That learnt, I knew what to do. I ran to the nearest fishers' hut, and
pulled handfuls of the thatch from under the eaves, piling it to
windward against the wooden walls. Then I fired the heap, and it blazed
up bright and strong, and at once came a great howl of rage from the
ships, plain to be heard, for they knew that now they might not land
unknown.
So had I warned Osric the Sheriff, and that matter was out of my hands.
And, moreover, Wulfhere, being an old and tried warrior, would be warned
as well. That, however, I would see to myself, and, if I could, I would
aid him in getting Alswythe into a place of safety. So I ran back,
bending my steps now towards her father's hall, up the roadway, if one
might so call the track through the marshland that led thither.
Just at the foot of the hill I met three men of the outpost, who were
hurrying down to see what my fire meant. They challenged me, halting
with levelled spears across the track. Then was I glad of the password,
and answered by giving it.
"Right!" said the man who seemed to be the leader. "What news?"
I told him quickly, bidding him waste no time, but hurry back and tell
the sheriff that the Danes would be ashore in half an hour. I spoke as I
was wont to speak when I was a thane, forgetting in the dire need of the
moment that I was an outlaw now, and the man was offended thereat.
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