CHAPTER IX: IN BRIDGWATERTwo of Wulfhere's men were by the gate, lounging against the sunny wall; but they roused into life as they heard the clatter of my horse's hoofs, and came to meet me and take the bridle, as was their duty. They knew who I was well enough; but thralls may not question the ways of a thane, as I was yet in their eyes, though outlawed. Yet they asked me for news of the fight, and I told them—lest they should raise a panic, or maybe leave us themselves—only that our men stood against the Danes on Cannington Hill, and that beyond them the invaders could not come. And that satisfied them.
I was doubtful whether to go in at once and seek audience with the prioress, or wait until some fresh news came in; for now I began to have a hope that our men would sweep down the hill
