longing for his praise. And I thought that wonderful,
knowing only Harald Fairhair and the dread of him.

Chapter V. Two Meetings in England.

It was not long before the shift of wind that I looked for came,
and at once I took all the ships round to the river Exe. Odda had
left me all the seamen he had, and they were enough for the short,
fair passage. We came to the haven in the river, and there heard
what news there was, and it was good enough. Odda had sent
well-mounted men to reach the king by roads away from the
retreating Danes, and he had been ready for them. He drew off his
levies from before the walls of the town, and let his enemies pass
him; then he and Odda fell on their rear and drove them into
Exeter, and there was holding them. It was well done; for though
the host sallied from the town to meet the newcomers, they gained
nothing but a share in the rout that followed when Odda closed on
the rear guard and the king charged the flank.

Now we heard that as soon as we landed. And then I had my first
knowledge of the ways of a Saxon levy. For no sooner were the ships
berthed than their crews began to leave them, making for their
homes.

One or two men I caught in the act of leaving in the early morning,
and spoke sharply to them, for it seemed that soon there would be
ships enough and not a man to tend them. Whereon they answered:

"We have done what we were called up for, and more also. Now may
others take our places. What more would you have? We have won our
victory, and the ships are not needed for a while."

So they went, and nothing I could say would stay them. I waxed
angry on that, and I thought I might as well sail for Ireland as
not. There seemed no chance of doing aught here, where men would
throw away what they had won of advantage.

So I went back to my own ship and sat under the after awning, in no
good temper. Thord and Kolgrim were yet busy in and about the
vessels, making all secure, and setting men to work on what needed
repairing. Presently Harek the scald came and sat with me, and I
grumbled to my heart's content about this Saxon carelessness and
throwing away of good luck.

Many Saxons--men from camp, and freemen of the place, and some
thanes--came, as one might expect, to stare at the ships and their
prizes. I paid no heed to them as the day went on, only wishing
that Odda would come and speak to me about his doings, for I had
sent word to him that we were in the river. So