"
"And thou wilt say a mass for us?"
"It is my duty, since I may not fight with carnal weapons."
"But, Ordgar, how dost thou propose to act?"
"They are scouring the woods daily, in search of some of us poor
English, whom they may force by torture to be their guides. I will
throw myself in their way."
"They will not harm thee, my son; they are too eager for a guide
who knows the paths through the swamp."
"But thou must not appear too willing," said Beorn.
"Trust me for that; I will not promise to serve them till I have at
least seen their torture chamber."
"Ordgar, thou dost indeed show a spirit worthy of an Englishman;
and while such live, I shall never despair of my country," said the
youthful chieftain. "Should God restore me to the halls of my
fathers, none shall be more honoured of his lord than thou; and
shouldest thou fall, fear not but that English bards will be found
to sing thy praises."
A few days later Hugo was scouring the forest like a wolf in search
of his prey. His men-at-arms were scattered through the woods,
seeking for tracks of men. Huge dogs attended them, who were
encouraged to explore every thicket.
They were near the Dismal Swamp.
All at once a dog gave the peculiar whine which indicated that he
had found scent, and immediately afterwards started forward, his
nose to the ground, followed by two or three others.
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