Let him go! We should meet perchance again.

But after that I watched the door for hours, and never a sign of Ludar.

Should I have to fight for the maiden single-handed after all?
At last when I was well-nigh desperate, he sallied out, cross-bow over shoulder, with solemn face, and walked towards the woods.
Hiding myself well by the trees and shrubs, I made across to meet him.
His countenance lit up as he saw me; but otherwise, I might have parted from him but an hour ago.
"I expected you," said he.

"Come along.

This is no place for talking." So I followed him in silence deep into the wood, where presently he flung down his bow and put his great hand on my shoulder.
"Humphrey," said he, and I could see that something big was on his mind.
"Am I the same Ludar you parted with a week ago ?" "No," said I, for I had never seen him thus before.
"Humphrey, my lad," said he, "I am undone.