They considered it a
compliment that they had been chosen to furnish the first guard. Beorn's
men, with a portion of Wulf's, were to furnish the first line of sentries.
The two young thanes, accompanied by Osgod, went round with them and posted
them, after giving them strict injunctions to be watchful and vigilant.
"These savages," Beorn said, "will creep up through the grass as
noiselessly as cats, so you must keep your ears as well as your eyes well
open; and if you hear but the breaking of a twig challenge at once. Then,
if they rise, shout the alarm at the top of your voice, and do the whole of
you run back to us here if the cry comes from the front, if from either
flank hurry to that spot, and we shall do the same from here; but be
careful not to rouse the camp by a false alarm, for if you do, instead of
gaining credit we shall become the jest of the whole force."
When the sentries were placed, Beorn, with the leader of his band, began to
go the rounds, while Wulf and Osgod returned to their party.
"You can sleep, master, while I watch beside you," Osgod said. "I could not
sleep if I lay down, for I have got the yells of those Bretons in my ears,
and could not close an eye."
"Very well, Osgod; in that case I may as well take a nap."
He was soon sound asleep, and remained so until Osgod touched him. He sat
up in a moment.
"By the stars it is past midnight, my lord, and it is time for us to
relieve Beorn's party.
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