“Let’s go and see.”
So, in a state of wild excitement and wonder that they had not heard the news of danger before, the boys raced to head off the body of armed men, the first up being greeted by the big bluff leader with a cheery shout.
“What now? What now?” he cried. “Have you boys come to tell us that we are too late, and that the enemy are all slain? Who was it found the Norsemen’s ship?”
“Then the Danes have landed?” cried the eldest boy excitedly.
“Yes,” cried his brother. “I knew that was it.”
“Yes, that’s it, boy,” said the leader, dragging at his horse’s head, for the animal was impatient to go on.
“Where are they?” cried the youngest boy, with his cheeks flushing and eyes sparkling.
“A day’s journey away, my boy. The people over Farringdon way have asked for help, and the King sends me.”
“That’s right,” cried the boy who had last spoken. “We’ll go with you.”