But they were scarcely on their way again before the aforesaid south-
east wind began to grow bigger, and at last blew a gale, and brought
up with it a drift of fine snow, through which they yet made their
way, but slowly, till the drift grew so thick that they could not see
each other five paces apart.
Then perforce they made stay, and gathered together under a bent
which by good luck they happened upon, where they were sheltered from
the worst of the drift. There they abode, till in less than an
hour's space the drift abated and the wind fell, and in a little
while after it was quite clear, with the sun shining brightly and the
young waxing moon white and high up in the heavens; and the frost was
harder than ever.
This seemed good to them; but now that they could see each other's
faces they fell to telling over their company, and there was none
missing save Face-of-god. They were somewhat dismayed thereat, but
knew not what to do, and they deemed he might not be far off, either
a little behind or a little ahead; and Hall-face said:
'There is no need to make this to-do about my brother; he can take
good care of himself; neither does a warrior of the Face die because
of a little cold and frost and snow-drift.
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