The fellow said that he was in quest of service.
"But," said Atli, "you are, I understand, one of Thorbiorn's workmen."
"I was so, but I have left his service because I was badly treated. He beat me till I was black and blue; no one can remain with him, he is so rough with his men, and he exacts of them too much work. I have come here because I hear that you treat your servants well."
Atli replied: "I have hands enough, you had better go back to Thorbiorn, for I do not want you."
"I will never go back to him, that I declare," said the churl. "If you turn me away, I have nowhere to which I can go."
So he remained for a few nights at Biarg; and Atli did not like to turn him out of the house. Then one day he went to work with Atli's men, and worked hard and well, for he was a powerful man. So time passed. Atli did not agree to pay him any wage, and he did not send him away. He did not feel best pleased at having the man there, but he was too kind-hearted to drive him away.
Not only did he remain there and work well, but he showed himself ready to turn his hand to anything, and was the most useful man about the place.
Now Thorbiorn heard that his churl was at Biarg. The death of Slowcoach had rankled in his breast. He had felt that it was his duty to take up the case and demand recompense, yet he had not done so; now he was angered that Atli had opened his doors to his runaway servant. He had covenanted with the man for a year, but the fellow was so disagreeable that he would have gladly dispensed with his service; but that Atli should have received him, and that the man should be making himself useful at Biarg,—that made him very angry indeed.
So he mounted his horse and rode to Biarg, attended by two men, and called out Atli to talk with him.
Atli came forth and welcomed him.