We crossed the drawbridge, and entered the courtyard under the gateway; before us was the door of the great hall, merrily illumined by its blazing fire. There, then, was the supper table bountifully spread, and the theows and ceorls awaiting the arrival of their lord. We entered, Elfwyn and I, and soon after Bertric, Ethelgiva, and Alfgar followed. A loud horn was blown upon the battlements. Stragglers made their entrance good; the drawbridge was drawn up, the doors closed, and I blessed the meat. CHAPTER III. THE NIGHT OF ST. BRICE. Monday, November 14th, 1002.-- I hardly know how to write the events of last night, my pen almost refuses to begin. I feel thoroughly sickened by the very remembrance of the bloodshed and treachery which have disgraced Christian England, and which will assuredly bring down God's judgment upon us. But I will do violence to myself, and will write all things accurately, in order it may serve to show that there were those amongst us who were not consenting parties, who entered not into the counsels of those men of blood, whom may God "reward after their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their own inventions." Well, to begin. When supper was ended at the hall last night, my brother bade his wife and children seek their bower, and Alfgar went with them; then he addressed his people with that confidence and affection he not only shows in his outward speech, but really feels in his heart. "Are all the folk present within the gates?" he asked. "We are all here, my lord," replied they; "none have been wanting in their duty." "It is well; and now, my people, I ask you, whom I have ever trusted, and to whom I have tried to be a friend as well as a master, have you any of you a suspicion what the sheriff is about tonight, and why he desired the prior to tell good Christians to keep within doors?" There was a dead silence. At last one of the ceorls rose up, and spoke with some hesitation: "I think, my lord, that they intend to avenge themselves upon the Dane folk." "Did they say anything about it to you or any other of my people?" "Yes; they tried to get two or three of us to join in the work, but when they found we would do nothing without your knowledge, they told us no more." "Then you do not know what is the exact work they have in hand?" "No. But I heard something which made me think that plunder and massacre were both likely to be committed." "Did you hear any particular names mentioned?" "Yes. That of Anlaf." "This explains Siric's insolence, Cuthbert." "It does," I replied. "But surely they cannot intend to do anything tonight. They would not choose Sunday for a deed of darkness. Men who have attended mass during the day, surely would not so forget their God as to go through the country like cowardly wolves, pulling down the prey in company which they dare not attack singly." "I should hope the same; but then the looks and words of today," said I.