Who knoweth what shall betide? and for me there is nought to do
save to lay hold of the occasion that another may give me.
And at the worst I scarce deem that I am being led to the slaughter.



CHAPTER 33

Ralph is Brought on the Road Towards Utterbol


But now when it was morning they struck the tents and laded
them on wains, and went their ways the selfsame road that Ralph
had been minded for yesterday; to wit the road to Utterness;
but now must he ride it unarmed and guarded: other shame had he none.
Indeed David, who stuck close to his side all day, was so sugary
sweet with him, and praised and encouraged him so diligently,
that Ralph began to have misgivings that all this kindness was
but as the flower-garlands wherewith the heathen times men were
wont to deck the slaughter-beasts for the blood-offering. Yea,
and into his mind came certain tales of how there were
heathen men yet in the world, who beguiled men and women,
and offered them up to their devils, whom they called gods:
but all this ran off him soon, when he bethought him how little
wisdom there was in running to meet the evil, which might
be on the way, and that way a rough and perilous one.
So he plucked up heart, and spake freely and gaily with David
and one or two others who rode anigh.

They were amidst of the company: the Lord went first after