“What does all this mean? How came I here? What makes this smoke?” “We are in danger, great danger; prisoners in our own house, which they have set on fire.” “I remember now—is not this our dear father’s room?” “Yes; we are prisoners in it, they have barred the door upon us.” “But they cannot bar us in: there is another door, Alfred; one my father once pointed out to me, but told me to keep its existence a secret, as it always had been kept. Who are without?” “The Mercians, Edgar’s army, come to deliver us; if we can reach them, we are safe.” “I thought they were our foes, but all seems strange now. Alfred, lift up the tapestry which conceals the recess where dear father’s armour hung.” Alfred complied. “Now, just where the breastplate hung you will find a round knob of wood like a peg.” “Yes, it is here.” “Push it hard—no, harder.” Alfred did so, and a concealed door flew open; he stepped through it with a cry of joy, and found himself on the staircase leading up from the postern gate by which he had entered, just below the closed door which led into the gallery above. “God be thanked! we are saved—saved. Elfric! “Oswy, take him in your arms, quick! quick! I lead the way, and will get the boat ready—door open and boat ready.” It was all the work of a moment; they were on the private staircase, carrying Elfric, carefully wrapt up. The smoke had entered even here; the next moment they were at the entrance. Happily the whole attention of Ragnar was concentrated on self preservation. One more minute, and Elfric was placed in the coracle. The Mercians on the further bank now observed them, and at first, not knowing them, seemed disposed to treat them as foes; when Oswy cried aloud, “Spare your arrows; it is Elfric of Æscendune;” and they crowded to the bank joyfully, for the purpose of the attack was known to all, and now they saw its object placed beyond the reach of further risk of failure. 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.