But he was determined if possible to crush out the outlaws of the forest, for he felt that so long as this formidable body remained under an enterprising leader like Sir Cuthbert, he would never be safe for a moment, and would be a prisoner in his own castle.
Cuthbert had foreseen that the attack was likely to be made, and had strengthened his band to the utmost.

He felt, however, that against so large a force of regularly armed men, although he might oppose a stout resistance and kill many, yet that in the end he must be conquered.
Cnut, however, suggested to him a happy idea, which he eagerly grasped.
"It would be a rare sport," Cnut said, "when this armed force comes out to attack us, if we could turn the tables by slipping in, and taking their castle." "The very thing," Cuthbert exclaimed.

"It is likely that he will use the greater portion of his forces, and that he will not keep above fifty or sixty men, at the outside, in the castle.

When they sally out we will at first oppose a stout resistance to them in the wood, gradually falling back.

Then, at a given signal, all save twenty men shall retire hastily, and sweeping round make for the castle.