the word went round the just rousing villages that "He-on-foot-from-afar"
was adrift in the waves, rescue parties were hurriedly organised, a boat
launched, and, in spite of all my kicking and shouting (which they took
to be evidence of my semi-moribund condition), I was speedily hauled out
by hairy and powerful hands, pungent herbs burnt under my nose, and my
heels held high in the air in order that the water might run out of me.
It was only with the greatest difficulty those rough but honest fellows
were eventually got to believe me saved.

The breakfast I made of grilled deer flesh and a fish not unlike salmon,
however, convinced them of my recovery, and afterward we parted very
good friends; for there was something in the nature of those rugged
barbarians just coming into the dawn of civilisation that won my liking
far more than the effete gentleness of others across the water.

When the time of parting came they showed no curiosity as to my errand,
but just gave me some food in a fish-skin bag, thrust a heavy stone-headed
axe into my hand, "in case I had to talk to a thief on the road," and
pointed out on the southern horizon a forked mountain, under which,
they said, was the harbour and high-road to King Ar-hap's capital.
Then they hugged me to their hairy chests in turn, and let me go with
a traveller's blessing.

There I was again, all alone, none but my thoughts for companions, and
nothing but youth to excuse the folly in thus venturing on a reckless
quest!

However, who can gainsay that same youth? The very spice of danger made my
steps light and the way pleasant. For a mile or two the track was plain
enough, through an undulating country gradually becoming more and more