"Trust me, Jarl," said the old viking, and returned to the ship.
CHAPTER XII.
THE FLIGHT FROM LONDON.
The return of Biorn and the finding of Astrid happened so close together that Sigurd determined to take advantage of his opportunity. He saw the King twice a day, at meals, and on each occasion Ethelred seated him near the high-seat and conversed affably with him; but Sigurd felt that the iron hand was but concealed within a silken glove, and that the King would soon find means to rid himself of this troublesome Northman.
The day after Biorn's arrival, at the noonday meal, Ethelred called Sigurd to his side as usual.
"How is the search progressing, Jarl? Have you any news yet?"
Sigurd assumed a gloomy air. "I only wish I had some, King Ethelred. My ship arrived last night, and I cannot long delay my return to King Olaf, I fear."
The King seemed unmistakably relieved, and Sigurd judged that his visit to the shops the day before had not escaped the spies. Ketil he had not seen since that first day, but as he always saw some of his men whenever he left the palace, he believed the Norseman was keeping close watch on him.
That evening Biorn entered his room shortly after dark with a coil of thin but strong rope and a light grapnel.
"Is the 'Crane' in shape?" asked Sigurd eagerly. "We had best wait an hour or two to let the streets get deserted."