We were not so sure in our own minds that he was guiltless in the matter; and at last Selred said that he would try to reach the guest hall and wake the other thanes and bring them here.
So we passed into the council chamber, and I think we were all glad to be away from the side of that pit.

Erling stood at the great door, and he had taken the bars down from that which led to the guest hall.

If only we could make some one of our folk hear without too much noise, they could unbar it from their side.
"There is one asleep near to it," said Erling; "I heard him in the stillness." I tapped sharply once or twice on the heavy door with my sword handle.

I heard the sounds the sleeper made on the other side, and presently they stopped suddenly.

Whereon I tapped again, and I heard a voice, and then another, as if men heard it.