Only two had spears, and these were somewhat shorter than ours and maybe heavier.

They were better armed warriors than ever I had seen before, even at Winchester.
Some word passed among these men as they saw us; but they came on, making no sign of enmity of any sort.

Perhaps that was because, being in hunting gear and with naught more than the short sword and seax one always wears, we had no weapons, and were plainly on peaceful business.
And as in spite of their arms they seemed peaceful enough also, my cousin and I waited for them, so that they pulled up to speak to us, that man who wore the bracelets being at their head.
"Friends," said my cousin quietly, as they stared at him, "there is no war in the land, and we are wont to welcome strangers.

No need for all this weapon wearing." "Faith, I am glad to hear it," said the leader, with a grim smile.
"We thought there might be need.

There mostly is when we come ashore." One could understand him well enough, if his speech was rougher than ours.