And she was a noble lady, and full of honesty.
Now as safe a way as any into the Westland would be over the Quantocks, and so into the wilds of Dartmoor and beyond, where no man would know or care for my outlawry--if, indeed, I found not more proscribed men there than anywhere, who had fled, as I must fly, but with a price on them.

And if I fled that way, it was but a step aside to pass close to Matelgar's hall.
It was the least safe path for me, it is true--for I had had a taste of what sort of reception I should meet with at his hands did he catch me or meet with me.

But love drew me, and I would venture and see at least the place where the one I loved dwelt.
Having made up my mind to that, I was all impatience to be going, and woke the collier, saying that I must be afoot.

He, poor man, started up in affright, dreaming doubtless that the fiend had returned, but recovered himself, making a low obeisance to me, quickly.
Then he brought out bread of the coarsest and cheese of the best, grumbling that the fiend had devoured his better cheer.

And I, being light hearted, having made up my mind, and being young enough not to look trouble in the face too long, asked him if he had none of the roe deer left over?
Whereat he started, and looked terrified at me.