLAIN BY ATLI AND GRIM

Thorbjorn Oxmain heard of Atli and Grim having left home just when
Gunnar and Thorgeir, the sons of Thorir of Skard, were with him.
Thorbjorn was jealous of Atli's popularity and egged on the two
brothers, the sons of Thorir, to lie in wait for him as he returned
from Snaefellsnes. They rode home to Skard and waited there for Atli
returning with his loads. They could see the party from their house
as they passed Skard, and made ready quickly to pursue them with their
servants. Atli on seeing them ordered his horses to be unloaded.

"Perhaps," he said, "they want to offer me compensation for my man whom
Gunnar slew last summer. We will not be the first to attack, but if they
begin fighting us we will defend ourselves."

Then they came up and at once sprang off their horses. Atli greeted them
and asked what news there was, and whether Gunnar desired to offer him
some compensation for his servant. Gunnar answered:

"You men of Bjarg, you deserve something else than that I should pay
compensation for him with my goods. Thorbjorn whom Grettir slew is wort