CHAPTER XVIII.
SENTENCED TO DEATH.
Just before arriving at the refuge they had passed along a very steep and dangerous path.

On one side the rock rose precipitously, ten feet above their heads.

On the other was a fall into the valley below.

The road at this point was far wider than usual.
Presently the howl of a wolf was heard near, and soon the solitary call was succeeded by the howling of great numbers of animals.

These speedily surrounded the hut, and so fierce were their cries that Cnut changed his opinion as to the ease with which they could be defeated, and allowed that he would rather face an army of Saracens than a troop of these ill-conditioned animals.