Then was I glad of the password, and answered by giving it.
"Right!" said the man who seemed to be the leader.

"What news ?" I told him quickly, bidding him waste no time, but hurry back and tell the sheriff that the Danes would be ashore in half an hour.

I spoke as I was wont to speak when I was a thane, forgetting in the dire need of the moment that I was an outlaw now, and the man was offended thereat.
"Who are you to command me thus ?" he said shortly.
"Heregar, the thane of Cannington." said I, still only anxious that he should go quickly.
"Heard one ever the like!" said the man, and then I remembered.
I looked round at my fire.

Two huts were burning now, very brightly, for the wind fanned the flames.
"Saw you ever the like ?" I said, and pointed.

"Now, will you go ?" The bright light shone on a row of flashing, gilded dragon heads on the ships' stems--on lines of starlike specks beyond them, which were helms and mail coats--and on lines again of smaller stars above, which were spear points.
"Holy saints!" cried the man, adding a greater oath yet; "be you Heregar the outlaw or no, truth you tell, and well have you done.