Edmund in a few words related to him the substance of Siegbert's narrative, and ended by saying: "Now, Egbert, what is best to be done ?" "'Tis of no use asking me, Edmund; you know well enough that it is you that always decide and I agree.

I have a hand to strike, but no head to plan.

Tell me only what you wish, and you may be sure that I will do my best to execute it." "Of course we must follow," Edmund said; "of that there is no question.
The only doubt is as to the force we must take.

What Siegbert said is true.

The Danish bands are so numerous to the east that we should be sure to fall in with some of them, and fight as we might, should be destroyed; and yet with a smaller number how could we hope to rescue Freda from Sweyn's hands ?" Edmund walked up and down for some time.
"I think," he went on at last, "the best plan will be to take a party of but four at most.