While Olaf was in Ireland he was once on an expedition which went by
sea. As they required to make a foray for provisions on the coast, some
of his men landed, and drove down a large herd of cattle to the strand.
Now a peasant came up, and entreated Olaf to give him back the cows that
belonged to him. Olaf told him to take his cows, if he could distinguish
them; "but don't delay our march." The peasant had with him a large
house-dog, which he put in among the herd of cattle, in which many
hundred head of beasts were driven together. The dog ran into the herd,
and drove out exactly the number which the peasant had said he wanted;
and all were marked with the same mark, which showed that the dog knew
the right beasts, and was very sagacious. Olaf then asked the peasant
if he would sell him the dog. "I would rather give him to you," said the
peasant. Olaf immediately presented him with a gold ring in return, and
promised him his friendship in future. This dog was called Vige, and was
the very best of dogs, and Olaf owned him long afterwards.