35 interesting glimpses of Icelandic life in the past, In the early days scarcely any other than pecuniary punishments were ordained ; criminals were fined in a certain number of merks, each worth an ounce of silver and equal to 48 ells of woollen cloth (we saw the old stone with the legal marks of measurement still upon it). But this mode of punishment was found ineffectual to the prevention of crime, the laws became gradually more severe, and at last capital punishments was introduced, hanging being the most popular mode, though it was not uncommon to burn culprits or break their backs across the “Stone of Fear.” We looked with a shudder upon this huge stone, with its still sharp summit upon which, in remote times, many human victims were immolated to appease the wrath of the god Thor. Skilful advocates were engaged on both sides, not openly for fees, for it was considered criminal to accept them. It appears the prisoners were tried by jury and the accused had thepewer of challenging the impannelled jurymen. “ The judges shall go out on Saturday and continue out for challenge until the sun comes again on the Lord’s Day,” and again “ the power of challenge shall cease as soon as the sun can no longer be seen above the western brink of the chasm from the Logberg.” As we stood on this brink we could see beyond the deep-dark abyss, and in the midst of the immense lake “the Duel Island,” where year after year petty jealousies and misunderstandings were fought out to the death, under the stern decision of the doomsters. This island was chosen so that retreat was not possible. There were no acted plays in Saga times amongst these northmen— their dramas were real—there was a good deal to interest them in seeing two men fight with battle axes and swords with the certainty that one or both would be killed on the spot, for when one of the combatants died his property became the victor’s. This led to duels strongly recommending themselves to the powerful men, who often forced quarrels and appropriated the slain man’s goods. It was incumbent, however, on the slayer to bury the dead man. If he did not he was liable to outlawry ; the body might be covered with earth and stones or turf ; so long as there was an attempt at burial it was enough to satisfy the laws, as this wa* considered

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