Then Edmund's companion proceeded to the camp.
Anxious as Edmund was himself to learn what was doing, he restrained his impatience, for it was safer that the Northman should go alone.

In the dull light of the dying fires his features would be unnoticed, and his tongue would not betray him if spoken to.

Siegbert had commended him as a crafty and ready fellow, and Edmund felt that he would be able to gather more information than he could do himself.

From his place of concealment he kept his eyes fixed on the Northman's figure.

Presently he saw him enter the clearing, and sauntering slowly across it throw himself down near a fire by which a party of Danes were still sitting talking.
One by one these lay down, and when the last had done so the Northman rose quietly and stole out again into the forest.