And some leader from among them, with lifted sword, signed to the ship guards to heed the open end of the wharf, to my right.
They forgot the little matter on hand, and ran ashore.

Then I noted that on that end of the wharf, where a narrow lane came down to the water, there was another fight going on, and they had to support the Danes there.

The other end of the wharf was kept by a curve of the shore, and that was safe.
Presently all the Danes were back on the water front, and across the end of the two entrances to its wide space they drew some heavy wagons, which had been set there in readiness, blocking them.

One could only see now and then what was being done, as the wind drifted the black smoke aside, for now every house was burning fiercely.
Then came a wild and yet orderly rush of the Danes to the ships, and it was wonderful to see each man get to his post at the oars as he came.

Three men went to each oar port.