This story had spread all through the district. It came to the ears of Grettir, who being well accustomed to deal with ghosts and spectres turned his steps thither and arrived on Yule-eve at Sandhaugar. He was disguised as was now his custom, because his enemy Thorir had set a price on his head, and called himself Gest.
The lady of the house saw that he was enormously tall, and the servants were terribly afraid of him. He asked for hospitality; the mistress told him that food was ready for him but that he must see after himself. He said he would, and added:
"I will stay in the house while you go to mass if you would like it."
She said: "You must be a brave man to venture to stay in this house."
"I do not care for a dull life," he said.
Then she said: "I do not want to remain at home, but I cannot get across the river."
"I will come with you," said the pretended Gest. So she made ready to go to mass with her little daughter. It was thawing outside; the river was flooded and was covered with ice.
"It is impossible for man or horse to cross," said Steinvor.
"There must be fords," said Gest. "Do not be afraid."