So I went, and glad and
glad I am, whatever ye will do with me. And now will I answer whatso
ye may ask of me.'
She laid her limbs together daintily and looked fondly on Face-of-
god, and the carle scowled at her somewhat at first, but presently,
as he watched her, his face smoothed itself out of its wrinkles.
But Face-of-god pondered a little while, and then asked the woman if
she had heard any words to remember of late days concerning the
affairs of the Dusky Men and their intent; and he said:
'I pray thee, sister, be truthful in thine answer, for somewhat lieth
on it.'
She said: 'How could I speak aught but the sooth to thee, O lovely
lord? The last word spoken hereof I mind me well: for my master had
been mishandling me, and I was sullen to him after the smart, and he
mocked and jeered me, and said: Ye women deem we cannot do without
you, but ye are fools, and know nothing; we are going to conquer a
new land where the women are plenty, and far fairer than ye be; and
we shall leave you to fare afield like the other thralls, or work in
the digging of silver; and belike ye wot what that meaneth.
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