One of you shall go at once, and bring me word by noon at latest tomorrow, while the other shall bide as hostage for his return.

We will do no harm to aught until the time is up." "Plain speaking, chief," said Elfric.

"If we go, we must not have more than a reasonable sum named, else will the message be useless." Then they talked of what sum should be named, and in the end agreed on what was possible, I think; at all events, it was far less than has been paid to the like force of Danes since.

The riches of our peaceful Wessex were as yet unknown to the vikings, save by hearsay; indeed, it has been said that these three ships came to spy out the land.

And then came the question as to which of us two was to go.
That was ended by Thorleif himself.