Matelgar be.

Nevertheless, when I went down that path that I have spoken of, toward
the hall, looking to meet with one at every turn, my heart beat thick
enough for a time, till a great coolness came over me and I feared nought.

Yet must I turn aside one moment to lock into that nook where Alswythe
and I had met, but it was empty. I knew that it must be so at that hour,
but I was of my love constrained to go there.

Then I ran boldly round the outer palisade and came to the great gate.



CHAPTER VI. IN THE WOLF'S DEN.


There was only one man near it, and he sat on the settle inside, so that
he could see out and in as he wished. Him I knew at once, and was glad,
for it was that old warrior who had showed some liking for me at Brent.

He got up slowly as he saw a stranger stand in the gateway and came out
towards me. Then he started a little and frowned.

"Rash--master, rash," he said, but not loudly. "This is no safe place
for you," and he motioned me to fly.

Then I beckoned him out a little further and showed him what I bore in
my hand. And he was fairly amazed and knew not what to say, that I, an
outlaw, should have been sent on this errand, and more, that I should