The instant she did so a great bustle was observed among them.

Many boats were seen pushing off from shore crowded with men, oars were got out, and sails loosed.
"From the number of men who are crowding on board," Egbert said, "I believe that Sweyn cannot have started in pursuit of the natives; in that case we shall have a hard fight of it." "So much the better," Siegbert exclaimed.

"I should consider our task was half accomplished if we rescued Freda without punishing Sweyn.

Let them come," he said, shaking his battle-axe at the galleys.

"Though my leg is stiff my arms are not, as Sweyn shall learn if I meet him." The Dragon's oars were now put out and the galley-slaves began to row, the Saxons concealing themselves behind the bulwarks.