"
Oswald had seen so much, during the two years that had passed since he
first left the hold that, as he rode towards it, it seemed strange that
everything should be going on as if it was but the day before that he
had ridden away--the only difference being that the hold looked
strangely small, and of little account, after the many strong castles
he had seen.
As soon as they reached the moor, within sight of the hold, a horseman
was seen to leave it, and ride at a gallop towards them.
"That is ever the way," Oswald said; "we like to know, when a visitor
is seen, whether he comes as friend or foe."
As the moss trooper rode up, and was about to put the customary
question, he recognized Oswald; and, wheeling his pony without a word,
dashed off at full gallop, waving his spear and shouting, as he
approached the hold.
They rode at a canter after him and, as they reached the entrance, his
father and mother appeared at the door at the top of the steps. The
latter ran down the steps and, as Oswald leapt from his horse, threw
her arms round his neck.
"Thank God you are back again, my boy!" she cried; "though as yet, I
can hardly believe that this tall fellow is my Oswald. But otherwise
you are in no way changed.
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