"But you and I are in less trouble than Malcolm.

He has lost all; while we were both wanderers from home only.

My folk will trouble not at all for me for a year or so, and a shipmaster may be away as long as he chooses.

None will look for you till you return, I suppose?
Well, I came out to find adventures, and on my word, I am in the way to find them." "Not a bad beginning," laughed Bertric.

"As for me, it is no new thing that I should be a winter abroad, and my folk have long ceased to trouble much about me.