and fresh coloured."

"So it is," said Ralph, laughing, "and I also may help to spread this
table in the wilderness, since there are yet some crumbs in my wallet.
Let us sit down and fall to at once."

"By your leave, Sir Gentleman," said the carle, "we will go
a few yards further on, where there is a woodland brook,
whereof we may drink when my bottle faileth."

"Nay, I may better that," said Ralph, "for I have wherewithal."
"Nevertheless," said the carle, "we will go thither, for here
is it too open for so small a company as ours, since this
want-way hath an ill name, and I shall lead thee whereas we
shall be somewhat out of the way of murder-carles. So come on,
if thou trusteth in me."

Ralph yeasaid him, and they went together a furlong from
the want-way into a little hollow place wherethrough ran a clear
stream betwixt thick-leaved alders. The carle led Ralph
to the very lip of the water so that the bushes covered them;
there they sat down and drew what they had from their wallets,
and so fell to meat; and amidst of the meat the carle said:

"Fair Knight, as I suppose thou art one, I will ask thee if any need
draweth thee to Hampton?"

Said Ralph: "The need of giving the go-by to the Burg of the Four Friths,
since I hear tell that the folk thereof be robbers and murderers."