He spake frank and free to Ralph, and said:
"Whither away, lord, out of the woodland hall, and the dwelling of deer
and strong-thieves? I would that the deer would choose them a captain,
and gather head and destroy the thieves--and some few others with them."
Said Ralph: "I may scarce tell thee till I know myself.
Awhile ago I was minded for the Burg of the Four Friths;
but now I am for Hampton under Scaur."
"Yea?" said the carle, "when the Devil drives, to hell must we."
"What meanest thou, good fellow?" said Ralph, "Is Hampton then so evil
an abode?" And indeed it was in his mind that the adventure of the lady
led captive bore some evil with it.
Said the carle: "If thou wert not a stranger in these parts I
need not to answer thy question; but I will answer it presently,
yet not till we have eaten, for I hunger, and have in this wallet
both bread and cheese, and thou art welcome to a share thereof,
if thou hungerest also, as is most like, whereas thou art young
and fresh coloured."
"So it is," said Ralph, laughing, "and I also may help to spread this
table in the wilderness, since there are yet some crumbs in my wallet.
Let us sit down and fall to at once."
"By your leave, Sir Gentleman," said the carle, "we will go
a few yards further on, where there is a woodland brook,
whereof we may drink when my bottle faileth."
"Nay, I may better that," said Ralph, "for I have wherewithal.
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