"We cannot pass the fells in the dark," he said.
"True; yet there is still good time, and--the wains come now!"
"That creaking? One can hear them creak a mile or more."
"Not from where we stand. They 'll soon wheel into view."
"A true seer! There comes the first ox-span, and Anselm waving to us. It is well he rides with the train, else we should never have seen them. None but oxen could have come at all with wains so laden."
"Tribute gold of a dozen burgs and all the plunder of the Ebro valley!" muttered Olvir.
"Not all, brother. Your sea-wolves bear theirs upon their own shoulders."
"Where it is safest. They 'll yield it with life,--no sooner."
"One and all, they 're welcome to their loot, and welcome to bear it. I trust mine in Anselm's care."
"Mine is yet safer. My Saracen gems lie in Floki's bosom. What thief would risk the bill of the Crane?"