In the space of a few minutes they ran the boat ashore in the midst of dense woods which fringed the farther bank, and there they forced him to land, and led him upwards until, deep in the woods, they came upon an old timbered house. They knocked at the door, which was speedily opened by a man of gigantic stature and ruffianly countenance, by whose side snarled a mastiff as repulsive as he.
"Here, Higbald, we have brought thee a prisoner from our lord."
The wretch looked upon Alfgar with the eyes of an ogre bent on devouring a captive, and then said:
"The chamber where blind Cuthred was slaughtered looks out on the woods behind where no one passes, and it is strong; it will be better for you to take him there."
And he drew aside to let them pass.
"Here, Wolf" said the uncouth gaoler, "smell him, and see you have to guard him."
The dog seemed to comprehend. He smelt around the prisoner, then displayed his huge fangs, and growled, as if to tell Alfgar what his fate would be if he tried to escape.
The poor lad turned to his captors who had brought him there, for they seemed more humane than his new gaoler.
"For pity's sake, tell me why I am brought here--what crime I have committed."
No reply.