"Whose dog is this?" asked the leader.
"His," answered the serfs, pointing to Lodbrok.
"Dogs might tell strange tales could they talk," said the earl's man; "I misdoubt both these men. Let us take them to the earl for judgment."
"Where is the earl?" I asked.
"At Caistor," answered the man shortly, and I was glad that he was so near, for the matter would be quickly settled and I could go free.
"Unbind me, and I will go where you will," I said, but at that Beorn cried out.
"Loose him not, loose him not, I pray you!"
"Tie their hands behind them and let us be gone," was the answer, and they did so, loosing my feet, and setting us on my horse and Lodbrok's. And some of the men stayed behind with my serfs to make a litter on which to carry my friend's body, and follow us to Caistor. So as I went I cried quickly to those two men of mine that they should go in all haste to Reedham and tell what had befallen me to our steward, who would know what to do.
"Reedham is too far for a rescue to reach you in time," said the leader of the earl's men grimly; "think not of it."
"I meant not that, but to have witnesses to speak for me."