The two Saxons did not attempt to go on board, as they had now found out all they wanted, and might mar all by disturbing some sleeper upon the platform.

They accordingly returned to the spot where the band were awaiting them.
"I propose, Egbert," Edmund said, "that as we go along we cut the mooring-ropes of all the vessels.

We must do it quietly so as not to excite any alarm, and they will know nothing of it until they find themselves drifting down the river in a mass.

Then there will be great jostling and carrying away of bowsprits and bulwarks, and the confusion and shouting which will arise will tend to confuse the Danes and to distract their attention from us." Egbert agreed to the proposal, and as soon as they reached the first ships the Saxons began their work, sawing with their knives and daggers through the ropes.

The vessels lay four or five deep and there were many cables to cut, but the keen knives of the Saxons made short work of these.