The Folk-mote was to be hallowed-in three hours before noon, as all
men knew; therefore an hour before that time were all men of the Dale
and the Shepherds assembled that might be looked for, save the
Alderman and the chieftains with the banner of the Burg, and these
were not like to come many minutes before the Hallowing. Folk were
gathered on the Field in such wise, that the men-at-arms made a great
ring round about the Doom-ring, (albeit there were many old men
there, girt with swords that they should never heave up again in
battle), so that without that ring there was nought save women and
children. But when all the other Houses were assembled, men looked
around, and beheld the place of the Woodlanders that it was empty;
and they marvelled that they were thus belated. For now all was
ready, and a watcher had gone up to the Tower on the height, and had
with him the great Horn of Warning, which could be heard past the
Mote-stead and a great way down the Dale: and if he saw foes coming
from the East he should blow one blast; if from the South, two; if
from the West, three; if from the North, four.
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