Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/313

 CHAPTER LIV. THE BLUE KNIGHT BUYS THE MAIDEN OF THE CHAPMAN.

HEY had ridden scarce a three hours ere they came through a cleft in the hills which were grown somewhat higher and straiter, on to a very fair little valley, well-grassed, and with a stream of clear water running through it; and amidst of the said valley a fair white pavilion pitched, but no coat-armour done thereon. Then quoth one of the men to the Carline: Lo, dame, how likest thou the sight of our master's journey-house? Meseems in an hour's time thou shalt be well on thy journey to hell. The other men laughed, but the Carline answered them nought.

So down they went, and as they drew nigher they saw a tall black-bearded man standing before the tent-door, and presently knew him for the Chapman who had been such an ill guest to them at their own house. And the Maiden quaked and turned pale at the sight of him. But the Carline spake to her under her breath and said: Fear not, we shall not abide long with this one. Now he came forward to meet them; but when he saw the Carline he cried out wrathfully to his men and said: Why have ye brought this accursed hag with you over all these many miles of way? Now must she be hewn down here,