and I know it."

Then Selred said gently, "I am going to stay, and I can do more
than even yourself. Today the archbishop comes, and I will tell him
of Hilda. Go, for I am sure that Witred speaks no less than the
truth, else he would not fly thus. For her sake you must go, and I
will bring her home. Have no fear."

"I am thought to be Carl's man," I said, "and one may suppose that
I am safe. I will stay with Selred, and see what happens. It is in
my mind to search for the body of the king, and surely none will
hinder that. Erling must go into hiding, but in some way he must
let me know where he is."

"That I can manage for you. I have men of my own in this palace,
and they shall take any message. Erling can be hidden in the town
easily."

So said Witred, and with that he would wait no more. We heard men
coming up the hall, and though it was most likely but the thanes
who should relieve those who had watched during the night, there
was no more delay. Sighard shook hands with me as if he would set
all that he wanted to say into that grasp, and then they passed
down the passage once more and were gone.

For a while I waited, fearing lest I should hear the sounds of a
fight at the far end, but no noise came. But just as I was about to
set the trapdoor back in its place I heard footsteps, and stayed.
They came from whence my friends had gone.

It was Erling. He came into the pit, set his hands on the edge of
the floor, and swung himself up sailorwise.

"I did but go to see that they got away safely," he said. "You may
need a man at your back, master, before this day is out."

"Erling," I cried, "I will not suffer this. I think I am safe
enough."

"Well, mayhap so am I. If Quendritha slays me, it is as much as to
say that my tale is true. Say no more, master, for on my word our
case is about the same; and if I must die, I had as soon do it in
good company, and for reason, as be hunted like a rat through the
hovels of yon townlet."

CHAPTER XIII. HOW WILFRID AND ERLING BEGAN THEIR SEARCH.

Selred smiled and shook his head at Erling when we went back to
him, but I could see that he thought no less of the Dane for
standing by me. Nor did I, as may be supposed, but I had rather his
safety was somewhat more off my mind than it was likely to be here.
As he had returned for care of me, it would seem that we were each
pretty anxious about the other; but there was no use in showing it.

Now the thanes who had th