Nigh dead I was, or would have fought." He spoke low and quickly, and the trader seemed not to understand his Danish.

But I saw that he spoke the truth.
Now I think that if this shipmate of mine had been fairly taken captive as he raided, I should have let him take the reward of his work.

But this chance was a different matter.
"Show me the receipt for payment to that thane of whom you speak," I said.

"If you can, well and good; if not, then we will go to the sheriff and see this matter righted.

I know the man as a freeman." "Ay, in his own land," said the trader, beginning to bluster.