CHAPTERI：OFGOLDENWALTERANDHISFATHER
AwhileagotherewasayoungmandwellinginagreatandgoodlycitybytheseawhichhadtonameLangtononHolm。Hewasbutoffiveandtwentywinters，afair—facedman，yellow—haired，tallandstrong;ratherwiserthanfoolisherthanyoungmenaremostlywont;
avaliantyouth，andakind;notofmanywordsbutcourteousofspeech;noroisterer，noughtmasterful，butpeaceableandknowinghowtoforbear：inafrayaperilousfoe，andatrustywar—fellow。
Hisfather，withwhomhewasdwellingwhenthistalebegins，wasagreatmerchant，richerthanabaronoftheland，ahead—manofthegreatestoftheLineagesofLangton，andacaptainofthePorte;hewasoftheLineageoftheGoldings，thereforewashecalledBartholomewGolden，andhissonGoldenWalter。
Nowyemaywelldeemthatsuchayounglingasthiswaslookeduponbyallasaluckymanwithoutalack;buttherewasthisflawinhislot，whereashehadfallenintothetoilsofloveofawomanexceedingfair，andhadtakenhertowife，shenoughtunwillingasitseemed。Butwhentheyhadbeenweddedsomesixmonthshefoundbymanifesttokens，thathisfairnesswasnotsomuchtoherbutthatshemustseektothefoulnessofoneworserthanheinallways;whereforehisrestdepartedfromhim，whereashehatedherforheruntruthandherhatredofhim;yetwouldthesoundofhervoice，asshecameandwentinthehouse，makehisheartbeat;andthesightofherstirreddesirewithinhim，sothathelongedforhertobesweetandkindwithhim，anddeemedthat，mightitbeso，heshouldforgetalltheevilgoneby。Butitwasnotso;foreverwhenshesawhim，herfacechanged，andherhatredofhimbecamemanifest，andhowsoeversheweresweetwithothers，withhimshewashardandsour。
Sothiswentonawhiletillthechambersofhisfather’shouse，yeatheverystreetsofthecity，becameloathsometohim;andyethecalledtomindthattheworldwaswideandhebutayoungman。Soonadayashesatwithhisfatheralone，hespaketohimandsaid：
"Father，Iwasonthequaysevennow，andIlookedontheshipsthatwerenighboun，andthysignIsawonatallshipthatseemedtomenighestboun。Willitbelongereshesail？"
"Nay，"saidhisfather，"thatship，whichhighttheKatherine，willtheywarpoutofthehavenintwodays’time。Butwhyaskestthouofher？"
"Theshortestwordisbest，father，"saidWalter，"andthisitis，thatIwoulddepartinthesaidshipandseeotherlands。"
"Yeaandwhither，son？"saidthemerchant。
"Whithershegoeth，"saidWalter，"forIamillateaseathome，asthouwottest，father。"
Themerchantheldhispeaceawhile，andlookedhardonhisson，fortherewasstronglovebetweenthem;butatlasthesaid："Well，son，maybeitwerebestforthee;butmaybealsoweshallnotmeetagain。"
"Yetifwedomeet，father，thenshaltthouseeanewmaninme。"
"Well，"saidBartholomew，"atleastIknowonwhomtolaythelossofthee，andwhenthouartgone，forthoushalthavethineownwayherein，sheshallnolongerabideinmyhouse。Nay，butitwereforthestrifethatshouldarisethenceforthbetwixtherkindredandours，itshouldgosomewhatworsewithherthanthat。"
SaidWalter："Ipraytheeshamehernotmorethanneedsmustbe，lest，sodoing，thoushamebothmeandthyselfalso。"
Bartholomewheldhispeaceagainforawhile;thenhesaid："Goethshewithchild，myson？"
Walterreddened，andsaid："Iwotnot;norofwhomthechildmaybe。"Thentheybothsatsilent，tillBartholomewspake，saying：
"Theendofitis，son，thatthisisMonday，andthatthoushaltgoaboardinthesmallhoursofWednesday;andmeanwhileIshalllooktoitthatthougonotawayempty—handed;theskipperoftheKatherineisagoodmanandtrue，andknowstheseaswell;andmyservantRoberttheLow，whoisclerkofthelading，istrustworthyandwise，andasmyselfinallmattersthatlooktowardschaffer。
TheKatherineisnewandstout—builded，andshouldbelucky，whereassheisunderthewardofherwhoisthesaintcalleduponinthechurchwherethouwertchristened，andmyselfbeforethee;andthymother，andmyfatherandmotheralllieunderthechancelthereof，asthouwottest。"
Therewiththeelderroseupandwenthiswaysabouthisbusiness，andtherewasnomoresaidbetwixthimandhissononthismatter。
CHAPTERII：GOLDENWALTERTAKESSHIPTOSAILTHESEAS
WhenWalterwentdowntotheKatherinenextmorning，therewastheskipperGeoffrey，whodidhimreverence，andmadehimallcheer，andshowedhimhisroomaboardship，andtheplenteousgoodswhichhisfatherhadsentdowntothequaysalready，suchhasteashehadmade。Walterthankedhisfather’sloveinhisheart，butotherwisetooklittleheedtohisaffairs，butworeawaythetimeaboutthehaven，gazinglistlesslyontheshipsthatweremakingthemreadyoutward，orunlading，andthemarinersandalienscomingandgoing：
andalltheseweretohimasthecuriousimageswovenonatapestry。
AtlastwhenhehadwellnighcomebackagaintotheKatherine，hesawthereatallship，whichhehadscarcenotedbefore，ashipall—
boun，whichhadherboatsout，andmensittingtotheoarsthereofreadytotowheroutwardswhenthehawsershouldbecastoff，andbyseeminghermarinerswerebutabidingforsomeoneorothertocomeaboard。
SoWalterstoodidlywatchingthesaidship，andashelooked，lo！
folkpassinghimtowardthegangway。Thesewerethree;firstcameadwarf，dark—brownofhueandhideous，withlongarmsandearsexceedinggreatanddog—teeththatstuckoutlikethefangsofawildbeast。Hewascladinarichcoatofyellowsilk，andbareinhishandacrookedbow，andwasgirtwithabroadsax。
Afterhimcameamaiden，youngbyseeming，ofscarcetwentysummers;
fairoffaceasaflower;grey—eyed，brown—haired，withlipsfullandred，slimandgentleofbody。Simplewasherarray，ofashortandstraitgreengown，sothatonherrightanklewascleartoseeanironring。
Lastofthethreewasalady，tallandstately，soradiantofvisageandgloriousofraiment，thatitwerehardtosaywhatlikeshewas;
forscarcemighttheeyegazesteadyuponherexceedingbeauty;yetmusteverysonofAdamwhofoundhimselfanighher，liftuphiseyesagainafterhehaddroppedthem，andlookagainonher，andyetagainandyetagain。EvensodidWalter，andasthethreepassedbyhim，itseemedtohimasifalltheotherfolkthereabouthadvanishedandwerenought;norhadheanyvisionbeforehiseyesofanylookingonthem，savehimselfalone。Theywentoverthegangwayintotheship，andhesawthemgoalongthedecktilltheycametothehouseonthepoop，andentereditandweregonefromhissight。
Therehestoodstaring，tilllittlebylittlethethrongingpeopleofthequayscameintohiseye—shotagain;thenhesawhowthehawserwascastoffandtheboatsfelltotuggingthebigshiptowardtheharbour—mouthwithhaleandhowofmen。Thenthesailfelldownfromtheyardandwassheetedhomeandfilledwiththefairwindastheship’sbowsranuponthefirstgreenwaveoutsidethehaven。Eventherewiththeshipmencastabroadabanner，whereonwasdoneinagreenfieldagrimwolframpingupagainstamaiden，andsowenttheshipuponherway。
Walterstoodawhilestaringatheremptyplacewherethewavesranintothehaven—mouth，andthenturnedasideandtowardtheKatherine;andatfirsthewasmindedtogoaskshipmasterGeoffreyofwhatheknewconcerningthesaidshipandheralienwayfarers;
butthenitcameintohismind，thatallthiswasbutanimaginationordreamoftheday，andthathewerebesttoleaveituntoldtoany。Sotherewithhewenthiswayfromthewater—side，andthroughthestreetsuntohisfather’shouse;butwhenhewasbutalittlewaythence，andthedoorwasbeforehim，him—seemedforamomentoftimethathebeheldthosethreecomingoutdownthestepsofstoneandintothestreet;towitthedwarf，themaiden，andthestatelylady：butwhenhestoodstilltoabidetheircoming，andlookedtowardthem，lo！therewasnothingbeforehimsavethegoodlyhouseofBartholomewGolden，andthreechildrenandacurdogplayingaboutthestepsthereof，andabouthimwerefourorfivepassers—bygoingabouttheirbusiness。Thenwasheallconfusedinhismind，andknewnotwhattomakeofit，whetherthosewhomhehadseemedtoseepassaboardshipwerebutimagesofadream，orchildrenofAdaminveryflesh。
Howsoever，heenteredthehouse，andfoundhisfatherinthechamber，andfelltospeechwithhimabouttheirmatters;butforallthathelovedhisfather，andworshippedhimasawiseandvaliantman，yetatthathourhemightnothearkenthewordsofhismouth，somuchwashismindentangledinthethoughtofthosethree，andtheywereeverbeforehiseyes，asiftheyhadbeenpaintedonatablebythebestoflimners。Andofthetwowomenhethoughtexceedingmuch，andcastnowyteuponhimselfforrunningafterthedesireofstrangewomen。Forhesaidtohimselfthathedesirednoteitherofthetwain;nay，hemightnottellwhichofthetwain，themaidenorthestatelyqueen，wereclearesttohiseyes;butsorehedesiredtoseebothofthemagain，andtoknowwhattheywere。
SoworethehourstilltheWednesdaymorning，anditwastimethatheshouldbidfarewelltohisfatherandgetaboardship;buthisfatherledhimdowntothequaysandontotheKatherine，andthereWalterembracedhim，notwithouttearsandforebodings;forhisheartwasfull。Thenpresentlytheoldmanwentaland;thegangwaywasunshipped，thehawserscastoff;theoarsofthetowing—boatssplashedinthedarkwater，thesailfelldownfromtheyard，andwassheetedhome，andoutplungedtheKatherineintothemistyseaandrolledupthegreyslopes，castingabroadherancientwithal，whereonwasbeatenthetokenofBartholomewGolden，towitaBandaGtotherightandtheleft，andthereaboveacrossandatrianglerisingfromthemidst。
Walterstoodonthesternandbeheld，yetmorewiththemindofhimthanwithhiseyes;foritallseemedbutthedoubleofwhattheothershiphaddone;andthethoughtofitasifthetwainwereasbeadsstrungononestringandledawaybyitintothesameplace，andthencetogointhelikeorder，andsoonagainandagain，andnevertodrawnighertoeachother。
CHAPTERIII：WALTERHEARETHTIDINGSOFTHEDEATHOFHISFATHER
FastsailedtheKatherineovertheseas，andnoughtbefelltotellof，eithertoherselforhercrew。Shecametoonecheaping—townandthentoanother，andsoontoathirdandafourth;andateachwasbuyingandsellingafterthemannerofchapmen;andWalternotonlylookedonthedoingsofhisfather’sfolk，butlentahand，whathemight，tohelptheminallmatters，whetheritwereinseaman’scraft，orinchaffer。Andthefurtherhewentandthelongerthetimewore，themorehewaseasedofhisoldtroublewhereinhiswifeandhertreasonhadtodo。
Butasfortheothertrouble，towithisdesireandlongingtocomeupwiththosethree，ityetflickeredbeforehim;andthoughhehadnotseenthemagainasoneseespeopleinthestreets，andasifhemighttouchthemifhewould，yetweretheirimagesoftenbeforehismind’seye;andyet，astimewore，notsooften，norsotroublously;
andforsoothbothtothoseabouthimandtohimself，heseemedasamanwellhealedofhismelancholymood。
Nowtheyleftthatfourthstead，andsailedovertheseasandcametoafifth，averygreatandfaircity，whichtheyhadmademorethansevenmonthsfromLangtononHolm;andbythistimewasWaltertakingheedandjoyanceinsuchthingsasweretowardinthatfaircity，sofarfromhiskindred，andespeciallyhelookedonthefairwomenthere，anddesiredthem，andlovedthem;butlightly，asbefallethyoungmen。
NowthiswasthelastcountrywheretotheKatherinewasboun;sotheretheyabodesometenmonthsindailychaffer，andinpleasuringtheminbeholdingallthattherewasofrareandgoodly，andmakingmerrywiththemerchantsandthetowns—folk，andthecountry—folkbeyondthegates，andWalterwasgrownasbusyandgayasastrongyoungmanisliketobe，andwasasonewhowouldfainbeofsomeaccountamongsthisownfolk。
Butattheendofthiswhile，itbefellonaday，ashewasleavinghishostelforhisboothinthemarket，andhadthedoorinhishand，therestoodbeforehimthreemarinersintheguiseofhisowncountry，andwiththemwasoneofclerklyaspect，whomheknewatonceforhisfather’sscrivener，ArnoldPenstrongbyname;andwhenWaltersawhimhisheartfailedhimandhecriedout："Arnold，whattidings？IsallwellwiththefolkatLangton？"
SaidArnold："Eviltidingsarecomewithme;mattersareillwiththyfolk;forImaynothidethatthyfather，BartholomewGolden，isdead，Godresthissoul。"
AtthatworditwastoWalterasifallthattroublewhichbutnowhadsatsolightuponhim，wasonceagainfreshandheavy，andthathispastlifeofthelastfewmonthshadneverbeen;anditwastohimasifhesawhisfatherlyingdeadonhisbed，andheardthefolklamentingaboutthehouse。Heheldhispeaceawhile，andthenhesaidinavoiceasofanangryman：
"What，Arnold！anddidhedieinhisbed，orhow？forhewasneitheroldnorailingwhenweparted。"
SaidArnold："Yea，inhisbedhedied：butfirsthewassomewhatsword—bitten。"
"Yea，andhow？"quothWalter。
SaidArnold："Whenthouwertgone，inafewdays’wearing，thyfathersentthywifeoutofhishousebacktoherkindredoftheReddingswithnohonour，andyetwithnosuchshameasmighthavebeen，withoutblametousofthosewhoknewthetaleoftheeandher;which，God—a—mercy，willbeprettymuchthewholeofthecity。"
"Nevertheless，theReddingstookitamiss，andwouldhaveamotewithusGoldingstotalkofbooting。Byill—luckweyea—saidthatforthesavingofthecity’speace。Butwhatbetid？WemetinourGild—hall，andtherebefellthetalkbetweenus;andinthattalkcertainwordscouldnotbehidden，thoughtheywerenonetooseemlynortoomeek。Andthesaidwordsoncespokendrewforththewhettedsteel;andtherethenwasthehewingandthrusting！Twoofourswereslainoutrightonthefloor，andfouroftheirs，andmanywerehurtoneitherside。Ofthesewasthyfather，forasthoumaystwelldeem，hewasnoughtbackwardinthefray;butdespitehishurts，twointhesideandoneonthearm，hewenthomeonhisownfeet，andwedeemedthatwehadcometoourabove。Butwell—a—way！
itwasanevilvictory，whereasintendayshediedofhishurts。
Godhavehissoul！Butnow，mymaster，thoumaystwellwotthatI
amnotcometotelltheethisonly，butmoreovertobearthewordofthekindred，towitthatthoucomebackwithmestraightwayintheswiftcutterwhichhathbornemeandthetidings;andthoumaystlooktoit，thatthoughshebeswiftandlight，sheisakeelfullweatherly。"
ThensaidWalter："Thisisabiddingofwar。ComebackwillI，andtheReddingsshallwotofmycoming。Areyeall—boun？"
"Yea，"saidArnold，"wemayupanchorthisveryday，orto—morrowmornatlatest。Butwhataileththee，master，thatthoustarestsowildovermyshoulder？Ipraytheetakeitnotsomuchtoheart！
Everitisthewontoffatherstodepartthisworldbeforetheirsons。"
ButWalter’svisagefromwrathfulredhadbecomepale，andhepointedupstreet，andcriedout："Look！dostthousee？"
"Seewhat，master？"quothArnold："what！herecomethanapeingayraiment;belikethebeastofsomejongleur。Nay，byGod’swounds！
’tisaman，thoughhebeexceedingmis—shapenlikeaverydevil。
Yeaandnowtherecomethaprettymaidgoingasifshewereofhismeney;andlo！here，amostgoodlyandnoblelady！Yea，Isee;anddoubtlesssheownethboththetwo，andisofthegreatestofthefolkofthisfaircity;foronthemaiden’sankleIsawanironring，whichbetokeneththralldomamongstthesealiens。Butthisisstrange！fornotestthounothowthefolkinthestreetheednotthisquaintshow;naynoteventhestatelylady，thoughshebeaslovelyasagoddessofthegentiles，andbearethonhergemsthatwouldbuyLangtontwiceover;surelytheymustbeover—wonttostrangeandgallantsights。Butnow，master，butnow！"
"Yea，whatisit？"saidWalter。
"Why，master，theyshouldnotyetbegoneoutofeye—shot，yetgonetheyare。Whatisbecomeofthem，aretheysunkintotheearth？"
"Tush，man！"saidWalter，lookingnotonArnold，butstillstaringdownthestreet;"theyhavegoneintosomehousewhilethineeyeswereturnedfromthemamoment。"
"Nay，master，nay，"saidArnold，"mineeyeswerenotoffthemoneinstantoftime。"
"Well，"saidWalter，somewhatsnappishly，"theyaregonenow，andwhathavewetodotoheedsuchtoys，wewithallthisgriefandstrifeonourhands？NowwouldIbealonetoturnthematterofthineerrandoverinmymind。MeantimedothoutelltheshipmasterGeoffreyandourotherfolkofthesetidings，andthereaftergettheeallready;andcomehithertomebeforesunriseto—morrow，andIshallbereadyformypart;andsosailwebacktoLangton。"
Therewithheturnedhimbackintothehouse，andtheotherswenttheirways;butWaltersataloneinhischamberalongwhile，andponderedthesethingsinhismind。Andwhileshemadeuphismindthathewouldthinknomoreofthevisionofthosethree，butwouldfarebacktoLangton，andenterintothestrifewiththeReddingsandquellthem，ordieelse。Butlo，whenhewasquitesteadyinthisdoom，andhisheartwaslightenedthereby，hefoundthathethoughtnomoreoftheReddingsandtheirstrife，butasmattersthatwerepassedanddonewith，andthatnowhewasthinkinganddevisingifbyanymeanshemightfindoutinwhatlanddweltthosethree。Andthenagainhestrovetoputthatfromhim，sayingthatwhathehadseenwasbutmeetforonebrainsick，andadreamerofdreams。Butfurthermorehethought，Yea，andwasArnold，whothislasttimehadseentheimagesofthosethree，adreamerofwakingdreams？forhewasnoughtwontedinsuchwise;thenthoughthe：AtleastIamwellcontentthathespaketomeoftheirlikeness，notI
tohim;forsoImaytellthattherewasatleastsomethingbeforemyeyeswhichgrewnotoutofmineownbrain。Andyetagain，whyshouldIfollowthem;andwhatshouldIgetbyit;andindeedhowshallIsetaboutit？
Thusheturnedthematteroverandover;andatlast，seeingthatifhegrewnofoolisheroverit，hegrewnowiser，hebecamewearythereof，andbestirredhim，andsawtothetrussingupofhisgoods，andmadeallreadyforhisdeparture，andsoworethedayandsleptatnightfall;andatdaybreakcomesArnoldtoleadhimtotheirkeel，whichhighttheBartholomew。Hetarriednought，andwithfewfarewellswentaboardship，andanhouraftertheywereintheopenseawiththeship’sheadturnedtowardLangtononHolm。
CHAPTERIV：STORMBEFALLSTHEBARTHOLOMEW，ANDSHEISDRIVENOFF
HERCOURSE
NowswiftsailedtheBartholomewforfourweekstowardthenorth—
westwithafairwind，andallwaswellwithshipandcrew。Thenthewinddiedoutonevenofaday，sothattheshipscarcemadewayatall，thoughsherolledinagreatswellofthesea，sogreat，thatitseemedtoridgeallthemainathwart。Moreoverdowninthewestwasagreatbankofcloudhuddledupinhaze，whereasfortwentydayspasttheskyhadbeenclear，saveforafewbrightwhitecloudsflyingbeforethewind。Nowtheshipmaster，amanrightcunninginhiscraft，lookedlongonseaandsky，andthenturnedandbadethemarinerstakeinsailandberightheedful。AndwhenWalteraskedhimwhathelookedfor，andwhereforehespakenottohimthereof，hesaidsurlily："WhyshouldItelltheewhatanyfoolcanseewithouttelling，towitthatthereisweathertohand？"
Sotheyabodewhatshouldbefall，andWalterwenttohisroomtosleepawaytheuneasywhile，forthenightwasnowfallen;andheknewnomoretillhewaswakedupbygreathubbubandclamouroftheshipmen，andthewhippingofropes，andthunderofflappingsails，andthetossingandwelteringoftheshipwithal。But，beingaverystout—heartedyoungman，helaystillinhisroom，partlybecausehewasalandsman，andhadnomindtotumbleaboutamongsttheshipmenandhinderthem;andwithalhesaidtohimself：WhatmatterwhetherIgodowntothebottomofthesea，orcomebacktoLangton，sinceeitherwaymylifeormydeathwilltakeawayfrommethefulfilmentofdesire？Yetsoothlyiftherehathbeenashiftofwind，thatisnotsoill;forthenshallwebedriventootherlands，andsoattheleastourhome—comingshallbedelayed，andothertidingsmayhapamidstofourtarrying。Soletallbeasitwill。
Soinalittlewhile，inspiteoftheship’swallowingandthetumultofthewindandwaves，hefellasleepagain，andwokenomoretillitwasfulldaylight，andtherewastheshipmasterstandinginthedoorofhisroom，thesea—waterallstreamingfromhiswet—
weatherraiment。HesaidtoWalter："Youngmaster，theseleofthedaytothee！Forbygoodhapwehavegottenintoanotherday。NowIshalltelltheethatwehavestriventobeat，soasnottobedrivenoffourcourse，butallwouldnotavail，whereforeforthesethreehourswehavebeenrunningbeforethewind;but，fairsir，sobighathbeentheseathatbutforourshipbeingofthestoutest，andourmenallyare，wehadallgrownexceedingwiseconcerningthegroundofthemid—main。PraisebetoSt。NicholasandallHallows！
forthoughyeshallpresentlylookuponanewsea，andmaybeanewlandtoboot，yetisthatbetterthanlookingontheuglythingsdownbelow。"
"Isallwellwithshipandcrewthen？"saidWalter。
"Yeaforsooth，"saidtheshipmaster;"verilytheBartholomewisthedarlingofOakWoods;comeupandlookatit，howsheisdealingwithwindandwavesallfreefromfear。"
SoWalterdidonhisfoul—weatherraiment，andwentupontothequarter—deck，andthereindeedwasachangeofdays;fortheseawasdarkandtumblingmountain—high，andthewhite—horseswererunningdownthevalleysthereof，andthecloudsdravelowoverall，andboreascudofrainalongwiththem;andthoughtherewasbutaragofsailonher，theshipflewbeforethewind，rollingagreatwashofwaterfrombulwarktobulwark。
Walterstoodlookingonitallawhile，holdingonbyastay—rope，andsayingtohimselfthatitwaswellthattheyweredrivingsofasttowardnewthings。
Thentheshipmastercameuptohimandclappedhimontheshoulderandsaid："Well，shipmate，cheerup！andnowcomebelowagainandeatsomemeat，anddrinkacupwithme。"
SoWalterwentdownandateanddrank，andhisheartwaslighterthanithadbeensincehehadheardofhisfather’sdeath，andthefeudawaitinghimathome，whichforsoothhehaddeemedwouldstayhiswanderingsawearywhile，andtherewithalhishopes。Butnowitseemedasifheneedsmustwander，wouldhe，wouldhenot;andsoitwasthateventhisfedhishope;sosorehisheartclungtothatdesireofhistoseekhometothosethreethatseemedtocallhimuntothem。
CHAPTERV：NOWTHEYCOMETOANEWLAND
Threedaystheydravebeforethewind，andonthefourththecloudslifted，thesunshoneoutandtheoffingwasclear;thewindhadmuchabated，thoughitstillblewabreeze，andwasaheadwindforsailingtowardthecountryofLangton。Sothenthemastersaidthat，sincetheywerebewildered，andthewindsoilltodealwith，itwerebesttogostillbeforethewindthattheymightmakesomelandandgetknowledgeoftheirwhereaboutsfromthefolkthereof。
Withalhesaidthathedeemedthelandnottobeveryfardistant。
Sodidthey，andsailedonpleasantlyenough，fortheweatherkeptonmending，andthewindfelltillitwasbutalightbreeze，yetstillfoulforLangton。
Soworethreedays，andontheeveofthethird，themanfromthetopmastcriedoutthathesawlandahead;andsodidtheyallbeforethesunwasquiteset，thoughitwerebutacloudnobiggerthanaman’shand。
Whennightfelltheystrucknotsail，butwentforthtowardthelandfairandsoftly;foritwasearlysummer，sothatthenightswereneitherlongnordark。
Butwhenitwasbroaddaylight，theyopenedaland，alongshoreofrocksandmountains，andnoughtelsethattheycouldseeatfirst。
Neverthelessasdayworeandtheydrewnigher，firsttheysawhowthemountainsfellawayfromthesea，andwerebehindalongwallofsheercliff;andcomingnigheryet，theybeheldagreenplaingoingupafteralittleingreenbentsandslopestothefeetofthesaidcliff—wall。
Nocitynorhavendidtheyseethere，notevenwhentheywerefarnighertotheland;nevertheless，whereastheyhankeredforthepeaceofthegreenearthafterallthetossingandunrestofthesea，andwhereasalsotheydoubtednottofindattheleastgoodandfreshwater，andbelikeotherbaitintheplainunderthemountains，theystillsailedonnotunmerrily;sothatbynightfalltheycastanchorinfive—fathomwaterhardbytheshore。
Nextmorningtheyfoundthattheywerelyingalittlewayoffthemouthofarivernotrightgreat;sotheyputouttheirboatsandtowedtheshipupintothesaidriver，andwhentheyhadgoneupitforamileorthereaboutstheyfoundtheseawaterfailed，forlittlewastheebbandflowofthetideonthatcoast。Thenwastheriverdeepandclear，runningbetweensmoothgrassylandliketomeadows。Alsoontheirleftboardtheysawpresentlythreeheadofneatcattlegoing，asifinameadowofahomesteadintheirownland，andafewsheep;andthereafter，aboutabow—draughtfromtheriver，theysawalittlehouseofwoodandstraw—thatchunderawoodedmound，andwithorchardtreesaboutit。Theywonderedlittlethereat，fortheyknewnocausewhythatlandshouldnotbebuilded，thoughitwereinthefaroutlands。However，theydrewtheirshipuptothebank，thinkingthattheywouldatleastabideawhileandasktidingsandhavesomerefreshingofthegreenplain，whichwassolovelyandpleasant。
Butwhiletheywerebusiedhereintheysawamancomeoutofthehouse，anddowntotherivertomeetthem;andtheysoonsawthathewastallandold，long—hoaryofhairandbeard，andcladmostlyintheskinsofbeasts。
Hedrewnighwithoutanyfearormistrust，andcomingclosetothemgavethemtheseleofthedayinakindlyandpleasantvoice。Theshipmastergreetedhiminhisturn，andsaidwithal："Oldman，artthouthekingofthiscountry？"
Theelderlaughed;"Ithathhadnoneotheralongwhile，"saidhe;
"andatleastthereisnoothersonofAdamheretogainsay。"
"Thouartaloneherethen？"saidthemaster。
"Yea，"saidtheoldman;"saveforthebeastsofthefieldandthewood，andthecreepingthings，andfowl。Whereforeitissweettometohearyourvoices。"
Saidthemaster："Wherebetheotherhousesofthetown？"
Theoldmanlaughed。Saidhe："WhenIsaidthatIwasalone，I
meantthatIwasaloneinthelandandnotonlyaloneinthisstead。
ThereisnohousesavethisbetwixttheseaandthedwellingsoftheBears，overthecliff—wallyonder，yeaandalongwayoverit。"
"Yea，"quoththeshipmastergrinning，"andbethebearsofthycountrysomanlike，thattheydwellinbuildedhouses？"
Theoldmanshookhishead。"Sir，"saidhe，"astotheirbodilyfashion，itisaltogethermanlike，savethattheybeoneandallhigherandbiggerthanmost。Fortheybebearsonlyinname;theybeanationofhalfwildmen;forIhavebeentoldbythemthattherebemanymorethanthattribewhosefolkIhaveseen，andthattheyspreadwideaboutbehindthesemountainsfromeasttowest。
Now，sir，astotheirsoulsandunderstandingsIwarrantthemnot;
formiscreantstheybe，trowingneitherinGodnorhishallows。"
Saidthemaster："TrowtheyinMahoundthen？"
"Nay，"saidtheelder，"IwotnotforsurethattheyhavesomuchasafalseGod;thoughIhaveitfromthemthattheyworshipacertainwomanwithmickleworship。"
ThenspakeWalter："Yea，goodsir，andhowknowestthouthat？dostthoudealwiththematall？"
Saidtheoldman："WhilessomeofthatfolkcomehitherandhaveofmewhatIcanspare;acalfortwo，orahalf—dozenoflambsorhoggets;oraskinofwineorcyderofmineownmaking：andtheygivemeinreturnsuchthingsasIcanuse，asskinsofhartandbearandotherpeltries;fornowIamold，Icanbutlittleofthehuntinghereabout。Whiles，also，theybringlittlelumpsofpurecopper，andwouldgivemegoldalso，butitisoflittleuseinthislonelyland。Soothtosay，tometheyarenotmasterfulorrough—
handed;butgladamIthattheyhavebeenherebutoflate，andarenotliketocomeagainthiswhile;forterribletheyareofaspect，andwhereasyebealiens，beliketheywouldnotholdtheirhandsfromoffyou;andmoreoveryehaveweaponsandothermatterswhichtheywouldcovetsorely。"
Quoththemaster："Sincethoudealestwiththesewildmen，willyenotdealwithusinchaffer？Forwhereaswearecomefromlongtravel，wehankerafterfreshvictual，andhereaboardaremanythingswhichwereforthineavail。"
Saidtheoldman："AllthatIhaveisyours，sothatyedobutleavemeenoughtillmynextingathering：ofwineandcyder，suchasitis，Ihaveplentyforyourservice;yemaydrinkittillitisallgone，ifyewill：alittlecornandmealIhave，butnotmuch;
yetareyewelcomethereto，sincethestandingcorninmygarthisdoneblossoming，andIhaveothermeat。CheeseshaveIanddriedfish;takewhatyewillthereof。Butastomyneatandsheep，ifyehavesoreneedofany，andwillhavethem，Imaynotsayyounay：
butIprayyouifyemaydowithoutthem，nottotakemymilch—
beastsortheirengenderers;for，asyehaveheardmesay，theBear—
folkhavebeenherebutoflate，andtheyhavehadofmeallImightspare：butnowletmetellyou，ifyelongafterflesh—meat，thatthereisvenisonofhartandhind，yea，andofbuckanddoe，tobehadonthisplain，andaboutthelittlewoodsatthefeetoftherock—wallyonder：neitheraretheyexceedingwild;forsinceImaynottakethem，Iscarethemnot，andnoothermandotheyseetohurtthem;fortheBear—folkcomestraighttomyhouse，andfarestraighthomethence。ButIwillleadyouthenighestwaytowherethevenisoniseasiesttobegotten。Astothewaresinyourship，ifyewillgivemeaughtIwilltakeitwithagoodwill;andchieflyifyehaveafairknifeortwoandarolloflinencloth，thatwereagoodrefreshmenttome。ButinanycasewhatIhavetogiveisfreetoyouandwelcome。"
Theshipmasterlaughed："Friend，"saidhe，"wecantheemicklethanksforallthatthoubiddestus。Andwotwellthatwebenoliftersorsea—thievestotakethylivelihoodfromthee。Soto—
morrow，ifthouwilt，wewillgowiththeeandupraisethehunt，andmeanwhilewewillcomealand，andwalkonthegreengrass，andwaterourshipwiththygoodfreshwater。"
Sotheoldcarlewentbacktohishousetomakethemreadywhatcheerhemight，andtheshipmen，whoweretwentyandone，alltold，whatwiththemarinersandArnoldandWalter’sservants，wentashore，allbuttwowhowatchedtheshipandabodetheirturn。Theywentwell—weaponed，forboththemasterandWalterdeemedwarinesswisdom，lestallmightnotbesogoodasitseemed。Theytookoftheirsail—clothsashoreandtiltedtheminonthemeadowbetwixtthehouseandtheship，andthecarlebroughtthemwhathehadfortheiravail，offreshfruits，andcheeses，andmilk，andwine，andcyder，andhoney，andtheretheyfeastednowiseill，andwererightfain。
CHAPTERVI：THEOLDMANTELLSWALTEROFHIMSELF。WALTERSEESA
SHARDINTHECLIFF—WALL
Butwhentheyhaddonetheirmeatanddrinkthemasterandtheshipmenwentaboutthewateringoftheship，andtheothersstrayedoffalongthemeadow，sothatpresentlyWalterwasleftalonewiththecarle，andfelltospeechwithhimandsaid："Father，meseemeththoushouldesthavesomestrangetaletotell，andasyetwehaveaskedtheeofnoughtsavemeatforourbellies：nowifIasktheeconcerningthylife，andhowthoucamesthither，andabidedhere，wiltthoutellmeaught？"
Theoldmansmiledonhimandsaid："Son，mytalewerelongtotell;andmayhappenconcerningmuchthereofmymemoryshouldfailme;andwithalthereisgrieftherein，whichIwerelothtoawaken：
neverthelessifthouask，IwillanswerasImay，andinanycasewilltelltheenoughtsavethetruth。"
SaidWalter："Wellthen，hastthoubeenlonghere？"
"Yea，"saidthecarle，"sinceIwasayoungman，andastalwarthknight。"
SaidWalter："Thishouse，didstthoubuildit，andraisethesegarths，andplantorchardandvineyard，andgathertogethertheneatandthesheep，ordidsomeotherdoallthisforthee？"
Saidthecarle："Ididnoneofallthis;therewasoneherebeforeme，andIenteredintohisinheritance，asthoughthiswerealordlymanor，withafaircastlethereon，andallwellstockedandplenished。"
SaidWalter："Didstthoufindthyforegoeralivehere？"
"Yea，"saidtheelder，"yethelivedbutforalittlewhileafterI
cametohim。"
Hewassilentawhile，andthenhesaid："Islewhim：evensowouldhehaveit，thoughIbadehimabetterlot。"
SaidWalter："Didstthoucomehitherofthineownwill？"
"Mayhappen，"saidthecarle;"whoknoweth？NowhaveInowilltodoeitherthisorthat。Itiswontthatmakethmedo，orrefrain。"
SaidWalter："Tellmethis;whydidstthouslaytheman？didheanyscathetothee？"
Saidtheelder："WhenIslewhim，Ideemedthathewasdoingmeallscathe：butnowIknowthatitwasnotso。Thusitwas：Iwouldneedsgowherehehadbeenbefore，andhestoodinthepathagainstme;andIoverthrewhim，andwentonthewayIwould。"
"Whatcamethereof？"saidWalter。
"Evilcameofit，"saidthecarle。
ThenwasWaltersilentawhile，andtheoldmanspakenothing;buttherecameasmileinhisfacethatwasbothslyandsomewhatsad。
Walterlookedonhimandsaid："Wasitfromhencethatthouwouldstgothatroad？"
"Yea，"saidthecarle。
SaidWalter："Andnowwiltthoutellmewhatthatroadwas;whitheritwentandwheretoitled，thatthoumustneedswendit，thoughthyfirststridewereoveradeadman？"
"Iwillnottellthee，"saidthecarle。
Thentheyheldtheirpeace，bothofthem，andthereaftergotontoothertalkofnoimport。
Soworethedaytillnightcame;andtheysleptsafely，andonthemorrowaftertheyhadbrokentheirfast，themorepartofthemsetoffwiththecarletothehunting，andtheywent，allofthem，athreehours’faringtowardsthefootofthecliffs，whichwasallgrownoverwithcoppice，hazelandthorn，withhereandthereabigoakorash—tree;thereitwas，saidtheoldman，wherethevenisonwasmostandbest。
Oftheirhuntingneednoughtbesaid，savingthatwhenthecarlehadputthemonthetrackofthedeerandshownthemwhattodo，hecamebackagainwithWalter，whohadnogreatlustforthehunting，andsorelylongedtohavesomemoretalkwiththesaidcarle。Heforhispartseemednoughtloththereto，andsoledWaltertoamoundorhillockamidsttheclearoftheplain，whenceallwastobeseensavewherethewoodcoveredit;butjustbeforewheretheynowlaydowntherewasnowood，savelowbushes，betwixtthemandtherock—
wall;andWalternotedthatwhereasotherwhere，saveinoneplacewheretotheireyeswereturned，thecliffsseemedwellnighorquitesheer，orindeedinsomeplacesbeetlingover，inthatsaidplacetheyfellawayfromeachotheroneitherside;andbeforethissinkingwasaslopeorscree，thatwentgentlyuptowardthesinkingofthewall。Walterlookedlongandearnestlyatthisplace，andspakenought，tillthecarlesaid："What！thouhastfoundsomethingbeforetheetolookon。Whatisitthen？"
QuothWalter："Somewouldsaythatwhereyonderslopesruntogetheruptowardsthatsinkinginthecliff—walltherewillbeapassintothecountrybeyond。"
Thecarlesmiledandsaid："Yea，son;nor，sosaying，wouldtheyerr;forthatisthepassintotheBear—country，wherebythosehugemencomedowntochafferwithme。"
"Yea，"saidWalter;andtherewithheturnedhimalittle，andscannedtherock—wall，andsawhowafewmilesfromthatpassitturnedsomewhatsharplytowardthesea，narrowingtheplainmuchthere，tillitmadeabight，thefacewhereoflookedwellnighnorth，insteadofwest，asdidthemorepartofthewall。Andinthemidstofthatnorthern—lookingbightwasadarkplacewhichseemedtoWalterlikeadownrightshardinthecliff。Forthefaceofthewallwasofableakgrey，anditwasbutlittlefurrowed。
SothenWalterspake："Lo，oldfriend，thereyonderisagainaplacethatmeseemethisapass;whereuntodoththatonelead？"Andhepointedtoit：buttheoldmandidnotfollowthepointingofhisfinger，but，lookingdownontheground，answeredconfusedly，andsaid：
"Maybe：Iwotnot。IdeemthatitalsoleadethintotheBear—
countrybyaroundaboutroad。Itleadethintothefarland。"
Walteranswerednought：forastrangethoughthadcomeuppermostinhismind，thatthecarleknewfarmorethanhewouldsayofthatpass，andthathehimselfmightbeledtherebytofindthewondrousthree。Hecaughthisbreathhardly，andhisheartknockedagainsthisribs;butherefrainedfromspeakingforalongwhile;butatlasthespakeinasharphardvoice，whichhescarceknewforhisown："Father，tellme，IadjuretheebyGodandAll—hallows，wasitthroughyondershardthattheroadlay，whenthoumustneedsmakethyfirststrideoveradeadman？"
Theoldmanspakenotawhile，thenheraisedhishead，andlookedWalterfullintheeyes，andsaidinasteadyvoice："NO，ITWAS
NOT。"Thereaftertheysatlookingateachotherawhile;butatlastWalterturnedhiseyesaway，butknewnotwhattheybeheldnorwherehewas，buthewasasoneinaswoon。Forheknewfullwellthatthecarlehadliedtohim，andthathemightaswellhavesaidayeasno，andtoldhim，thatitverilywasbythatsameshardthathehadstriddenoveradeadman。Neverthelesshemadeaslittlesemblancethereofashemight，andpresentlycametohimself，andfelltotalkingofothermatters，thathadnoughttodowiththeadventuresoftheland。Butafterawhilehespakesuddenly，andsaid："Mymaster，Iwasthinkingofathing。"
"Yea，ofwhat？"saidthecarle。
"Ofthis，"saidWalter;"thathereinthislandbestrangeadventurestoward，andthatifwe，andIinespecial，weretoturnourbacksonthem，andgohomewithnothingdone，itwerepityofourlives：forallwillbedullanddeedlessthere。Iwasdeemingitweregoodifwetriedtheadventure。"
"Whatadventure？"saidtheoldman，risinguponhiselbowandstaringsternlyonhim。
SaidWalter："Thewendingyonderpasstotheeastward，wherebythehugemencometotheefromoutoftheBear—country;thatwemightseewhatshouldcomethereof。"
Thecarleleanedbackagain，andsmiledandshookhishead，andspake："Thatadventurewerespeedilyproven：deathwouldcomeofit，myson。"
"Yea，andhow？"saidWalter。
Thecarlesaid："Thebigmenwouldtakethee，andoffertheeupasablood—offeringtothatwoman，whoistheirMawmet。Andifyegoall，thenshalltheydothelikewithallofyou。"
SaidWalter："Isthatsure？"
"Deadsure，"saidthecarle。
"Howknowestthouthis？"saidWalter。
"Ihavebeentheremyself，"saidthecarle。
"Yea，"saidWalter，"butthoucamestawaywhole。"
"Artthousurethereof？"saidthecarle。
"Thouartaliveyet，oldman，"saidWalter，"forIhaveseentheeeatthymeat，whichghostsusenottodo。"Andhelaughed。
Buttheoldmanansweredsoberly："IfIescaped，itwasbythis，thatanotherwomansavedme，andnotoftenshallthatbefall。NorwhollywasIsaved;mybodyescapedforsooth。Butwhereismysoul？
Whereismyheart，andmylife？Youngman，Iredethee，trynosuchadventure;butgohometothykindredifthoucanst。Moreover，wouldstthoufarealone？Theothersshallhinderthee。"
SaidWalter："Iamthemaster;theyshalldoasIbidthem：
besides，theywillbewellpleasedtosharemygoodsamongstthemifIgivethemawritingtoclearthemofallchargeswhichmightbebroughtagainstthem。"
"Myson！myson！"saidthecarle，"Ipraytheegonottothydeath！"
Walterheardhimsilently，butasifhewerepersuadedtorefrain;
andthentheoldmanfellto，andtoldhimmuchconcerningthisBear—folkandtheircustoms，speakingveryfreelyofthem;butWalter’searswerescarceopentothistalk：whereashedeemedthatheshouldhavenoughttodowiththosewildmen;andhedurstnotaskagainconcerningthecountrywheretoledthepassonthenorthward。
CHAPTERVII：WALTERCOMESTOTHESHARDINTHEROCK—WALL
Astheywereinconversethus，theyheardthehuntersblowingontheirhornsalltogether;whereontheoldmanarose，andsaid："I
deembytheblowingthatthehuntwillbeoveranddone，andthattheybeblowingontheirfellowswhohavegonescatter—mealaboutthewood。Itisnowsomefivehoursafternoon，andthymenwillbegettingbackwiththeirvenison，andwillbefainestofthevictualstheyhavecaught;thereforewillIhastenonbefore，andgetreadyfireandwaterandothermattersforthecooking。Wiltthoucomewithme，youngmaster，orabidethymenhere？"
Waltersaidlightly："Iwillrestandabidethemhere;sinceI
cannotfailtoseethemhenceastheygoontheirwaystothinehouse。AnditmaybewellthatIbeathandtocommandthemandforbid，andputsomeorderamongstthem，forroughplaymatestheybe，someofthem，andnowallheatedwiththehuntingandthejoyofthegreenearth。"Thushespoke，asifnoughtweretowardsavesupperandbed;butinwardlyhopeandfearwerecontendinginhim，andagainhisheartbeatsohard，thathedeemedthatthecarlemustsurelyhearit。Buttheoldmantookhimbutaccordingtohisoutwardseeming，andnoddedhishead，andwentawayquietlytowardhishouse。
Whenhehadbeengonealittle，Walterroseupheedfully;hehadwithhimascripwhereinwassomecheeseandhard—fish，andalittleflasketofwine;ashortbowhehadwithhim，andaquiverofarrows;andhewasgirtwithastrongandgoodsword，andawood—
knifewithal。Helookedtoallthisgearthatitwasnoughtamiss，andthenspeedilywentdownoffthemound，andwhenhewascomedown，hefoundthatitcoveredhimfrommencomingoutofthewood，ifhewentstraightthencetothatshardoftherock—wallwherewasthepassthatledsouthward。
Nowitisnonaythatthitherwardheturned，andwentwisely，lestthecarleshouldmakeabackwardcast，andseehim，orlestanystragglerofhisownfolkmighthappenuponhim。
Fortosaysooth，hedeemedthatdidtheywindhim，theywouldbeliketolethimofhisjourney。Hehadnotedthebearingsofthecliffsnightheshard，andwhereashecouldseetheirheadseverywhereexceptfromthedepthsofthethicket，hewasnotliketogoastray。
Hehadmadenogreatwayereheheardthehornsblowingalltogetheragaininoneplace，andlookingthitherwardthroughtheleafyboughs（forhewasnowamidstofathicket）hesawhismenthrongingthemound，andhadnodoubtthereforethattheywereblowingonhim;butbeingwellundercoverheheededitnought，andlyingstillalittle，sawthemgodownoffthemoundandgoallofthemtowardthecarle’shouse，stillblowingastheywent，butnotfaringscatter—
meal。Whereforeitwasclearthattheywerenoughttroubledabouthim。
Sohewentonhiswaytotheshard;andthereisnothingtosayofhisjourneytillhegotbeforeitwiththelastoftheclearday，andentereditstraightway。Itwasinsoothadownrightbreachorcleftintherock—wall，andtherewasnohillorbentleadinguptoit，nothingbutatumbleofstonesbeforeit，whichwassomewhatuneasygoing，yetneedednoughtbutlabourtoovercomeit，andwhenhehadgotoverthis，andwasintheverypassitself，hefounditnoillgoing：forsoothatfirstitwaslittleworsethanaroughroadbetwixttwogreatstonyslopes，thoughalittletrickleofwaterrandownamidstofit。So，thoughitwassonighnightfall，yetWalterpressedon，yea，andlongaftertheverynightwascome。
Forthemoonrosewideandbrightalittleafternightfall。Butatlasthehadgonesolong，andwassowearied，thathedeemeditnoughtbutwisdomtoresthim，andsolaydownonapieceofgreenswardbetwixtthestones，whenhehadeatenamorseloutofhissatchel，anddrunkofthewateroutofthestream。Thereashelay，ifhehadanydoubtofperil，hiswearinesssoonmadeitallonetohim，forpresentlyhewassleepingassoundlyasanymaninLangtononHolm。
CHAPTERVIII：WALTERWENDSTHEWASTE
Daywasyetyoungwhenheawoke：heleapttohisfeet，andwentdowntothestreamanddrankofitswaters，andwashedthenightoffhiminapoolthereof，andthensetforthonhiswayagain。Whenhehadgonesomethreehours，theroad，whichhadbeengoingupalltheway，butsomewhatgently，grewsteeper，andthebentoneithersidelowered，andlowered，tillitsankatlastaltogether，andthenwasheonaroughmountain—neckwithlittlegrass，andnowater;savethatnowandagainwasasoftplacewithaflowamidstofit，andsuchplaceshemustneedsfetchacompassabout，lesthebemired。
Hegavehimselfbutlittlerest，eatingwhatheneedsmustashewent。Thedaywasbrightandcalm，sothatthesunwasneverhidden，andhesteeredbyitduesouth。Allthatdayhewent，andfoundnomorechangeinthathugeneck，savethatwhilesitwasmoreandwhileslesssteep。Alittlebeforenightfallhehappenedonashallowpoolsometwentyyardsover;andhedeemeditgoodtorestthere，sincetherewaswaterforhisavail，thoughhemighthavemadesomewhatmoreoutofthetailendoftheday。
Whendawncameagainheawokeandarose，norspentmuchtimeoverhisbreakfast;butpressedonallhemight;andnowhesaidtohimself，thatwhatsoeverotherperilwereathwarthisway，hewasoutofthedangerofthechaseofhisownfolk。
Allthiswhilehehadseennofour—footedbeast，savenowandagainahill—fox，andoncesomeoutlandishkindofhare;andoffowlbutveryfew：acrowortwo，along—wingedhawk，andtwiceaneaglehighupaloft。
Again，thethirdnight，hesleptinthestonywilderness，whichstillledhimupandup。Onlytowardtheendoftheday，himseemedthatithadbeenlesssteepforalongwhile：otherwisenoughtwaschanged，onallsidesitwasnoughtbuttheendlessneck，wherefromnoughtcouldbeseen，butsomeotherpartofitself。Thisfourthnightwithalhefoundnowaterwherebyhemightrest，sothatheawokeparched，andlongingtodrinkjustwhenthedawnwasatitscoldest。
Butonthefifthmorrowthegroundrosebutlittle，andatlast，whenhehadbeengoingwearilyalongwhile，andnow，hardonnoontide，histhirstgrievedhimsorely，hecameonaspringwellingoutfromunderahighrock，thewaterwherefromtrickledfeeblyaway。Soeagerwashetodrink，thatatfirstheheedednoughtelse;butwhenhisthirstwasfullyquenchedhiseyescaughtsightofthestreamwhichflowedfromthewell，andhegaveashout，forlo！itwasrunningsouth。Whereforeitwaswithamerryheartthathewenton，andashewent，cameonmorestreams，allrunningsouthorthereabouts。Hehastenedonallhemight，butindespiteofallthespeedhemade，andthathefeltthelandnowgoingdownsouthward，nightovertookhiminthatsamewilderness。Yetwhenhestayedatlastforsheerweariness，helaydowninwhathedeemedbythemoonlighttobeashallowvalley，witharidgeatthesouthernendthereof。
Hesleptlong，andwhenheawokethesunwashighintheheavens，andneverwasbrighterorclearermorningontheearththanwasthat。Hearoseandateofwhatlittlewasyetlefthim，anddrankofthewaterofastreamwhichhehadfollowedtheeveningbefore，andbesidewhichhehadlaidhimdown;andthensetforthagainwithnogreathopetocomeonnewtidingsthatday。Butyetwhenhewasfairlyafoot，himseemedthattherewassomethingnewintheairwhichhebreathed，thatwassoftandboresweetscentshometohim;
whereasheretofore，andthatespeciallyforthelastthreeorfourdays，ithadbeenharshandvoid，likethefaceofthedesertitself。
Soonhewent，andpresentlywasmountingtheridgeaforesaid，and，asofthappenswhenoneclimbsasteepplace，hekepthiseyesontheground，tillhefelthewasonthetopoftheridge。Thenhestoppedtotakebreath，andraisedhisheadandlooked，andlo！hewasverilyonthebrowofthegreatmountain—neck，anddownbelowhimwasthehangingofthegreathill—slopes，whichfelldown，notslowly，asthosehehadbeenthosedaysa—mounting，butspeedilyenough，thoughwithlittleofbrokenplacesorsheercliffs。Butbeyondthislastofthedeserttherewasbeforehimalovelylandofwoodedhills，greenplains，andlittlevalleys，stretchingoutfarandwide，tillitendedatlastingreatbluemountainsandwhitesnowypeaksbeyondthem。
Thenforverysurpriseofjoyhisspiritwavered，andhefeltfaintanddizzy，sothathewasfaintositdownawhileandcoverhisfacewithhishands。Presentlyhecametohissobermindagain，andstoodupandlookedforthkeenly，andsawnosignofanydwellingofman。Buthesaidtohimselfthatthatmightwellbebecausethegoodandwell—grassedlandwasstillsofaroff，andthathemightyetlooktofindmenandtheirdwellingswhenhehadleftthemountainwildernessquitebehindhim：Sotherewithhefelltogoinghiswaysdownthemountain，andlostlittletimetherein，whereashenowhadhislivelihoodtolookto。
CHAPTERIX：WALTERHAPPENETHONTHEFIRSTOFTHOSETHREECREATURES
Whatwithonething，whatwithanother，ashishavingtoturnoutofhiswayforsheerrocks，orforslopessosteepthathemightnottrytheperilofthem，andagainforbogsimpassable，hewasfullythreedaysmorebeforehehadquitecomeoutofthestonywaste，andbythattime，thoughhehadneverlackedwater，hisscantyvictualwasquitedone，forallhiscarefulhusbandrythereof。Butthistroubledhimlittle，whereashelookedtofindwildfruitshereandthereandtoshootsomesmalldeer，ashareorconey，andmakeashifttocookthesame，sincehehadwithhimflintandfire—steel。
Moreoverthefurtherhewent，thesurerhewasthatheshouldsooncomeacrossadwelling，sosmoothandfairaseverythinglookedbeforehim。Andhehadscantfear，savethathemighthappenonmenwhoshouldenthrallhim。
Butwhenhewascomedownpastthefirstgreenslopes，hewassoworn，thathesaidtohimselfthatrestwasbetterthanmeat，solittleashehadsleptforthelastthreedays;sohelaidhimdownunderanash—treebyastream—side，noraskedwhatwaso’clock，buthadhisfillofsleep，andevenwhenheawokeinthefreshmorningwaslittlefainofrising，butlaybetwixtsleepingandwakingforsomethreehoursmore;thenhearose，andwentfurtherdownthenextgreenbent，yetsomewhatslowlybecauseofhishunger—weakness。Andthescentofthatfairlandcameuptohimliketheodourofonegreatnosegay。
Sohecametowherethelandwaslevel，andthereweremanytrees，asoakandash，andsweet—chestnutandwych—elm，andhornbeamandquicken—tree，notgrowinginaclosewoodortangledthicket，butsetasthoughinorderontheflowerygreensward，evenasitmightbeinagreatking’spark。
Socamehetoabigbird—cherry，whereofmanyboughshunglowdownladenwithfruit：hisbellyrejoicedatthesight，andhecaughtholdofabough，andfelltopluckingandeating。Butwhileshewasamidstofthis，heheardsuddenly，closeanighhim，astrangenoiseofroaringandbraying，notverygreat，butexceedingfierceandterrible，andnotliketothevoiceofanybeastthatheknew。Ashasbeenaforesaid，Walterwasnofaint—heart;butwhatwiththeweaknessofhistravailandhunger，whatwiththestrangenessofhisadventureandhisloneliness，hisspiritfailedhim;heturnedroundtowardsthenoise，hiskneesshookandhetrembled：thiswayandthathelooked，andthengaveagreatcryandtumbleddowninaswoon;forclosebeforehim，athisveryfeet，wasthedwarfwhoseimagehehadseenbefore，cladinhisyellowcoat，andgrinningupathimfromhishideoushairycountenance。
Howlonghelaythereasonedead，heknewnot，butwhenhewokeagaintherewasthedwarfsittingonhishamsclosebyhim。Andwhenhelifteduphishead，thedwarfsentoutthatfearfulharshvoiceagain;butthistimeWaltercouldmakeoutwordstherein，andknewthatthecreaturespokeandsaid：
"Hownow！Whatartthou？Whencecomest？Whatwantest？"
Waltersatupandsaid："Iamaman;IhightGoldenWalter;IcomefromLangton;Iwantvictual。"
Saidthedwarf，writhinghisfacegrievously，andlaughingforsooth：
"Iknowitall：Iaskedtheetoseewhatwisethouwouldstlie。I
wassentforthtolookforthee;andIhavebroughttheeloathsomebreadwithme，suchasyealiensmustneedseat：takeit！"
Therewithhedrewaloaffromasatchelwhichhebore，andthrustittowardsWalter，whotookitsomewhatdoubtfullyforallhishunger。
Thedwarfyelledathim："Artthoudainty，alien？Wouldstthouhaveflesh？Well，givemethybowandanarrowortwo，sincethouartlazy—sick，andIwillgettheeaconeyorahare，oraquailmaybe。Ah，Iforgot;thouartdainty，andwiltnoteatfleshasI
do，bloodandalltogether，butmustneedshalfburnitinthefire，ormaritwithhotwater;astheysaymyLadydoes：orastheWretch，theThingdoes;Iknowthat，forIhaveseenIteating。"
"Nay，"saidWalter，"thissufficeth;"andhefelltoeatingthebread，whichwassweetbetweenhisteeth。Thenwhenhehadeatenawhile，forhungercompelledhim，hesaidtothedwarf："ButwhatmeanestthoubytheWretchandtheThing？AndwhatLadyisthyLady？"
Thecreatureletoutanotherwordlessroarasoffuriousanger;andthenthewordscame："Ithathafacewhiteandred，liketothine;
andhandswhiteasthine，yea，butwhiter;andthelikeitisunderneathitsraiment，onlywhiterstill：forIhaveseenIt——yes，IhaveseenIt;ahyesandyesandyes。"
Andtherewithhiswordsranintogibberandyelling，andherolledaboutandsmoteatthegrass：butinawhilehegrewquietagainandsatstill，andthenfelltolaughinghorriblyagain，andthensaid："Butthou，fool，wiltthinkItfairifthoufallestintoItshands，andwiltrepentitthereafter，asIdid。Oh，themockingandgibesofIt，andthetearsandshrieksofIt;andtheknife！What！
sayestthouofmyLady？——WhatLady？Oalien，whatotherLadyisthere？AndwhatshallItelltheeofher？itislikethatshemademe，asshemadetheBearmen。ButshemadenottheWretch，theThing;andshehatethItsorely，asIdo。Andsomedaytocome——"
Thereathebrakeoffandfelltowordlessyellingalongwhile，andthereafterspakeallpanting："NowIhavetoldtheeovermuch，andO
ifmyLadycometohearthereof。NowIwillgo。"
Andtherewithhetookouttwomoreloavesfromhiswallet，andtossedthemtoWalter，andsoturnedandwenthisways;whileswalkingupright，asWalterhadseenhisimageonthequayofLangton;whilesboundingandrollinglikeaballthrownbyalad;
whilesscuttlingalongonall—fourslikeanevilbeast，andeverandanongivingforththatharshandevilcry。
Waltersatawhileafterhewasoutofsight，sostrickenwithhorrorandloathingandafearofheknewnotwhat，thathemightnotmove。Thenhepluckedupaheart，andlookedtohisweaponsandputtheotherloavesintohisscrip。
Thenhearoseandwenthiswayswondering，yeaanddreading，whatkindofcreatureheshouldnextfallinwith。Forsoothlyitseemedtohimthatitwouldbeworsethandeathiftheywereallsuchasthisone;andthatifitwereso，hemustneedsslayandbeslain。
CHAPTERX：WALTERHAPPENETHONANOTHERCREATUREINTHESTRANGELAND
Butashewentonthroughthefairandsweetlandsobrightandsun—
litten，andhenowrestedandfed，thehorrorandfearranofffromhim，andhewanderedonmerrily，neitherdidaughtbefallhimsavethecomingofnight，whenhelaidhimdownunderagreatspreadingoakwithhisdrawnswordreadytohand，andfellasleepatonce，andwokenottillthesunwashigh。
Thenhearoseandwentonhiswayagain;andthelandwasnoworserthanyesterday;butevenbetter，itmightbe;thegreenswardmoreflowery，theoaksandchestnutsgreater。Deerofdiversekindshesaw，andmighteasilyhavegothismeatthereof;buthemeddlednotwiththemsincehehadhisbread，andwastimorousoflightingafire。Withalhedoubtedlittleofhavingsomeentertainment;andthat，mightbe，noughtevil;sinceeventhatfearfuldwarfhadbeencourteoustohimafterhiskind，andhaddonehimgoodandnotharm。
ButofthehappeningontheWretchandtheThing，whereofthedwarfspake，hewasyetsomewhatafeard。
Afterhehadgoneawhileandwhenasthesummermornwasatitsbrightest，hesawalittlewayaheadagreyrockrisingupfromamidstofaringofoak—trees;soheturnedthitherstraightway;forinthisplain—landhehadseennorocksheretofore;andashewenthesawthattherewasafountaingushingoutfromundertherock，whichranthenceinafairlittlestream。Andwhenhehadtherockandthefountainandthestreamclearbeforehim，lo！achildofAdamsittingbesidethefountainundertheshadowoftherock。Hedrewalittlenigher，andthenhesawthatitwasawoman，cladingreenliketheswardwhereonshelay。Shewasplayingwiththewellingoutofthewater，andshehadtrusseduphersleevestotheshoulderthatshemightthrustherbarearmstherein。Hershoesofblackleatherlayonthegrassbesideher，andherfeetandlegsyetshonewiththebrook。
Belikeamidstthesplashingandclatterofthewatershedidnothearhimdrawingnigh，sothathewasclosetoherbeforesheliftedupherfaceandsawhim，andhebeheldher，thatitwasthemaidenofthethrice—seenpageant。Shereddenedwhenshesawhim，andhastilycoveredupherlegswithhergown—skirt，anddrewdownthesleevesoverherarms，butotherwisestirrednot。Asforhim，hestoodstill，strivingtospeaktoher;butnowordmighthebringout，andhisheartbeatsorely。
Butthemaidenspaketohiminaclearsweetvoice，whereinwasnownotrouble："Thouartanalien，artthounot？ForIhavenotseentheebefore。"
"Yea，"hesaid，"Iamanalien;wiltthoubegoodtome？"
Shesaid："Andwhynot？Iwasafraidatfirst，forIthoughtithadbeentheKing’sSon。Ilookedtoseenoneother;forofgoodlymenhehasbeentheonlyonehereinthelandthislongwhile，tillthycoming。"
Hesaid："Didstthoulookformycomingataboutthistime？"
"Onay，"shesaid;"howmightI？"
SaidWalter："Iwotnot;buttheothermanseemedtobelookingforme，andknewofme，andhebroughtmebreadtoeat。"
Shelookedonhimanxiously，andgrewsomewhatpale，asshesaid：
"Whatotherone？"
NowWalterdidnotknowwhatthedwarfmightbetoher，fellow—
servantorwhatnot，sohewouldnotshowhisloathingofhim;butansweredwisely："Thelittlemanintheyellowraiment。"
Butwhensheheardthatword，shewentsuddenlyverypale，andleanedherheadaback，andbeattheairwithherhands;butsaidpresentlyinafaintvoice："IpraytheetalknotofthatonewhileIamby，noreventhinkofhim，ifthoumayestforbear。"
Hespakenot，andshewasalittlewhilebeforeshecametoherselfagain;thensheopenedhereyes，andlookeduponWalterandsmiledkindlyonhim，asthoughtoaskhispardonforhavingscaredhim。
Thensheroseupinherplace，andstoodbeforehim;andtheywerenightogether，forthestreambetwixtthemwaslittle。
Buthestilllookedanxiouslyuponherandsaid："HaveIhurtthee？
Ipraythypardon。"
Shelookedonhimmoresweetlystill，andsaid："Onay;thouwouldstnothurtme，thou！"
Thensheblushedveryred，andheinlikewise;butafterwardssheturnedpale，andlaidahandonherbreast，andWaltercriedouthastily："Ome！Ihavehurttheeagain。WhereinhaveIdoneamiss？"
"Innought，innought，"shesaid;"butIamtroubled，Iwotnotwherefore;somethoughthathtakenholdofme，andIknowitnot。
MayhappeninalittlewhileIshallknowwhattroublesme。NowI
bidtheedepartfrommealittle，andIwillabidehere;andwhenthoucomestback，itwilleitherbethatIhavefounditoutornot;
andineithercaseIwilltellthee。"
Shespokeearnestlytohim;buthesaid："HowlongshallIabideaway？"
Herfacewastroubledassheansweredhim："Fornolongwhile。"
Hesmiledonherandturnedaway，andwentaspacetotheothersideoftheoak—trees，whenceshewasstillwithineyeshot。Thereheabodeuntilthetimeseemedlongtohim;butheschooledhimselfandforbore;forhesaid：Lestshesendmeawayagain。Soheabideduntilagainthetimeseemedlongtohim，andshecallednottohim：
butonceagainheforboretogo;thenatlasthearose，andhisheartbeatandhetrembled，andhewalkedbackagainspeedily，andcametothemaiden，whowasstillstandingbytherockofthespring，herarmshangingdown，hereyesdowncast。Shelookedupathimashedrewnigh，andherfacechangedwitheagernessasshesaid："Iamgladthouartcomeback，thoughitbenolongwhilesincethydeparture"（soothtosayitwasscarcehalfanhourinall）。"NeverthelessIhavebeenthinkingmanythings，andthereofwillInowtellthee。"
Hesaid："Maiden，thereisariverbetwixtus，thoughitbenobigone。ShallInotstrideover，andcometothee，thatwemaysitdowntogethersidebysideonthegreengrass？"
"Nay，"shesaid，"notyet;tarryawhiletillIhavetoldtheeofmatters。Imustnowtelltheeofmythoughtsinorder。"
Hercolourwentandcamenow，andsheplaitedthefoldsofhergownwithrestlessfingers。Atlastshesaid："Nowthefirstthingisthis;thatthoughthouhastseenmefirstonlywithinthishour，thouhastsetthineheartuponmetohavemeforthyspeech—friendandthydarling。Andifthisbenotso，thenisallmyspeech，yeaandallmyhope，cometoanendatonce。"
"Oyea！"saidWalter，"evensoitis：buthowthouhastfoundthisoutIwotnot;sincenowforthefirsttimeIsayit，thatthouartindeedmylove，andmydearandmydarling。"
"Hush，"shesaid，"hush！lestthewoodhaveears，andthyspeechisloud：abide，andIshalltelltheehowIknowit。Whetherthisthyloveshalloutlastthefirsttimethatthouholdestmybodyinthinearms，Iwotnot，nordostthou。Butsoreismyhopethatitmaybeso;forIalso，thoughitbebutscarceanhoursinceIseteyesonthee，havecastmineeyesontheetohavetheeformyloveandmydarling，andmyspeech—friend。AndthisishowIwotthatthoulovestme，myfriend。Nowisallthisdearandjoyful，andoverflowsmyheartwithsweetness。ButnowmustItelltheeofthefearandtheevilwhichliethbehindit。"
ThenWalterstretchedouthishandstoher，andcriedout："Yea，yea！Butwhateverevilentangleus，nowwebothknowthesetwothings，towit，thatthoulovestme，andIthee，wiltthounotcomehither，thatImaycastminearmsaboutthee，andkissthee，ifnotthykindlipsorthyfriendlyfaceatall，yetatleastthydearhand：yea，thatImaytouchthybodyinsomewise？"
Shelookedonhimsteadily，andsaidsoftly："Nay，thisaboveallthingsmustnotbe;andthatitmaynotbeisapartoftheevilwhichentanglesus。Buthearken，friend，onceagainItelltheethatthyvoiceisoverloudinthiswildernessfruitfulofevil。
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