His only chance is to scare them away with a show of force, or, at best, to prevent their going inland after plunder; for that is what they are here for." "Maybe they will hold us to ransom." "That is the best we can hope for.

Of course I will pay yours." The bustle went on, and I watched the stowing of the plunder after this, for I had no more to say.

I thought of my father, and of the trouble he would be in if he knew my plight, and tried to think what a tale I should have to tell him when I reached home again.
And then came an old warrior, well armed and handsome, with iron-gray hair and beard, and he stepped on the deck and looked curiously at us.
"Captives, eh ?" he said to the men.

"Whence came they ?" "Thorleif sent them in," answered one of the guard.

"It was his word that they would be good hostages." As I knew that this man spoke of his chief, it seemed to me that he was hardly respectful; but I did not know the way of free Danes and vikings as yet.