midday
He did not love the Danes , though he had fought by their side . Half the force was left as a guard by the ships , and next day the rest went forward up the valley at a slant from the river 's course . For that way , ran the tale , lay a great Roman house , a palace of King Kristni , where much gold was to be had for the lifting . By midday they were among pleasant meadows , but the raiders had been there , for the houses were fired and the orchards hacked down . Then came a shout and , turning back , they saw a flame spring to the pale autumn skies . `` The ships ! '' rose the cry , and the lightest of foot were sent back for news .