In a sort of alcove at the end was a couch with a rough mattress and coverlet.

This Cuthbert took possession of, while his followers stretched themselves upon the straw.
"Methinks," Cnut said, "that it were well that one should keep watch at the door.

I like not the look of our host, and we are near the spot where the bands of the robbers are said to be busy." Toward morning the archer on guard reported that he could hear the sound of many approaching footsteps.

All at once sprang to their feet, and betook themselves to their arms.

Looking from the window they saw a large party of rough men, whose appearance at once betokened that they were disbanded soldiers--a title almost synonymous in those days with that of robber.