being save
my mad master, Konar, and a poor youth whom I rescued some time ago from
the hands of robbers. He has nursed me through a severe illness, and is
even now with me. But what makes you think that Branwen intended to
come to the Swamp?"

"Because--because, she had reasons of her own. I do not profess to
understand the workings of a young girl's mind," answered the Hebrew.

"And what will you do," said Bladud, "now that you find she has not been
here? Methinks that when Gadarn hears of your failure to find her at
the Swamp, your spinal marrow and his sword will still stand a good
chance of becoming acquainted."

The Hebrew looked perplexed, but, before he could answer, Brownie came
bounding gaily round the corner of the hut. Seeing a stranger, he
stopped suddenly, displayed his teeth and growled.

"Down, pup! He is not accustomed to visitors, you see," said his master
apologetically.

At that moment Cormac turned the corner of the hut, bearing an earthen
jar of water on his shoulder. His eyes opened wide with surprise, so
did those of the Hebrew, and the jar dropped to the ground, where it
broke, and Brownie, quick to see and seize his opportunity, began to lap
its contents. The prince--also wide-eyed--gazed from one to the other.
It was a grand _tableau vivant_!

The first to recover himself and break the spell was Cormac. Leaping
forward, he grasped the old man by the hand, and turning so as to
present his back to Bladud, gave the Hebrew a look so powerfully
significant that that son of Israel was quite disconcerted.

"My old, kind friend--is it--can it--be really yourself? So far from
home--so unexpected! It makes me so glad to see you," said the youth.
Then, turning to Bladud, "A very old friend of mine, who helped me once
in a time of great distress. I am so rejoiced, for now he will guide me
back to my own home. You know I have sometimes talked of leaving you
lately, Bladud."

"You say truth, my young friend. Frequently of late, since I have been
getting well, you have hinted at a wish to go home, though you have not
yet made it clear to me where that home is; and sad will be the day when
you quit me. I verily believe that I should have died outright, Beniah,
but for the kind care of this amiable lad. But it is selfish of me to
wish you to stay--especially now that you have found a friend who, it
would seem, is both able and willing to guard you through the woods in
safety. Yet, no