Into the said wood they came, and rode all day diligently,
but night fell on them before they saw either house or man
or devil; then said Simon: "Why should we go any further
before dawn? Will it not be best to come to this perilous
house by daylight?"

Said Christopher: "There be perils in the wood as well as
in the house. If we lie down here, maybe Jack's folk may
come upon us sleeping, and some mischance may befall us.
Withal, hereabout be no wild horses to wake thee and warn
thee of thy foeman anigh. Let us press on; there is a moon,
though she be somewhat hidden by clouds, and meseemeth the
way lieth clear before me; neither are we a great way from
the Tofts."

Then Simon rode close up to Christopher, and took his rein
and stayed him, and said to him, as one who prayeth: "Young
man, willest thou my death?"

"That is as it may be," said Christopher; "willest thou
mine?"

Simon held his peace awhile, and Christopher might not see
what was in his face amidst the gathering dusk; but he
twitched his rein out of the squire's hand, as if he would
hasten onward; then the squire said: "Nay, I pray thee
abide and hear a word of me."

"Speak then," said Christopher, "but hasten, for I hunger,
and I would we were in the hall." And therewith he laughed.