General Olaf," and drawing his short sword for the first time, he saluted me in form, "be pleased to explain to us why you are to be killed or taken prisoner." Now a tumult arose, and a eunuch in the background shouted to the soldiers to obey the Empress's orders, whereon again some of them began to advance.
"If no answer is given to my question," went on Jodd in his slow, bull-like voice, "I fear that others must be killed besides the General Olaf.

Ho! Northmen.

To me, Northmen! Ho! Britons, to me, Britons! Ho! Saxons, to me, Saxons! Ho! all who are not accursed Greeks.

To me all who are not accursed Greeks!" Now at each cry of Jodd's men leapt forward from the gathering crowd, and, to the number of fifty or more in all, marshalled themselves behind him, those of each nation standing shoulder to shoulder in little groups before me.
"Is my question to be answered ?" asked Jodd.

"Because, if not, although we be but one against ten, I think that ere the General Olaf is cut down or taken there will be good fighting this night." Then I spoke, saying, "Captain Jodd, and comrades, I will answer your question, and if I speak wrongly let the Augusta correct me.