49. OF SKAMKELL'S EVIL COUNSEL
Now we must tell of Skamkell. He rides after some sheep up along Rangriver, and he sees something shining in the path. He finds a knife and belt, and thinks he knows both of them. He fares with them to Kirkby; Otkell was out of doors when Skamkell came. He spoke to him and said, "Knowest thou aught of these pretty things?"
"Of a surety," says Otkell, "I know them."
"Who owns them?" asks Skamkell.
"Malcolm the thrall," says Otkell.
"Then more shall see and know them than we two," says Skamkell, "for true will I be to thee in counsel."
They showed them to many men, and all knew them. Then Skamkell said, "What counsel wilt thou now take?"
"We shall go and see Mord Valgard's son," answers Otkell, "and seek counsel of him."
So they went to Hof, and showed the pretty things to Mord, and asked him if he knew them?
He said he knew them well enough, but what was there in that?
"Do you think you have a right to look for anything at Lithend?"