r foes;
but I rode after one and caught him, for he would by no means stay
for calling, and I asked him what had happened, and where the
bishop was.

"Alas, master," the man said, "they have slain my brother and fired
the church, and now have ridden after the bishop. They slew my
brother because he would not say by which road he had gone; and
another told them, being in fear for his life--and our king is
taken."

"Did they take the king by the road to South Elmham?"

"Four rode after the bishop with the great man on the black horse
who was the leader. The rest went with the king up the track
through Hoxne woods, but slowly."

Had I but one or two more with me surely now I should have followed
up the king and tried to rescue him. But I think it would have been
vain, for Ingvar's men would have slain him rather than lose him.
But most of all I wondered at the boldness of these few men, who,
with their leader, dared venture so far from their forces. Well did
they know, however, how complete is the rout of a Saxon levy; and I
too might have guessed it, since I had fled alone after the first
five miles, while all those who had left the town with me scattered
all ways.

Now the church was blazing from end to end, and one or two more men
had gathered to me, seeing who I was.

"Take up yon body," I said, "and cast it into the church. So shall
his ashes lie in holy ground at least. For you and yours must even
take to the woods for a while. The Danes will be here."

That I think they did, for they were lifting the body as I went
away and rode along the way that the bishop had taken, meaning at
least to meet Ingvar, for I feared lest the men who had the king
should slay him if they were followed.

Hardly a mile had I gone when Ingvar and his men came riding slowly
back. Their beaten horses could do no more, and they had left
following the bishop. Ingvar's face was black as night, and as he
came he roared at me: "You here again! Now this passes all. Did I
not bid you stand aside and hinder me not?"

"Aye, King," I answered, coldly enough. "But I cross you not. I
have ransom to offer for the king."

"I will have no ransom," he said, very savagely.

"Nevertheless," I said quietly, knowing that his word was not the
only one to be spoken on that matter, "let me tell you of it, that
you may tell the other chiefs."

"I am the king," he answered, glaring at me.

"Then, King, hear my words, and give them to those under y