As for the others, thou hast
been told already that the Scaur, and Hampton therewith is a gift from us
to thee; for henceforward we be the lords of the Burg of the Four Friths,
and that is more than enough for us."
Ralph thanked the Captain for this, and did him to wit that he would
take the gift if he came back out the Upmeads fray alive: said he,
"With thee and the Wheat-wearers in the Burg, and me in the Scaur,
no strong-thief shall dare lift up his hand in these parts."
The Captain smiled, and Ralph went on: "And now I must needs
ask thee for leave to depart; which is all the more needful,
whereas thy men have over-ridden their horses, and we must
needs go a soft pace till we come to Higham."
"Yea, art thou for Higham, fair sir?" said the Captain. "That is well;
for ye may get men therefrom, and at the least it is like that ye shall
hear tidings: as to my men and their horses, this hath been looked to.
For five hundred good men of the Wheat-wearers, men who have not learned
the feat of arms a-horseback, are coming through the woods hither to help
ward thy castle, fair lord; they will be here in some three hours'
space and will bring horses for thy five score men, therefore do ye but ride
softly to Higham and if these sergeants catch up with you it is well,
but if not, abide them at Higham."
"Thanks have thou for this once more," said Ralph; "and now I
have no more word than this for thee; that I will come to thee
at thy least word, and serve thee with all that I have,
to my very life if need be.
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