It was almost certain that he had hit upon Sweyn's track, for it was unlikely that any of the inhabitants of the country would have gone so far into the forest for timber.

They now moved with the greatest caution, and as they approached the place whence the sound proceeded Edmund halted the two Saxons and bade them conceal themselves.

The Dane resumed his own garments and put on his helmet and shield; and then, taking advantage of every clump of undergrowth, and moving with the greatest caution, he and Edmund made their way forward.

Presently they came within sight of an animated scene.
A large number of trees had been felled by the banks of the river and three hundred Northmen were busily at work.

The frames of two great galleys had already been set up, and they were now engaged in chopping out planks for their sides.