Now Ondott Crafty had oversight of Einar's sheep, and he examined the sheep's ear-marks, and said whose they were. Rolf gave to the thralls the sheep to drive home; but Frodi the Smith, who was the mildest of men, took the sheep from the hands of Ondott. This task Rolf gave to Frodi, because he would not himself have speech with Ondott, who was now well of his broken arm, but whose temper was not improved by his hurt. Now Ondott came to a sheep which had torn its ear, so that the mark was scarred. Then said Ondott:
"This sheep is Einar's."
"Nay," said Frodi, "I remember the wether, and he is Hiarandi's."
"Looks not the mark," asked Ondott, "like the mark of Einar?"
"Yes," said Frodi, "but the mark is scarred, and is changed."
"Now," quoth Ondott, "call Hiarandi hither, and let him decide."
This he said with a sneer: but Frodi answered gravely: "My cousin shall not break his outlawry for a sheep. But call Rolf hither."
"I call no boys to my counsel," answered Ondott. "The matter is between thee and me."
Then Frodi was perplexed, for in disputes and bargains he mixed little. "But," said he, "meseems this is best. Drive the sheep to Cragness, and let Hiarandi see it."
"Now," said Ondott, "I have no time for that. But draw thy whittle, and we can settle the matter here."