He got the same answer from the girl, and with it a warning "Aelward and his men wait for you in the oakshaw," she told him.

"I sent word to them when the thralls brought news of you." And her pretty face was hard and angry.
Jehan laughed.

"Now, by your leave, mistress, I will wait here the hour or two till nightfall.

I am Englishman enough to know that your folk do not strike in the dark." He returned to Highstead unscathed, and a week later came a message from Aelward.

"Meet me," it ran, "to-morrow by the Danes' barrow at noon, and we will know whether Englishman or Frenchman is to bear rule in this land." Jehan donned his hauberk and girt himself with his long sword.