The coracle touched the further bank; a dozen willing hands assisted
them up the slope. And amidst shouts of vociferous joy and triumph they
were conducted to King Edgar, who hastened towards the scene with Siward.
"Now, let the castle burn, let it burn," said Oswy.
"Alfred, is it you?" exclaimed the young king; "just escaped from the
flames! How came you there? and this is Elfric; you have saved him."
"God has delivered us."
"But you have been the instrument; you must tell me all another time,
get him into shelter quickly.
"Here, men, bear him to the priory, while we stay to do our duty here.
"Alfred, you must not linger."
"One favour, my lord and king; show mercy to Ragnar, to Redwald, you
know not how sad his story has been."
"Leave that to me; he shall have all he deserves;" and Alfred was forced
to be content.
At this moment, aroused by the shouts of joy, Ragnar, forgetting even
his danger, rushed to the roof. There he saw a crowd surrounding some
object of their joy; in the darkness of the night he could not
distinguish more, but the cry, "Long live Alfred of Aescendune!" arose
spontaneously from the crowd, just as the brothers departed. Faint with
toil as he was, his heart beating wildly with apprehension, he rushed to
the chamber through smoke and flame, for the tongues of fire were
already licking the staircase. He withdrew the bars, he rushed in, the
room was empty.
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