But Hiarandi answered in bitter mood: "Snorri casteth his weight where is the greater power, that his own strength may grow." "He would not thank thee should he hear thee," answered the stranger. "Yet methinks that even in matters which concern his own advancement, he should be free to choose for himself." "Now," asked Hiarandi, "shall I go to Snorri and crave his help?" "Nay," replied the cowled man, "now it is too late. For this evening Snorri holdeth counsel on weighty matters concerning chiefs from the south firths, who are to meet him at his booth." "Why, then," asked Hiarandi, "didst thou persuade me to ask a stay of judgment? For my fate meets me after all." "Perhaps even I," said the man, "know more of the law than thou. Now wilt thou be ruled by me?" "That I will," answered Hiarandi quickly. "Then shalt thou do thus and so," said the man. And he instructed Hiarandi how he should speak on the next day. "And this shalt thou do even though thou seest Snorri in company with Einar.--Nay, make no question, for else thou art ruined." And with this the man went away. In the morning all men go to the courts again; and Hiarandi marks how Einar walks with Snorri, and they seem merry together, though Einar laughs the most. Nevertheless, Hiarandi stands up when his case is called, and does as the cowled man had said, for he demands of Einar what forfeiture he will name. "Either," said Einar, "that thou shalt pay down the worth of three hundreds in silver, or that thou shalt be outlawed." "Now," said Hiarandi, "it seems hard that so much shall be my punishment. But wilt thou take this offer, that we handsel this case to Snorri the Priest, and abide by his finding?" Einar hesitated. But many standing by said that was fair; moreover, that was a custom much followed. And again, Einar did not wish the outlawing of Hiarandi; but he felt sure that Snorri would lay a blood-fine, which must force Hiarandi to sell his farm. And he thought his cause was sure, so he said after a moment: "I will." So they handselled the suit to Snorri, striking hands together before the judges, and agreeing to abide by his decision. Then Snorri stood up to speak. Einar smiled at him that he might remind him of their companionship, but Snorri smiled not at all.