"It will not be for very long. I want a watch set upon a Norman in order to know where he goes, and whom he meets, and what he purposes. Osgod tells me that he thinks you could play the part rarely, and that you would be willing for his sake to do our bidding."
The boy looked up into Osgod's face with an expression of earnest affection.
"I would do anything for him," he said, "even if I were to be cut to pieces."
"Osgod is as much interested in the matter as I am, Ulf; and as he has assured me that you are to be trusted, I will tell you more as to the man, and my object in setting you to watch him."
"You can trust me, my lord," the boy said earnestly. "I will do your bidding whatever it is."
"You know, Ulf, that the Duke of Normandy desires the crown of England?"
"So I have heard men say, my lord."
"Were King Harold out of the way, his chances of obtaining it would be improved."
The boy nodded.
"I am sure that the duke himself would take no hand in bringing about Harold's death, but there are many of his people who might think that they would obtain a great reward were they to do so."