This may help him to escape, and if the Danes sally out next day in pursuit there will be the fewer for him to cope with." When Edmund awoke the next morning he found himself able to walk and move without difficulty and with but little pain, thanks to the care of the peasants, and in the afternoon, being furnished by the count with a guide, he started for the town.
When he arrived within a short distance he dismissed his guide and lay down in some bushes till nightfall, then he rose and made his way into the town, passing unobserved between the watch-fires made by the parties of Danes encamped in its outskirts to protect it against surprise.

Once in the town, he walked boldly on, having no fear of recognition or question.
Sounds of carousing came through the open casements, but few people were in its streets.

He made his way down to the sea-shore, which he followed until he came to a large and stately mansion standing in beautifully laid out gardens at the end of the town.

Several tents were erected in the garden; and although the night was not cold great fires had been lighted, around which the Danes were carousing.
Avoiding these Edmund walked up to the open windows.

The first room he looked into was deserted, but in the next, which was a large apartment, a number of Danes were seated at table.