And as we came to the place where we would wait, Halfden's ship came past the bar into the haven's mouth.
All men's faces were bright with the thought of welcome, but heavy were my thoughts, and with reason.

For Halfden's ship came from the sea on no course that should have borne him from Reedham, and I feared that it was I who must tell him all.

Yet he might have been drawn from his course by some passing vessel.
The long ship flew up the channel, and now we could see that all her rail was hung with the red and yellow shields that they use for show as well as to make the gunwale higher against the arrows, and to hinder boarders in a fight.

And she was gaily decked with flags, and shone with new paint and gilding in all sea bravery.

Not idle had her crew been in the place where they had wintered, and one might know that they had had a good voyage, which to a Dane means plunder enough for all.