Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/154

 dale, that we may give him guesting in the good town.

Stephen smote his palms together and said: Wise art thou, child of Wethermel; but not so wise as I be. We shall go, we two, but not alone, but have with us four stout fellows, and of wisdom enough, not Dalesmen, for too simple are they and lack guile. To say sooth I have chosen them already, and told them how we shall fare, and they are all agog for it.

Well, said Osberne, and when shall it be? Of a sooth thou lettest no grass grow under thy feet. But hast thou told any one else? Said Stephen: To-morrow night is the time appointed, and I have bidden my friend the warder of the postern to hold ready a score of men well-armed against the hour we are to be looked for to knock at the door with our guest, if so be that we should need them, but I have not told him what we are about. Well now, what sayest thou? Have I done anything to amend thine health? Thou hast made me whole and well, friend, said Osberne; and now I think we shall soon look upon Wethermel, and I shall never be sick or sorry again.

The Eater smiled, and they fell to talking of other matters as folk came into the chamber to them; and all that came in wondered to see the captain looking so much mended in health.