"From your dress I take it that you are one of the Frankish paladins we were on the way to see.

But do they always talk good Wessex at the court of King Carl ?" "No," laughed Werbode.

"Sometimes they talk old Saxon--as I do." The thane bowed, and let that matter rest.

Then he looked ruefully at the two crippled horses, and set his arm round the lady, who had risen and was leaning on him.
"I thank you for that offer of a horse," he said.

"I had twelve good men with me when we started across this moor, and you see all who are left.