The moment was propitious; almost all the men were at work on the ships and their oars.

The women were cooking the evening meal, and there was no one near Freda, with the exception of the two armed Danes who sat on the trunk of a fallen tree on guard, a short distance away.

Edmund issued boldly from the wood, and, waiting till Freda's steps, as she passed backwards and forwards, took her to the farthest point from the guards, he approached her.
"Freda," he said, "do not start or betray surprise, for you are watched." At the sound of his voice the girl had paused in her steps, and exclaimed in a low voice, "Edmund!" and then, obeying his words, stood motionless.
"I am near you, dear, and will watch over you.

I have not strength to carry you away; but my ship will be at the mouth of the river as you pass out.

Hang a white cloth from the window of your cabin in the poop as a signal.