The spies upon their return reported that Sweyn had taken up his abode in the mansion of the Count of Ugoli, who was the lord of that part of the country.

Most of the Danes lived on shore in the houses of the townspeople.

Many of these had been slain, and the rest were treated as slaves.

The lady Freda was also on shore, and it was thought that she would ere long become the bride of the Viking.
"Think you that there will be any possibility of surprising the house and carrying her off ?" "I think not," the Dane said, "for Sweyn's men are on the alert, and keep good guard, for the people of this part of the island, being maddened by their exactions and cruelty, have banded themselves together; and although they cannot withstand the strong parties which go out in search of plunder they cut off stragglers, and have made several attacks on small parties.

It is thought that they may even venture an attack upon the place at night, therefore sentries are set, and a portion of the force remains always under arms in readiness to sally out in case of alarm." "I would fain go myself," Edmund said, "and see how matters stand, and try to communicate with Freda.