Tide was then just on the turn, and five minutes
later her sails were spread and she went down the river. I came off to tell
you, but was some time before I could get a boat."
"Come on board here, Ernulf," the armourer said, "your message has saved us
further journey." He then paid off the lad's boatman, and with his two
apprentices returned to Westminster. "Beorn will be up by this time, Ulf.
You had best go and tell him the news. I will come with you to save time,
though I see not that there is aught to be done."
The thane at once came out and chatted for some time with Ulred, while Ulf
stood by, cap in hand. "It is certain that something should be done, and
yet I see not what it can be. What think you, boy? I see by your eyes that
you would fain speak."
"I should say, my lord, that it would be a good thing if we could discover
whether the Norman is still at the bishop's palace. He may have returned
early this morning."
"That can easily be done," Beorn said. "I will send my man to the bishop's
and bid him ask one of the servants if Walter Fitz-Urse is in. He need not
say that he comes from me, only that he has a message to deliver. If the
servant says he is there I will bid my fellow slip away when the man goes
to fetch him down. Supposing he has gone, as I should think he has done,
what then?"
"Then, my lord, I think there is more danger than if the Norman remained
here. It may be that the Normans have returned to France and abandoned any
plans they may have entertained.
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