The border thanes
had by his orders each remained with his own following, so that at all
times they should be in readiness to give orders and lead them in case of
surprise.
"Where have you been, young thanes?" Gurth asked. "You slipped away as soon
as our meal was finished, as if you were afraid of the wine-cup."
"We care not much for drinking," Beorn said, "and have been going through
the force to see how it was disposed. We have come to offer that our men
shall to-night furnish guards for the camp."
"There is no occasion for it," Gurth said, "the Welshmen will not attack us
until we are entangled among their hills."
"It depends upon how well they are led, my Lord Gurth," Wulf said. "If they
are well led they may attack us to-night, for they must know of our
approach, and will think it probable that we shall, being so near our own
border, be at first careless. The Bretons gave us just such a lesson, and
inflicted heavy loss upon the Norman army."
"Well, post your men as you like," Gurth said; "though it seems to me that
it would be better for them to husband their strength for to-morrow's
march."
"They shall have half a night's sleep each," Wulf said.
"If I had not known how stoutly you fought, and how your courage saved the
Norman camp, I should have said you were over-cautious," Gurth laughed.
"However I will not refuse your offer, young thanes, though methinks there
is no chance whatever of the Welsh disturbing us here.
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