as their wounds were dressed by the leeches or
the womenfolk. All was confusion, and, indeed, one might not know if
this turmoil was after victory or defeat.

None noticed me or my guide, but, indeed, I saw few men I knew in all
the crowd, for the men of Bridgwater and those of Matelgar's following
had fought most fiercely on their own land, and even now stayed to guard
what they might on the hill.

Osric again sat in the great chair in the hall, as I could see through
the open door, and round him were the thanes; but far fewer than last
night. And presently a housecarle spoke to him, and he rose up and left
the hall. Then they led me to a smaller chamber, and there he was alone,
and waiting for me.

Now I knew not what his wish to see me might mean, but from him I looked
for no harm, remembering how he had seemed to favour me even in refusing
my request. But, least of all did I look for him to come forward to meet
me, taking both my hands, and grasping them, while he thanked me for the
day's work.

"Lightly I let you go last night, Heregar," he said, "setting little
store on the matter among all the trouble of the gathering. But when I
sent you away and forgot you, surely the saints guided me. For I have
heard how you dared to go down to Stert and warn us all, and I saw you
stay the flight, even now. Much praise, and more than that, is due to
you. Were you in the fight?"

Then I could answer him to a plain question; for all this praise, though
it was good to hear, abashed me.

"Nay, Sheriff," I answered. "Fain would I have been there, but a wiser
head than mine advised me, and bade me do your bidding, and forbear.
Else should I surely have fought."

"Loyalty has brought good to us all, Heregar," he said, looking squarely
at me. "Yet should I have hardly blamed you had you disobeyed me."

Then I flushed red, thinking shame not to have done so, and went to
excuse myself for obedience.

"Yet had I the safety of a lady who must die, if the battle went wrongly
for us, laid on me in a way," I said.

"Matelgar's fair daughter?" he asked.

"Aye, Sheriff," And I told him of the flight from the hall, and where
she was now, wondering how he guessed this. But I had come from Stert,
and therefore the guess was no wonder. He looked at me gravely, and then
sat down, motioning me to be seated also. He treated me not as an
outlaw, I thought.

"Matelgar is dead," he said. "I saw him fall, and tried to bring him
off. He w