"
"We have resolved in the first place, Ulred, to say nought of this matter
to the king," began Wulf. "He will have enough to occupy all his thoughts
in the affairs of the kingdom, and in the second place his nature is so
open that he will refuse to believe in such villainy unless upon strong
proof, and of actual proof we have none. Beorn's appearance here will
excite no surprise. He will say that having nought in particular to occupy
him he had ridden north to be at the wedding, and finding that he was too
late, would at any rate ride back with the king. With him and me and Osgod
ever on the watch, methinks there will be little fear of a surprise; and it
is by surprise only that they can succeed, for Harold himself is a match
for any four or five ordinary men if he has but time to draw his sword. I
will, however, on some excuse have half a score of Harold's housecarls
placed under my orders, and sleeping or waking the king shall never be a
moment unguarded.
"I should not think it is likely that Fitz-Urse will have more than five or
six men associated with him in such an enterprise. He would not take more
into his confidence than he could help, and six would suffice as well as a
score for a surprise; and that number could travel in disguise without
exciting attention, while twenty would assuredly do so; therefore I feel
sure that we shall not have to deal with more than six, including the two
leaders.
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