He stood up when he had made an end, as a man ready for the road; but they lay there downcast and abashed, and had no words to answer him.

For the Sea-eagle was sorry that his faring-fellow was hapless, and was sorry that he was sorry; and as for the damsel, she had not known but that she was leading the goodly Spearman to the fulfilment of his heart's desire.
Albeit after a while she spake again and said: "Dear friends, day is gone and night is at hand; now to-night it were ill lodging at yonder house; and the next house on our backward road is over far for wayworn folk.

But hard by through the thicket is a fair little wood-lawn, by the lip of a pool in the stream wherein we may bathe us to- morrow morning; and it is grassy and flowery and sheltered from all winds that blow, and I have victual enough in my wallet.

Let us sup and rest there under the bare heaven, as oft is the wont of us in this land; and on the morrow early we will arise and get us back again to Wood-end, where yet the King abideth, and there shalt thou talk to him again, O Spearman." Said Hallblithe: "Take me whither ye will; but now nought availeth.

I am a captive in a land of lies, and here most like shall I live betrayed and die hapless." "Hold thy peace, dear friend, of such words as those last," said she, "or I must needs flee from thee, for they hurt me sorely.