human
Why, said I,
gpt
That they would not, he answered.
human
I should have blundered past this place in the night, and so lost the Danes altogether; or if I had not done that, they would soon have found out what state my men were in. You should have heard old Thord rate them into order; it is in my mind that he even called me--Odda the ealdorman--hard names in his broad Norse tongue. But at least he gave us somewhat more to think of than the sickness that comes of heaving planks that will by no means keep steady for a moment.
gpt
Good King Alfred thought not at all of that matter. Now I can shift the whole credit of this victory to your shoulders, and then he will not believe that I am the born sea captain that he would have me think myself.
human
I will not have that, I said,
gpt
Ay; but, I pray you, let me put it from myself, else shall I be sent to sea again without any one to look to for advice, he said earnestly, and half laughing at the same time.
human
I did but take command of this fleet because the king could find no one else at a pinch. Heaven defend me from such a charge again!
gpt
Now you have only the Exeter Danes to deal with,
human
How many men might these ships have held?
gpt
Maybe five thousand,