escape. When it was your turn to wait this evening I stole away for
a time, and went to the shed where they keep the war-engines and
took thence a coil of rope, which I have hidden in the courtyard.
You know that we noticed last night where the sentries were placed,
and decided where I might best drop from the wall unobserved.
Fortunately the moat is dry at present, though they can turn water
into it from the stream at will, so that once down I shall have no
difficulty in getting away. Now I want you to go to sleep directly,
I shall not stir until you do so, then when you are questioned in
the morning you can say that I was by your side when you went to
sleep, and that when you woke in the morning the place was vacant.
You can say that I told you during the day that I could not suffer
these insults much longer, and that you suppose that after you had
gone to sleep I must have got up and either killed myself or in
some way made my escape."

Beorn lay quiet for a time and then Wulf said suddenly, "I have
changed my mind, Beorn; we will go together. I feel it is likely
that in his wrath at my escape the count may slay you, and thus the
object with which you remained behind would come to nothing, therefore
it is best that you go with me."

"I was thinking so myself, Wulf, though I would not say it; but in
truth I think the risks we may run in making our way to Rouen are
small compared to those of staying here."

"We must lose no time, Beorn. The castle is quiet now, and we must
be many miles away from here before morning, for you may be sure
the count's horsemen will scour the country far and wide in pursuit
of us."