So he deemed it not
unlike that they had gone back, and that he might come up with one or
two on the way, and that in any case he wotted well that they could
look after themselves; so he turned back, not going very swiftly.
All this seemed like enough, and a little matter except to jest
about, so no man made any question concerning it: only old Stone-
face said to himself:
'Now were I fain to have a true tale out of him, but it is little
likely that anything shall come of my much questioning; and it is ill
forcing a young man to tell lies.'
So he held his peace, and the feast went on merrily and blithely.
CHAPTER XIV. CONCERNING FACE-OF-GOD AND THE MOUNTAIN
But it must be told of Gold-mane that what had befallen him was in
this wise. His skid-strap brake in good sooth, and he stayed to mend
it; but when he had done what was needful, he looked up and saw no
man nigh, what for the drift, and that they had gone on somewhat; so
he rose to his feet, and without more delay, instead of keeping on
toward the elk-ground and the way his face had been set, he turned
himself north-and-by-east, and went his ways swiftly towards that
airt, because he deemed that it might lead him to the Mountain-hall
where he had guested.
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