Yet he was very strong, and so Gymbert snatched his own sword from his side and smote off his head.

Out by the river they had a cart waiting, and they bore him away at speed.
We saw and followed the wheel tracks till we lost them, and could do no more.

Then we bound and gagged the man, and have haled him halfway down the passage till we need him again.

That is all." Then I said, with a cold wrath on me, "At whose orders was this done ?" The Mercian shook his head, glancing at his comrades.

The other Mercian had come to hear from the council chamber.
"The man could not or would not tell; but I pray you think not that this is done by Offa.