had nought at all to fear in the Burg of the Four Friths,
and that all was done there by reason and with justice.
What is this new thing then which thou hast found out,
or what is that I have to fear?"

Roger changed countenance thereat and seemed somewhat confused,
as one who has been caught unawares; but he gat his own face presently,
and said: "Nay, Sir Knight, I will tell thee the truth right out.
In the wood yonder thy danger was great that thou mightest run into
the hands of them of the Dry Tree; therefore true it is that I spake
somewhat beyond my warrant concerning the life of the folk of the Burg,
as how could I help it? But surely whatever thy peril may be here,
it is nought to that which awaited thee at Hampton."

"Nay, but what is the peril?" said Ralph. Quoth Roger, "If thou wilt become
their man and enter into their host, there is none; for they will ask few
questions of so good a man-at-arms, when they know that thou art theirs;
but if thou naysay that, it may well be that they will be for turning
the key on thee till thou tellest them what and whence thou art."
Ralph answered nought, thinking in his mind that this was like enough;
so he rode on soberly, till Roger said:

"Anyhow, thou mayst turn the cold shoulder on me if thou wilt.
Yet were I thee, I would not, for so it is, both that I can help thee,
as I deem, in time to come, and that I have helped thee somewhat
in time past."

Now Ralph was young and could not abide the blame of thanklessness;
so he said, "Nay, nay, fellow, go we on together to the Flower de Luce."