But they would not--they could not touch Edmund.
Edric whispered in the king's ear.
"I was wrong," said the king; "retire, guards.
"Edmund, come with me; tell me what you have seen. I will hear you, and judge between you and my Edric--judge fairly."
"Wait till my return, Alfgar."
Alfgar waited. No one spoke to him; all the company seemed utterly bewildered, as well they might be until, after the expiration of an hour, during which time Ednoth had left the hall, and the company broke up by degrees, an officer of the court came and whispered in his ear that Edmund awaited him without the gates.
He left the table at once, and proceeded beyond the precincts of the palace, following his guide.
"Where is the prince?"
"He has had a stormy interview with his father, and has just left him, refusing to lodge in the palace, to sleep without the precincts. I am to conduct you thither."
Leaving the palace, they were passing through some thick shrubbery, when all at once two strong men sprang upon Alfgar. At the same moment his attendant turned round and assisted his foes. He struggled, but he was easily overpowered, when his captors led him away, until, passing a postern gate in the western wall of the town, they crossed an embankment, and came upon the river. There they placed him on board a small boat, and rowed rapidly down the stream.