fs had
broken away from Guthrum, and were making this unheard-of
mid-winter march to surprise Alfred. Most likely they were
newcomers into Mercia, and had nought to do with the Exeter host.

"Maybe it is true," I answered; "but I am no Dane."

He laughed loudly.

"Why, then, you are one of Alfred's Norsemen! Now I warn you to get
away from Chippenham, for it is unsafe, and there will be no king
to pay you tomorrow. I think that you will say with me that it were
better for Osmund to come with me to meet the host than to go back
to Alfred and be hung before he flies--if he gets news of us in
time to do so."

Herein the man was right, for Alfred had warned the chiefs at
Exeter that he held the hostages in surety for peace on the part of
all and any Danes. But I thought I might learn more, so I said:

"Guthrum thinks little of his friends' lives."

"Guthrum!" the Dane answered sneeringly; "what have we to do with
him and his peace making?"

"What then are you Hubba's men?"

"He is in Wales. Think you that we are all tied to the sons of
Lodbrok?"

"You might have worse leaders," I said.

And just then Kolgrim came along the lane, leading the three
horses, and on them were the armour and weapons of the slain. It
was not my comrade's way to leave for other folk aught that was
worth having.

At once the Dane knew what had happened, and he swung his horse
round and spurred it fiercely, making for flight. Then Harek looked
at me and touched his sword hilt, and I nodded. It was well to let
no tidings of our knowledge go back to the host. After the Dane
therefore went Harek, and I looked at Osmund.

"Jarl," I said, "I am in a strait here. If you go back, your life
is in Alfred's hands."

"I know it," he said, smiling faintly. "It is a hard place maybe
for us both, but there is only one way. You must get back to the
king, and I with you; for you have to answer for me, and my word is
passed not to escape."

Then Thora said:

"The king is just, as all men know. How should he slay you for what
you cannot help?"

"Ay," he answered, smiling at her, "that is right."

So she was satisfied, knowing nought perhaps of what the place of a
hostage is.

So we started back to Chippenham quickly, and after us I heard
Harek coming. He had a led horse when he joined us, and I knew that
none would take word to the Danish host that the king was warned.

When we came to the hilltop over which we had ridden so blithely an
ho