have come.

I told him, speaking quickly and shortly, how it had come about, and he
understood that the man who gave me the arrow neither knew nor believed me.

"Master," he said, when I had done, "verily I believe that you are true,
and wronged by him I have served this past two months. But of this I
know not for certain, being a stranger here and little knowing of place
or people. But this I know, from the man you sent back, that our thane
sought your life against the word of the ealdorman, and, moreover,
believes that you are dead. But by the arms you wear I can learn how
that matter really went. Now, give me the arrow, and I will see to this
--do you fly."

But I was bent on ending the errand, and said I would carry out the
task, as was my duty, to the end. I would put the arrow with its message
into Matelgar's hand, and bide what might come.

He tried to dissuade me, but at last said that he would not stand by and
see me harmed, and for that I thanked him.

"Well then," he told me, "you have come in a good hour. Most of the men
have gone out here and there to spy what they may of the Danes and their
plans--if gone or not. Others are in the stables, and but one man sits
at the door of the great hall, and he is of no account."

"Where is Matelgar?" I asked.

"I know not exactly; but do as I say and all will be well."