It is not an easy ford, for a horseman has to turn downstream when nearly over, else he is over head and ears before he knows.

One of my men had known somewhat of the place, and was going through first, but as his horse shied a little at the sparkling water and he was urging it in, a man rode fast down the opposite bank, and into the river, coming over to us.

I heard his horse snorting, as if out of breath.
"Watch how he comes," I said to my man.
But there was little use in that, for he went to ride straight through, and next moment his horse was swimming, and he was crying for help, being bewildered, for the river was full and current strong.
Now, I was used to swimming my horse in our Stour fords, which are often very deep in autumn and winter, and so I rode in and grasped his horse's bridle, and told him to take heart, and so fetched him to our side.
"Give me a fresh mount, in the king's name," he said, for his horse was spent.
"Little thanks is that," said I."What is the hurry ?" "I am sent with all speed to Redwald the thane, at Stamford, with word for Eadmund the Atheling." "I am Redwald," I said.

"Who sent you ?" "Olaf the king.

Show me your sword, master." I held out the hilt of my sword, for that was a token which a messenger should give and receive that Olaf and I had agreed on.
"Cnut the Dane has landed at Sandwich," the man said.