And at last I laughed to myself, the thing was so simple.

I had but to go into the mere woods at twilight or in the dusk, and wander about until she heard and feared my coming.

Then she would play the White Lady's part on me to fray me away, and all was done.
She could not tell who I was, nor would she think it likely that I would seek her there, and would easily forgive me for doing so, when we met.
I bade Brand the thrall goodnight, and went back into the great room of the house, where Olaf sat with Ottar resting and talking together.

There was no one else in the place, for we had no fear of aught, and Olaf cared not to have many men about him.

Some of his men would come presently and sleep across the doorway, but the evening was young yet.
"You seem as if you had heard somewhat pleasant," Olaf said when I came in.
I suppose that my certainty of finding Gunnhild and Hertha pleased me well enough to make my face bright.
Now both Olaf and Ottar knew of my wish to search for Hertha, and who she was, for I had told them as we sailed to Maldon on the way to my own country again, and they were eager to help me to take her from hiding into what we thought would be greater safety.