best haven we have seen since we left Bosham." Half an hour later
the vessels were moored to the bank, close to a wooden bridge which
spanned the little river.




CHAPTER IV.


A STORM.

After hunting for two days in the forests lying behind Newhaven,
and in the valley in which Lewes lies, they again embarked. The
master of Harold's ship had expressed some doubts as to the weather,
but as he stated that it was but some eight miles round the great
cliff that they saw to the east, and that beyond this the rocks
ceased and there was a bay in which they could ride at anchor, or
if necessary beach their vessels, it was determined to proceed, as
Harold had the day before been visited by a thane whose house lay
but two miles from the shore, and had accepted his invitation for
the party to take up their abode there for a few days, as he promised
them good sport in the forest. The cliffs rose higher as they
proceeded. They kept closer inshore, and although they could see
that the clouds were flying rapidly overhead they felt no breeze
whatever, being protected from the wind by the lofty cliffs. The
master was evidently uneasy, for he urged the rowers to exert
themselves to the utmost. Wulf and Beorn stood looking with amazement
at the cliffs towering up beside them.