Let us row in while these Devils bewail themselves , and at least bear off what we may . '' ` Bold as a wolf , cunning as a fox was Witta ! He set four archers on the foredeck to shoot the Devils if they should leap from the tree , which was close to the bank . He manned ten oars a-side , and bade them watch his hand to row in or back out , and so coaxed he them toward the bank . But none would set foot ashore , though the gold was within ten paces . No man is hasty to his hanging ! They whimpered at their oars like beaten hounds , and Witta bit his fingers for rage . ` Said Hugh of a sudden , `` Hark ! '' At first we thought it was the buzzing of the glittering flies on the water ; but it grew loud and fierce , so that all men heard . ' ` What ? ' said Dan and Una . ` It was the Sword . ' Sir Richard patted the smooth hilt . ` It sang as a Dane sings before battle . `` I go , '' said Hugh , and he leaped from the bows and fell among the gold . I was afraid to my four bones ' marrow , but for shame 's sake I followed , and Thorkild of Borkum leaped after me . None other came . `` Blame me not , '' cried Witta behind us , `` I must abide by my ship . '' We three had no time to blame or praise . We stooped to the gold and threw it back over our shoulders , one hand on our swords and one eye on the tree , which nigh overhung us . '
I know not how the XXXXX leaped down , or how the fight began .
Dan Devils Hugh Richard Una Witta archers first foredeck oars