part covered by a great forest, with but a few scattered hamlets
here and there. Smoke rising among the trees showed where the
charcoal-burners were at work, or where the furnaces were glowing,
converting the ore into the tough iron that furnished arms and
armour for the greater portion of the men of the south. At the end
of the week the earl announced to his guests that he had provided
a new diversion for them.

"You see those three ships in the harbour," he said. "They were
brought here last night, and three hundred men have been at work
all day preparing them for our reception. I propose that we all
embark with our dogs and servants, and sail along the coast, landing
where we please and taking our sport. As we sail eastward there
are abundant forests, and the game is far more plentiful than here,
and our trip will partake of the character of an adventure in thus
dropping upon unknown places. Tents have been stored on board the
vessels, with abundance of good cheer of all kinds, so that we can
establish ourselves where we will, and sleep on shore instead of
rocking uneasily on the waves."

The proposal was received with acclamation, and the following morning
the whole party embarked upon the three ships. The largest was
occupied by Harold himself, his brother and nephew, and six or seven
of his principal thanes. In this craft too went Wulf and Beorn with
their men. On issuing from the harbour the ships' heads were turned
to the east. The wind was light and fitful, the sails therefore
were not loosed, and they proceeded under oars. There was but little
tide until they reached the extremity of the long point of Selsea,
past which they were hurried at great speed by the rapid current.
Rowing closer inshore they got into quieter water, and continued