It is a great stake they are playing for, and doubtless they
are desperate men; though they would know the danger they might calculate
that some at least would escape to claim the reward. Then again, they
might manage to mingle with the servitors at one of the places where we
stop. This would not be difficult, for many beside the usual establishment
would be hired to aid in the preparations for the reception of the king.
That might be their safest plan, for were he stabbed suddenly at a meal the
assassins might very well escape in the confusion."
The first night they slept at a monastery at the village of Bautre. The
establishment was but a small one, and could entertain only the king and
queen, with the thanes and their personal attendants. The rest of the train
were lodged in the village. Although they had little fear that an attack
would be ventured in so quiet a village where the presence of strangers
would at once attract attention, Wulf, Beorn, and Osgod kept watch in turns
all night in the corridor. The night passed without cause of alarm, and the
next day they rode to Nottingham, where they were lodged in the bishop's
palace. Beorn and Wulf agreed that this was the place where there was the
greatest likelihood of an attack being made on Harold's life. The ship
might have sailed up the river and landed her passengers a few miles from
the town, where, among the number of country people who would flock in to
obtain sight of the king, no one would think of questioning strangers.
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