"Thou hast borne the test well," said the gleeman, "and hast not flinched."
"I could not in your presence."
At this moment they heard the rapid splash of a boat, manned by many rowers, behind, and a voice shouted aloud to the men on board the ship they had left:
"Hast seen a boat with a gleeman and harp bearer?"
"They have just left the ship."
"Follow; they are English spies. Sweyn will give the weight of their heads in red gold."
Instantly they heard the sound of hurried voices, the lowering of boats, the splash of numerous oars, and all nearly close behind them. They took an oar each, and pulled with all the energy of men who pull for life or death.
The light was gradually growing stronger, and their chance of escape seemed feeble, when Alfgar saw before them a dense cloud of mist rolling round the eastern promontory, and uttered a cry of joy as it enfolded them.
"The wind is east, keep it on your right cheek, and steer straight forward. I will take both oars," said the gleeman.
It was wonderful with what energetic force and success the gleeman pulled until they had cleared the mist, and saw that they were in the red light of dawn, in the midst of the Solent.