Moreover, if I could find those folk and bring them
part of the way by night and cloud it were well; for if we were taken
again, burning quick would be the best death by which we should die.
As for me, now am I strong with meat and drink and hope; and when I
come to Burgdale there will be time enough for resting and slumber.'
Said Face-of-god: 'Shall I not wend with thee to see these people
and the lairs wherein they hide?'
The man smiled: 'Nay, earl,' said he, 'that shall not be. For wot
ye what? If they were to see me in company of a man-at-arms they
would deem that I was bringing the foe upon them, and would flee, or
mayhappen would fall upon us. For as for me, when I saw thee, thou
wert close anigh me, so I knew thee to be no Dusky Man; but they
would see the glitter of thine arms from afar, and to them all
weaponed men are foemen. Thou, lord, knowest not the heart of a
thrall, nor the fear and doubt that is in it. Nay, I myself must
cast off these clothes that ye have given me, and fare naked, lest
they mistrust me. Only I will take a spear in my hand, and sling a
knife round my neck, if ye will give them to me; for if the worst
happen, I will not be taken alive.
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