CHAPTER LIV. TIDINGS OF DALLACH: A FOLK-MOTE IN SILVER-DALE
Three days thereafter came two swift runners from Rose-dale with
tidings of Dallach. In all wise had he thriven, and had slain many
of the runaways, and had come happily to Rose-dale: therein by the
mere shaking of their swords had they all their will; for there were
but a few of the Dusky Warriors in the Dale, since the more part had
fared to the slaughter in Silver-stead. Now therefore had Dallach
been made Alderman of Rose-dale; and the Burgdalers who had gone with
him should abide the coming thither of the rest of the Burgdale Host,
and meantime of their coming should uphold the new Alderman in Rose-
dale. Howbeit Dallach sent word that it was not to be doubted but
that many of the Dusky Men had escaped to the woods, and should yet
be the death of many a mother's son, unless it were well looked to.
And now the more part of the Burgdale men and the Shepherds began to
look toward home, albeit some amongst them had not been ill-pleased
to abide there yet a while; for life was exceeding soft to them
there, though they helped the poor folk gladly in their husbandry.
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