closely for anything to escape them. We dare not go into any town
or village until we are quite sure that we are beyond the count's
territories, but we might enter some solitary hut and pray for a
piece of bread for charity, or we can walk all day, by which time
we shall surely be well beyond the Count of Ponthieu's territory,
and could boldly go into a town. If we are seized, we can demand
to be sent to Rouen, saying we are bearers of an important message
to Duke William, and even if they do not send us straight on, they
would hardly keep us without food."

After sleeping for four or five hours they again started, and after
walking some miles came upon a herdsman's cottage The man was out,
and his wife looked with surprise at the two lads, whose garments,
though stained by sea water and travel, were evidently those of
youths of a class above the common. Beorn addressed her in her own
language, and told her that they were wayfarers who had lost their
road and were grievously in need of food. She at once invited them
to come in, and set before them some black bread and some cheese
made from goats' milk. They learned to their satisfaction that they
had long passed the limits of Ponthieu, and that Rouen was distant
about fifty miles.

"The road from Amiens lies five miles to the east," she said; "but
it would be shorter for you to keep due south, for it inclines in
that direction. You will strike it after seven miles' walking, and
after that you cannot miss your way."

After warmly thanking the woman for her hospitality the lads again
started, feeling greatly strengthened and refreshed by their meal;
but want of sleep told upon them, and when they got within sight