And that is one good thing that the coming of the Danish host has taught to us, for many a Saxon's riches came from trading in lives of men.
Then the door was pushed open, for I had left it ajar, and in came a great dog like none we have in England.

I thought him a wolf at first, so gray and strong was he, big enough and fierce enough surely to pull down any forest beast, and I liked not the savage look of him.

But, though he bristled and growled at first sight of me, when he saw that I sat still as if I had some right to be there, he came and snuffed round me, and before his master came we were good friends enough, if still a little doubtful.

But I never knew a dog that would fly at me yet, so that I think they know well enough who are their friends, though by some sign of face or voice that is beyond my knowledge.
Now came the man, who edged through the door with a great bundle of logs for the fire, which he cast down without looking at me, only saying: "Ho, Rolf! back again so early?
Where is the Jarl ?" Now I knew that he was a Dane, and so I answered in his own way: "Not Rolf, but a stranger who has made free with Rolf's dinner." Whereat the man laughed, setting hands on hips and staring at me.
"So it is!" he said; "settle that matter with brother Rolf when he comes in, for strangers are scarce here." Then he scanned my dress closely, and maybe saw that they were sea stained, though hunting gear is made for hard wear and shows little.
"Let me eat first," he said, sitting down, "and then we will talk." But after he had taken a few mouthfuls, he asked: "Are there any more of you about ?" "One more," I said, "but I left him asleep in the boat that brought us here.

We are from the sea, having been blown here." "Then he may bide till he wakes," the man said, going on with his meal.
Presently he stopped eating, and after taking a great draught of ale, said that he wondered the dog had not torn me.
"Whereby I know you to be an honest man.