Very starved and wretched he looked, and I judged rightly that he had taken to the woods from the first.
Presently he was quiet enough to answer my questions, and he told me that at first the Danes had had a strong post on the hill above us; but that, growing confident, they had left it these two days.

But there were many passing and repassing along the road, bringing plunder back to the ships.

He had watched them from the woods, he said.
Also he told me that even now mounted men had ridden past swiftly, going to the ships, and from that I guessed that Eanulf's force had been seen at least, and tidings sent thereof.
Then I asked him if any boats were left unburnt, and at that a cunning look came into his thin face, and he answered: "Aye, master.

Three of us were minded to save ours, and we sank them with stones in the creek before we fled.

But the other two are slain, and I only am left to recover them." Now that was good hearing, and I bade the men show me where they lay, and going with him found that now the water was low, we could see them and reach them easily.