"When do you start, Master Wulf?"

"I am ordered to go to-day; therefore, as soon as I have
seen the earl again I shall be off."

"Where will you sleep to-night?"

"I shall ride to Guildford this afternoon."

"Then you had better lay aside your hammer at once, Osgod,"
the smith said, "and don fresh clothes, and make your best suit
into a bundle and start without delay; it is but ten o'clock,
and you may be at Guildford before sunset. 'Tis but thirty
miles, and eight hours' walking will take you there. If the young
thane tells you that Lord Harold makes objection to his taking
you, you can turn your face backward to-morrow and no harm
will be done."

"I shall overtake you before you are half-way, Osgod, and
can then take you up behind me on my horse; and now I will
go back to the palace. I may have to wait some time before I
can see Earl Harold. From sunrise to sunset he has but a few
moments to himself, and I shall have to watch my time to get
a word with him."

It was not, indeed, until two o'clock in the afternoon that
Wulf had a chance of speaking to the duke. Then, seeing that
he was for the moment alone, he entered the room and stood
with bowed head waiting for Harold to address him.