Cheer upon cheer arose from the company; it was evident that the envoy had gained his point.  Wilfred now stood up.

“There are but two courses open to us, men of Aescendune—­to return to our haunts in the woods, to be hunted out in the next dry season like vermin; the other, to repair to the Camp of Refuge.  I, for one, have decided; I will no longer hide in the Dismal Swamp like a brock—­I will accept the invitation of Abbot Thurstan, and live or die by the side of the brave Hereward.”

“And I,” “and I,” “and I.”

“We cannot all go,” said Wilfred; “some must remain to escort our women and children to the woods, and to defend them there, if need be, till the tide of victory, of which our guest has told us, reaches these parts.  This task befits the oldest men amongst us; but let each man make his choice this evening, for by midnight all should be settled, and we who go should be on our way to the east.”

“And are we to leave Aescendune to the foe?”

“Nay, this accursed monument of Norman tyranny, this castle shall fall, the flames shall consume it this night, and we will give every house, barn, and stable to the flames also.  The Normans shall find poor lodgings for man and beast when they come tomorrow.  Etienne, son of the murderer Hugo, shall enter upon a desolate heritage, and feed his horses with cinders.

“Haga, oldest retainer of our house, wilt thou take the command of those who remain? let them be thy children.”

“I accept the charge,” said the old man, and bowed his head.

“Now, who will remain with him in the woods, and who will go with me?  Let those who would ride to the Camp of Refuge hold up their hands on high.”

“Ulf, Sexwulf, Tosti, Wulfgar, Ordgar,”—­and so Wilfred went on counting all the younger and more impetuous spirits on his side, his heart swelling with pardonable pride, as he thought he should not go alone, or as a mere fugitive, to the help of the patriotic Hereward.

But the aged men hung their heads; most of them had kindred—­some a wife, some children, and even amongst the younger there were those whose love to an aged parent kept them back; the ties of family were ever strong in the English heart.

So there were, after all, only about a hundred gallant youths, who elected to make the dangerous ride across the heart of England, Norman infested, with their young chieftain.

“A hundred such men will be a welcome addition to our numbers; few thanes have joined us more worthily attended,” said Leofric.

The meeting now broke up.

Great was the confusion in the village that night, and sad the partings between friends and kinsfolk.  All the beasts of burden were put in requisition; only a hundred of the choicest steeds reserved for the brave band who were to accompany their beloved lord to the Camp.

By midnight these steeds were laden, and all was ready for the exodus.