All the same, I was not going to fasten it so that I could not draw if need were, and only kept on plaiting and twisting.
Then I heard Matelgar's voice and footstep, and I desisted, and, taking the arrow from my belt, stood up and ready.
He came in, looking round, but not seeing me at first through the blue smoke, for as I knew he would, he entered by the door through which my guide had gone just now.

So I waited till he stood with his hand on his chair, while the old warrior came down towards me.
Then I strode forward boldly up to the foot of the dais, and looking steadily a Matelgar, cast the arrow at his feet, saying: "In the king's name.

The levy is at Bridgwater Cross.

In all haste." He threw up his hands as one too terrified to draw sword--who would ward off some sudden terror--giving back a pace or two, and staring at me with wild eyes.

His face grew white as milk, and drawn, and his breath went in between his teeth with a long hissing sound.