according to our customs; and well nigh all of it had been done, even
hadst thou not been there. Nay, I will tell thee; at some of our
feasts it is not lawful to eat either for the chieftains or the
carles, till a champion hath given forth a challenge, and been
answered and met, and the battle fought to an end. But ye men, what
hindereth you to go to the horses' heads and speed on the road the
chieftain who is no longer way-worthy?"

So they ran to the horses and set down the dale by the riverside, and
just as Hallblithe was going to follow afoot, there came a swain from
behind the house leading a red horse which he brought to Hallblithe
as one who bids mount. So Hallblithe leapt into the saddle and at
once caught up with the litter of the Long-hoary down along the
river. They passed by no other house, save here and there a cot
beside some fold or byre; they went easily, for the way was smooth by
the river-side; so in less than two hours they came where the said
river ran into the sea. There was no beach there, for the water was
ten fathom deep close up to the lip of the land; but there was a
great haven land-locked all but a narrow outgate betwixt the sheer
black cliffs. Many a great ship might have lain in that haven; but
as now there was but one lying there, a round-ship not very great,
but exceeding trim and meet for the sea.

There without more ado the carles took the elder from the litter and
bore him aboard, and Hallblithe followed him as if he had been so
appointed. They laid the old man adown on the poop under a tilt of
precious web, and so went aback by the way that they had come; and
Hallblithe went and sat down beside the Long-hoary, who spake to him
and said: "Seest thou, son, how easy it is for us twain to be
shipped for the land whither we would go? But as easy as it is for