.

IN BRIDGWATER.
Two of Wulfhere's men were by the gate, lounging against the sunny wall; but they roused into life as they heard the clatter of my horse's hoofs, and came to meet me and take the bridle, as was their duty.

They knew who I was well enough; but thralls may not question the ways of a thane, as I was yet in their eyes, though outlawed.

Yet they asked me for news of the fight, and I told them--lest they should raise a panic, or maybe leave us themselves--only that our men stood against the Danes on Cannington Hill, and that beyond them the invaders could not come.
And that satisfied them.
I was doubtful whether to go in at once and seek audience with the prioress, or wait until some fresh news came in; for now I began to have a hope that our men would sweep down the hill on the Danes and scatter them in turn, even as they had themselves been overborne.

So for half an hour I waited, pacing the road before the nunnery, while I bade the men see to my horse; but the place was very quiet, being on that side the town away from the fight, so that any coming thence would stay their flight when the shelter of the houses was reached.
At last came one, running at a steady pace, and I sprang to meet him, for it was Wulfhere.