Now what will you, for the time goes on?
This man said that it was thought that the deed would not be known till waking time in the morning.

It is not midnight yet." We looked at one another, for what was best we could not say.

It was more than likely that the queen had planned against some too early discovery of the deed, and even now waited for any sign which should tell her to act.

But for the staying of that man at the entrance, I have no doubt that by this time her men had been warned to fall on us.

The gathering of the Welsh, and the open passage into the heart of the palace, might be seeming proof that we had planned the downfall of Offa, and so short work with us.
Now one said that it were best to tell Offa straightway, but Selred and my comrades would not have that.