And therefore I wondered what their next move would be, but expected to see them up anchor and go soon.
Waiting so, I waxed hungry, for nought had I tasted, save a few birds' eggs that I had found in Holford Coombe, since that time yesterday.
Birds' eggs, thought I, were better than nought, so I wandered among the bushes seeking more.

As I did so, by and by, I came in sight of the beacon on the hilltop, and looking up at it, rather blaming my carelessness, saw that but two men were there, tending it, and from their silver collars I knew that they were thralls.

They were putting on green bushes to make a smother and black smoke that would warn men that the enemy were yet at hand.
When I saw that both the men were strange to me, I went up to them, as though come to find out news of the business.

And they saluted me, evidently not knowing me.

I talked with them awhile, and then shared their breakfast with them, glad enough of it.