Their shouts to him to stop brought Sweyn to the spot.
"What is it ?" he asked.
"A strange Northman has come out of the wood, and spoken to the lady Freda." Sweyn turned to his captive.

She stood pale and trembling, for the shock of the surprise had been a severe one.
"Who is this whom you have spoken to ?" he asked.

Freda did not answer.
"I insist upon knowing," Sweyn exclaimed angrily.
Freda recovered herself with an effort, and, raising her head, said, "Your insistence has small effect with me, as you know, Jarl Sweyn; but as there is no reason for concealment I will tell you.

He is a messenger whom my dear father has sent to me to tell me that some day he hopes to rescue me from your hands." Sweyn laughed loudly.
"He might have saved himself the trouble," he said.

"Your good father lies wounded near Paris, and by the time he is able to set out to your rescue we shall be with Hasting on the sunny waters of Italy, and long ere that you will, I hope, have abandoned your obstinate disposition, and consented to be my wife." Freda did not answer at once.