Audun answered, "I know that you have the power, and
that all rests with you. But I will consent to nothing
save to do as I have told you."
The king sat in thought for a moment and then said, 15
"Well, I see no reason why you should not do as you please
in this matter. But promise me that when you come this
way again, you will tell me how King Sweyn rewarded you
for the beast."
"I give you my word to do that," answered Audun. 20
Then, leading the bear behind him, he went away. But
it was a long time before he could find any means to cross
over into Denmark, and when at last he set foot upon the
shores of that country he had not even a penny with which
to buy food. Both he and the bear were starving, and it 25
was a long way to the place where the king was staying.
In his distress, Audun went to a rich man named Auki
and begged for food for himself and his bear.
"What are you going to do with the beast?" asked
Auki. 30
"Give him to King Sweyn," answered the Icelander.
"And how much do you expect to receive for him?"
"Only so much as the king in his bounty wishes to give."
Then the rich man answered, "If you will give me one
half of the bear, I will feed you both."