We got back safely that time, and I sent the same men again, thinking that there was no danger, and so not going myself.
They got back, indeed, but with a party of Danes after them; and but for our arrow flights from the earthworks, they would have had to fight, and lose what they brought.

After that Hubba knew what we needed, and sent a strong picket to keep us from the marsh.
So the night passed and we had some hopes that a force might come to our help from Bridgwater in the morning, for it was possible that the king would be able to gather men there.

It was a slender hope, though, for the host on Polden Hills had to be watched.
All day we waited, and no help came; and with evening the last food had gone.

It had rained heavily, however, and the want of water was past for the time.

The Danes never moved from their places, waiting to starve us out; and in the last light of evening a small party came across the little valley from the main body, bearing a white flag in token of parley.