and the other Hwyting, after the sheen of its well-whetted point.

But when he heard that war was raging between Alver, the King of Sweden, and the Ruthenians (Russians), he instantly went to Russia, offered help to the natives, and was received by all with the utmost honour.

Alver was not far off, there being only a little ground to cross to cover the distance between the two.

Alver's soldier Hildiger, the son of Gunnar, challenged the champions of the Ruthenians to fight him; but when he saw that Halfdan was put up against him, though knowing well that he was Halfdan's brother, he let natural feeling prevail over courage, and said that he, who was famous for the destruction of seventy champions, would not fight with an untried man.

Therefore he told him to measure himself in enterprises of lesser moment, and thenceforth to follow pursuits fitted to his strength.