Now he pointed to certain rocks or low crags that a little way off rose like a reef out of the treeless plain; then said he: "Shipmate, underneath yonder rocks is our resting-place for to-night; and I pray thee not to deem me churlish that I give thee no better harbour.
But I have a charge over thee to bring thee safe thus far on thy quest; and thou wouldst find it hard to live among such housemates as thou wouldst find up yonder amongst our folks to-night.

But to-morrow shalt thou come to speech with him who will deal with thee concerning the ransom." "It is enough," said Hallblithe, "and I thank thee for thy leading: and as for thy rough and uncomely words which thou hast given me, I pardon thee for them: for I am none the worse of them: forsooth, if I had been, my sword would have had a voice in the matter." "I am well content as it is, Son of the Raven," quoth Fox; "I have done my bidding and all is well." "Tell me then who it is hath bidden thee bring me hither ?" "I may not tell thee," said Fox; "thou art here, be content, as I am." And he spake no more till they had come to the reef aforesaid, which was some two furlongs from the place where they had come from out of the cave.

There then they set forth their supper on the stones, and ate what they would, and drank of that good strong wine while the horn bare out.
And now was Fox of few words, and when Hallblithe asked him concerning that land, he had little to say.

And at last when Hallblithe asked him of that so perilous house and those who manned it, he said to him: "Son of the Raven, it avails not asking of these matters; for if I tell thee aught concerning them I shall tell thee lies.

Once again let it be enough for thee that thou hast passed over the sea safely on thy quest; and a more perilous sea it is forsooth than thou deemest.