ur glory, Ranald. He has been into
the Danish camp--even to the presence of Guthrum himself."

Then I would hear of this from Alfred himself.

"Ay," he said, when he had greeted me and heard that the ships were
almost ready, "I have outdone you; for I have played the gleeman as
I planned, and have been in the midst of them yonder on Edington
hill."

"It was an awesome risk to run, my king," I said.

"Which you taught me yourself, cousin. Howbeit I met no damsel, and I
had no companion to return with but him with whom I went--Heregar's
young son, my page. Thane is he now by right of unfearing service.
Once, when I climbed the hill, I began to fear greatly, and I stayed,
and asked the boy if he was afraid to go on. Tell me truly, Ranald,
did you fear when you were in Wareham?"

"Truly I feared at first," I answered; "but since I was there when
it came on me, I must even go through with the business. So it
passed."

"Well, I am glad you confess it," he answered, "for I was minded to
turn and run when the first lights of the great camp showed through
the trees. Then the boy answered me, 'My king, why should I fear
when you are with me?' I was ashamed, and took Harek's harp from
him--for he carried it--and went forward boldly, singing the song
of Gunnar in the snake pit. And it seemed to me that Harek would
have chosen that song as fitting my case; for, putting Danes for
snakes, I was in a close place enough. The warriors came out when
they heard me; and I was well treated, and listened as I drank.
Many things I learned."

Now I cannot believe that Alfred feared at all. He was surely but
anxious, and took that feeling for fear. So think all his people.

"It seems that they thought I sang well," he went on; "so they took
me to Guthrum. He indeed looked sharply at me once, and maybe
twice; but I went on singing Harek's songs, and paid no heed to
him. Presently he gave me a great horn of ale from his own table,
and this gold bracelet that I wear also, and sent me away. Then I
went about the camp and heard the talk. One man asked me if I had
seen Alfred, and what he was like. 'Faith,' said I, 'men say I am
like him.' Whereat they laughed long at me and at the king also.
Then heard I the truth about my own looks for once. I had some
trouble in getting away, but at last I seemed to wax hoarse, and so
made as if I would go to Bridgwater, and left them, promising to
come again. Ay, and I will keep my promise," he said; "