For it is deemed, and it is my deeming especially, that thou may'st
tell us more of these men than thou hast yet told us. Is it not so?'
'Yea, surely,' said Gold-mane, 'I can make as many words as ye will
about it; yet when all is said, it will come to much the same tale as
I have already told thee. Yet belike, if ye are minded to take up
the sword to defend you, I may tell you in what wise to lay hold on
the hilts.'
'And that is well,' said Hall-face, 'and no less do I look for of
thee. But lo! here are we come to the Gate of the Burg that abideth
battle.'
CHAPTER XXIII. TALK IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF THE FACE
In sooth they were come to the very Gate of Burgstead, and the great
gates were shut, and only a wicket was open, and a half score of
stout men in all their war-gear were holding ward thereby. They gave
place to Hall-face and his company, albeit some of the warders
followed them through the wicket that they might hear the story told.
The street was full of folk, both men and women, talking together
eagerly concerning all these tidings, and when they saw the men of
the Hue-and-cry they came thronging about them, so that they might
scarce get to the door of the House of the Face because of the press;
so Hall-face (who was a very tall man) cried out:
'Good people, all is well! the runaways are slain, and Face-of-god is
come back with us; give place a little, that we may come into our
house.
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