"I know nothing. Here be I, lamed, in the cottage all day."
"There is a close friend of mine in hiding from the Danes somewhere here," I said, doubting, from her manner, if she spoke the truth. "I would take him to a safer place."
"None safer," she answered. "What is his name?"
Then I doubted for a moment; but Harek's quick wit helped me.
"Godred," he said; for the name by which the king had called himself once it was likely that he would use again.
"I know of no thanes," she said, though not at once, so that I was sure she knew somewhat more than she thought safe to tell.
Then she was going, but Harek stayed her.
"Yours is a good spell against the evil eye, mother," he said, "but I can tell you a better."
"What is it?" she said eagerly.
"News for news," he answered carelessly. "Tell us if you know aught of this thane, and I will tell you."