"Elfwyn," said I, "what do you suppose was the true object of the sheriff in bidding folks keep indoors tonight?"
"I cannot divine, unless he has some deed of blood on hand which he wishes to have undisturbed, all to himself and his underlings."
"Siric spoke mysteriously."
"Yes; if there is aught going on amiss, he has a hand in it."
Here I communicated my fears respecting Alfgar, whom I had invited, with my brother's permission, to sup at the hall.
"Could you not keep the poor fellow with you all night? I fear his father is in some danger, as well he may be, acting as wickedly as he did this very morn."
"I will try to persuade him to stay, he is along with Bertric and Ethelgiva; they are only a few steps behind. Cuthbert, I have ordered every one of my theows and ceorls to be obedient to your warning if they wish to preserve their allegiance to Aescendune, or to escape chastisement, and I think none of them are likely to be abroad tonight."
"Can you not find out what the sheriff has told them? I saw him speaking to one or two."
"I will try. You must be my guest tonight, or at least for a few hours."
"Nay, I must return to compline; I may be wanted tonight, and ought to be at my post," said I.