"We think it hard for us," says Skamkell, "to know what to do, when such mighty men have a hand in it."
"That is so, sure enough," says Mord, "but yet I will get to know those things, out of Gunnar's household, which none of you will ever know."
"We would give thee money," they say, "if thou wouldst search out this thing."
"That money I shall buy full dear," answered Mord, "but still, perhaps, it may be that I will look at the matter."
They gave him three marks of silver for lending them his help.
Then he gave them this counsel, that women should go about from house to house with small ware, and give them to the housewives, and mark what was given them in return.
"For," he says, "'tis the turn of mind of all men first to give away what has been stolen, if they have it in their keeping, and so it will be here also, if this hath-happened by the hand of man. Ye shall then come and show me what has been given to each in each house, and I shall then be free from farther share in this matter, if the truth comes to light."
To this they agreed, and went home afterwards.
Mord sends women about the country, and they were away half a month. Then they came back, and had big bundles. Mord asked where they had most given them?
They said that at Lithend most was given them, and Hallgerda had been most bountiful to them.