"Alfgar, do you think your father yet lives?" said Edmund, as he again gazed upon the Danish camp.
"I think not; I fear he is numbered amongst the dead; I have over and over again inquired of Danish prisoners whether they knew aught of him; they all said he had not been known in their ranks for years."
"The chances of a warrior's life are so many that he may not improbably be gone, but remember you found another father at Carisbrooke."
"I shall never forget that, my lord."
Here Hermann interrupted them.
"My lord, would you look closely at that little clump of furze upon the banks of the brook?"
"By St. Edmund, there they are! now to catch Danish wolves in a steel trap; creep back within the mound."
The whole guard was speedily aroused.
"Shall we alarm the camp?" said Hermann.
"Not for the world, they want all the sleep they can get; this will only be a reconnoitring party; did they find us asleep they would of course cut our throats, and then bring their brethren to attack the camp. As it is, I think we shall cut theirs instead."