He learned from them that his two wounded comrades had been brought down to the beach that evening by the country people, and had told them how narrow an escape they had had of death at the hands of the enraged peasants.
After a discussion of all the different plans upon which they might act, it was determined that the attempt to rescue Freda should be made at once, as they considered it certain that Sweyn with a large portion of his band would set out at daybreak to take vengeance upon the natives.
The plan decided upon was that they should proceed along the shore, and that if the Danish galleys, being undermanned, did not put out in pursuit, they should sail in and attack them.

The Danes were indeed greatly superior in force, for they had counted the ships, the smallest of which would carry a hundred men.

Still in the absence of a portion of their crews, and from the effects of surprise, they thought that success was possible.
The next morning sail was hoisted, and the Dragon made her way along the coast.

The hour was later than that at which she had shown herself on the previous day.

She sailed on until within two miles of the town, and then suddenly turned her head seaward, as if she had only then perceived the Danish vessels.