They of Rose-dale, and especially such as had first
fled away to the wood, were very soon seen to be merry and kindly
folk; but they who had been longest in captivity, and notably those
from Silver-dale who were not of the kindreds, were for a long time
sullen and heavy, and it availed little to trust to them for the
doing of work; albeit they would follow about their friends of
Burgdale with the love of a dog; also they were, divers of them,
somewhat thievish, and if they lacked anything would liefer take it
by stealth than ask for it; which forsooth the Burgdale men took not
amiss, but deemed of it as a jest rather.
Very few of the Runaways had any will to fare back to their old
homes, or indeed could be got to go into the wood, or, after a day or
two, to say any word of Rose-dale or Silver-dale. In this and other
matters the Burgdalers dealt with them as with children who must have
their way; for they deemed that their guests had much time to make
up; also they were well content when they saw how goodly they were,
for these Dalesmen loved to see men goodly of body and of a cheerful
countenance.
As for Dallach and the three Silver-dale men of the kindred, they
went gladly whereas the Burgdale men would have them; and half a
score others took weapons in their hands when the war was foughten:
concerning which more hereafter.
Pages:
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352