Gaunt and stark he was to look on; and all men knew him and he was well-beloved, so all held their peace as he said: "I am Otter of the Laxings: now needeth but few words till the War-duke is chosen, and we get ready to wend our ways in arms.

Here have ye heard three good men and true tell of our foes, and this last, Fox the Red, hath seen them and hath more to tell when we are on the way; nor is the way hard to find.

It were scarce well to fall upon these men in their garth and war-burg; for hard is a wall to slay.

Better it were to meet them in the Wild-wood, which may well be a friend to us and a wall, but to them a net.

O Agni of the Daylings, thou warder of the Thing-stead, bid men choose a War-duke if none gainsay it." And without more words he clattered down the Hill, and went and stood with the Laxing band.