that I knew the worst my spirits rose, and I had some hopes of
escape, for there was every sign of fair weather for long enough.
And viking ways had taught me to go fasting for two days, if need
be, given a good meal to start upon.

But Beorn ate little and drank much, while the guards bade him take
example from me, but he would not; and after a while sat silent in
a corner and ghastly to look upon, for no one cared to meddle with
him.

As soon as it grew dusk they bade us eat again, for in half an hour
we should set forth to the coast. At that Beorn started up and
cried out, wringing his hands and groaning, though he said no word,
except that I should surely slay him in the boat.

Then I spoke to him for the first time since he had claimed the
falcon, and said that from me, at least, he was safe. And I spoke
roughly, so that I think he believed me, so plain did I make it
that I thought one who was surely cowardly in word and deed was not
worth harming, and he ceased his outcry.

At last we were set on horseback, and with two score or more
mounted spearmen round us, we rode quickly out of Caistor town. A
few men shouted and ran after us, but the guards spurred their
horses, and it was of no use for them to try and follow. And the
night was dark and foggy, though not cold for the time of year.

I feared lest we were going to Reedham, for there my folk would
certainly rise in arms to rescue me, and that would have made
things hard for them; but we went on southward, riding very fast,