Dusk fell on them in a little valley, through which ran a stream bushed
about its edges, and which for the rest was grassy and pleasant,
with big sweet-chestnut trees scattered about it.
"Now," quoth the Elder; "two things we have to beware of in this valley,
the lions first; which, though belike they will not fall upon
weaponed men, may well make an onslaught on your horses, if they
wind them; and the loss of the beasts were sore to you as now.
But the second thing is the chase from Utterbol. As to the lions,
if ye build up a big fire, and keep somewhat aloof from the stream
and its bushes, and tether you horses anigh the fire, ye will have
no harm of them."
"Yea," said Ralph, "but if the riders of Utterbol are anigh us,
shall we light a candle for them to show them the way?" Said the Sage:
"Were ye by yourselves, I would bid you journey night-long, and
run all risk rather than the risk of falling into their hands.
But whereas I am your guide, I bid you kindle your fire under
yonder big tree, and leave me to deal with the men of Utterbol;
only whatso I bid you, that do ye straightway."
"So be it," said Ralph, "I have been bewrayed so oft of late,
that I must needs trust thee, or all help shall fail me.
Let us to work." So they fell to and built up a big bale
and kindled it, and their horses they tethered to the tree;
and by then they had done this, dark night had fallen upon them.
So they cooked their victual at the fire (for Ralph had shot a hare
by the way) and the Sage went down to the stream and fetched them
water in a lethern budget: "For," said he, "I know the beasts
of the wood and they me, and there is peace betwixt us.
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