Now when he had read this, earth seemed fair indeed about him, and he
scarce knew whither to turn or what to do to make the most of his
joy. He presently went back to Burgstead and into the House of the
Face, where all men were astir now, and the day was clearing. He hid
the shaft under his kirtle, for he would not that any should see it;
so he went to his shut-bed and laid it up in his chest, wherein he
kept his chiefest treasures; but the writing on the scroll he set in
his bosom and so hid it. He went joyfully and proudly, as one who
knoweth more tidings and better than those around him. But Stone-
face beheld him, and said 'Foster-son, thou art happy. Is it that
the spring-tide is in thy blood, and maketh thee blithe with all
things, or hast thou some new tidings? Nay, I would not have an
answer out of thee; but here is good rede: when next thou goest into
the wood, it were nought so ill for thee to have a valiant old carle
by thy side; one that loveth thee, and would die for thee if need
were; one who might watch when thou wert seeking. Or else beware!
for there are evil things abroad in the Wood, and moreover the
brethren of those two felons who were slain at Carlstead.
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