"We are both come," said Hiarandi, "from the stock of Gisli the Outlaw. But if Gisli was his uncle, so also was Gisli the slayer of his father. So Snorri is both against us and for us by the tie of blood; and he forgetteth and remembereth as he chooseth, or as his interest bids."
Then said the man: "Thou givest him no good character. Yet at least thou couldst have let him have the say, which way his interest lies."
But Hiarandi answered in bitter mood: "Snorri casteth his weight where is the greater power, that his own strength may grow."
"He would not thank thee should he hear thee," answered the stranger. "Yet methinks that even in matters which concern his own advancement, he should be free to choose for himself."
"Now," asked Hiarandi, "shall I go to Snorri and crave his help?"
"Nay," replied the cowled man, "now it is too late. For this evening Snorri holdeth counsel on weighty matters concerning chiefs from the south firths, who are to meet him at his booth."
"Why, then," asked Hiarandi, "didst thou persuade me to ask a stay of judgment? For my fate meets me after all."
"Perhaps even I," said the man, "know more of the law than thou. Now wilt thou be ruled by me?"
"That I will," answered Hiarandi quickly.
"Then shalt thou do thus and so," said the man. And he instructed Hiarandi how he should speak on the next day. "And this shalt thou do even though thou seest Snorri in company with Einar.—Nay, make no question, for else thou art ruined." And with this the man went away.