"I can believe it," said Gunnar, "but for my part I have never seen one so fine since I left the great city of Micklegarth. Now if I asked you to sell it to me, Ogmund, would you take it amiss?"
Ogmund thought for a while. "I will not sell it to you," he said, "but I will ask you to accept it from me. It would be a pleasure to me to please you."
Gunnar opened his eyes. They were very bright. "Give it to me by all means," he said, "and prosper in all your undertakings! But it is too much for you to do—and I am rather ashamed."
"By no means," said Ogmund Dint, "by no manner of means. Yet if it will set your mind at ease, and as the wind blows shrewdly off the mountains, perhaps we may make an exchange. How would that suit you?"
"Excellently," said Gunnar, "but my old cloak is dross for your gold."
"It looks a serviceable garment," said Ogmund. "It will keep the weather away."
There and then they exchanged. Ogmund put on the crimson cloak, and pulled the hood up over his head; Gunnar put on his bargain and was as pleased as a boy with a new top.
"Now indeed we shall see something," said Gunnar.
"Yes, indeed," said Ogmund, and saluted him.
Gunnar went his ways with his brisk step, and Ogmund turned back to his boat. "I shan't be long gone," he said. "Stand by your oars, and be ready the moment I want you." Then he went into the town with long strides, and walked briskly, swinging one arm, as he had observed Gunnar do coming down.