But he pushed in with a light laugh, leading Cuthbert with him, and saying as he did so: "Nay, nay, mother, be not so fierce.

He is an honest lad enough, I trow; if not, 'twill be the worse for him anon.

We have brought him hither to search him if he carries gold concealed.

If not, and he proves to have spoken sooth, he may go his way or join with us, whichever likes him best.

We could do with a few more bold lads, since death has been something busy of late; and he seems to have the grit in him one looks for in those who join with us.