However, sir, it can do no harm if you will wait till then, and may save many lives.

At what hour do you mean to attack ?" "The bridges and all other preparations to assist us across the moat will be ready to-night.

We will advance then under cover of darkness, and as soon after dawn as may be attack in earnest." "Very well, sir," Cuthbert said.

"I trust that within five minutes after your bugle has sounded the white flag will make its appearance on the keep, but it cannot do so until after you have commenced an attack, or at least a pretense of an attack." Two or three hours before daylight Cuthbert accompanied Cnut and twenty-five picked men of the foresters to the copse.

They were provided with crowbars, and all carried heavy axes.