One summer, when King Olaf's men had gone round the country collecting
his income and land dues, it happened that the king, on their
return home asked them where on their expedition they had been best
entertained. They said it was in the house of a bonde in one of the
king's districts. "There is an old bonde there who knows many things
before they happen. We asked him about many things, which he explained
to us; nay, we even believe that he understands perfectly the language
of birds." The king replies, "How can ye believe such nonsense?" and
insisted that it was wrong to put confidence in such things. It happened
soon after that the king was sailing along the coast; and as they
sailed through a Sound the king said, "What is that township up in the
country?"
They replied, "That is the district, sire, where we told you we were
best entertained."
Then said the king, "What house is that which stands up there, not far
from the Sound?"
They replied, "That house belongs to the wise old bonde we told you of,
sire."
They saw now a horse standing close to the house. Then said the king,
"Go there, and take that horse, and kill him."