And Gunnar bought the thrall, and they all went home to Lithend together.
When Njal heard that Otkell would not sell to Gunnar, he was very wroth and rode up into the hills with all his sons, and took meat from his storehouses and bound it upon five horses, and hay from his barns and bound it upon ten horses, and they drove them all to Lithend, which was Gunnar’s house.
‘Never ask another man for aught when you can ask me,’ said Njal, and Gunnar answered:
‘Your gifts are great, but truly your love is greater.’
In a few weeks the summer began, and, as was his custom, Gunnar rode to the Thing, leaving Hallgerda in the house at Lithend.
The day after he had ridden away with his men Hallgerda sent for Malcolm the thrall, and said to him:
‘I have somewhat for you to do! Take with you two horses besides the one you ride, and go to Kirkby and steal meat enough to load the two horses, and butter and cheese as well. But take heed, when all is done, to set the storehouses on fire, so that none can trace that the goods have vanished.’
Malcolm the thrall lifted his head and looked at her.
‘I have never been a thief, in spite of all my ill-deeds,’ said he.
But Hallgerda only laughed and made sport of him.