Several small huts and clearings in the forest which had been used by the outlaws, and round which small crops had been planted, were destroyed, and all seemed to promise well for the success of the enterprise.
It was about two hours after they had left the castle, when a heavy cart filled with fagots was seen approaching its gates.

The garrison, who had not the least fear of any attack, paid no attention to it until it reached the edge of the moat.

Then the warder, seeing that it contained fagots, lowered the drawbridge without question, raised the portcullis, and opened the gates.
"From whom do you bring this wood ?" he asked as the man driving the oxen began to cross the bridge.
"From the franklin of Hopeburn." "It is well," said the warder, "for he is in arrear now, and should have sent in the firewood two months since.

Take it to the woodhouse at the other end of the court." The heavy wagon crossed the drawbridge, but as it was entering the gate it came suddenly to a stop.

With a blow of his ox goad Cnut leveled the warder to the ground, and cutting the cords of the bullocks, drove them into the yard ahead.