there is no doubt that they who
swore would keep the oath. But that does not bind those who were
against the peace making. So I suppose that they who held not with
the peace made by the rest fell on you, when your levies went home
after their wont. One might have known they would do so."

Thereat the thane was silent for a while, and I saw that he was
troubled. It seemed to be a new thought to him at this time that
the Danish hosts in England were many, and each free to act in the
way its own chief thought best, uniting now and then, and again
separating. This he must needs have learned sooner or later, but
the knowledge came first to him there before Exeter walls.

Presently he said:

"I have believed that all the Danes were as much one under Guthrum
their king as are my folk under theirs. I cannot see the end of
this war."

"It will end when Alfred the king is strong enough always to have
men in the field to face every leader that will fall on him," Harek
said. "What King Ranald says is true. It is as if his own father
had minded what Harald had sworn in the old days."

"Wherefore Harald brought all Norway under him, that every man
should mind what he said," the Saxon answered.

Then came three or four more thanes along the shore, and he rose up
and waved his hand to them.

"Here are more butts for Kolgrim," he said, laughing. "Now, King
Ranald, I must go to my friends. But I have learned much. I think
you must speak with the king before you go, and I will tell him all
you have said."

"Maybe we shall meet again," said I, taking his offered hand. "I
think I would see Alfred; but he is over wise, from all accounts,
to learn aught from me."

"King Alfred says that wisdom comes little by little, and by
learning from every one. I belong to the court, and so shall surely
meet you if you do come to speak to him."

Then I asked the thane's name.

"Godred {vi} men say it is," he answered, laughing; "but that
means better counsel than belongs to me."

So he went ashore and joined the thanes, who had gone slowly along
the road, and we lost sight of him.

"Yonder goes a pleasant comrade enough," I said to Harek.

"Ay," the scald answered; "but if that is not Alfred the king
himself, I am much in error."

"It is not likely. I think he is a bigger man and older, from all
accounts," I said carelessly. "Moreover, he would not have put up
with Kolgrim's jests as he did."

"One knows not; but I thought he spoke