And when we were fairly marching along the level towards Bridgwater he called me, and began to talk of that business of spying out the crossing place.
Now I too had been thinking of that same, and asked him to let me go at once, taking one man with me.

Then would I rejoin him as best I might, and close to the place where I might fix on means of getting over.
Now there seemed little danger in the matter, for our spies had reported no Danes on this side of Parret, for they kept the water between us and them, doubtless knowing that Osric had gone to Brent at first, and thinking it likely that another levy might be made.

So the bishop, not very willingly, as it seemed to me, let me go, as there was none else who could go direct to the point as I could without loss of time, even as Osric told him.
Then I gave the standard into Wulfhere's hand, and must seek one to go with me.

First I thought of Wislac, but he was a stranger, and then my eyes lit on my collier, and I knew that I need go no further.

So I called him, and taking him aside--while the men streamed past us, looking at my silver arms and speaking thereof to one another--told him what we had to do.
Whereat his eyes sparkled, and he said that it was good hearing.
"But, master," he went on, "take off those bright arms of yours and let us go as marshmen.