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A NEGLIGENT GUIDE.
Chap. XII.
CHAPTER XII.
A self-seeking guide—-Hamlet of Hallbiaruareyri— Runic tomb-stones — Berserkia lava-field — Tradition of the BerserkerBrothers — ‘ Eyrbyggia Saga ’ — Temple of Thor — Traditionof the idol Thor being east into the sea by “ Big-beard ” — Feast-ing and fighting — Helgafell — Circle of stones — Blot-stein orsacrificial stone — Explorations of Eirik the Red — Irish colony—Valley of Hoam — Lungarvatn — Flocks of swans —Hjardarholt— Return to Reykholt .
Sept. 4 th. —My patience was sorely taxed this morn-ing by the negligence of my guide, wbo, after makinga merry night of it, rose not only sorrowful, butwith difficulty, in the morning. Unfortunately hewas a popular man, and had evidently condescendedto accompqjty me in order to avail himself of afavourable opportunity of paying an inexpensiveround of visits; but his years and courteous mannerdisarmed me, together with the luxurious breakfastproffered by my considerate hosts, who, not satisfiedwith that, insisted on provisioning me for the day.Long may they live to disburse their disinterested