They embarked in a single ship, but soon attached two others.

They had already reached the coast of Denmark, when, reconnoitering, they learned that seven ships had come up at no great distance.

Then Erik bade two men who could speak the Danish tongue well, to go to them unclothed, and, in order to spy better, to complain to Odd of their nakedness, as if Erik had caused it, and to report when they had made careful scrutiny.

These men were received as friends by Odd, and hunted for every plan of the general with their sharp ears.

He had determined to attack the enemy unawares at daybreak, that he might massacre them the more speedily while they were swathed in their night garments: for he said that men's bodies were wont to be most dull and heavy at that hour of dawn.