CHAPTER VII: WALTER COMES TO THE SHARD IN THE ROCK-WALL



As they were in converse thus, they heard the hunters blowing on
their horns all together; whereon the old man arose, and said: "I
deem by the blowing that the hunt will be over and done, and that
they be blowing on their fellows who have gone scatter-meal about
the wood. It is now some five hours after noon, and thy men will be
getting back with their venison, and will be fainest of the victuals
they have caught; therefore will I hasten on before, and get ready
fire and water and other matters for the cooking. Wilt thou come
with me, young master, or abide thy men here?"

Walter said lightly: "I will rest and abide them here; since I
cannot fail to see them hence as they go on their ways to thine
house. And it may be well that I be at hand to command them and
forbid, and put some order amongst them, for rough playmates they
be, some of them, and now all heated with the hunting and the joy of
the green earth." Thus he spoke, as if nought were toward save
supper and bed; but inwardly hope and fear were contending in him,
and again his heart beat so hard, that he deemed that the carle must
surely hear it. But the old man took him but according to his
outward seeming, and nodded his head, and went away quietly toward
his house.

When he had been gone a little, Walter rose up heedfully; he had