asking to our folk; and hearken! up there they are naming the ancient
Father of our Race, without whom we may do nought, even with the
blessed saints to aid. There then is thine answer, lord."

Indeed as he spoke came down on the wind the voice of a chant, sung by
many folk, the words whereof he well remembered: SMITE ASIDE AXE, O
BEAR-FATHER. And therewith rose up into the air a column of smoke
intermingled with fire from each of the four corners of that stronghold
of the Ancient Folk. Ralph rejoiced when he saw it, and the heart rose
within him and fluttered in his bosom, and Ursula, who rode close
behind him, looked up into his face well pleased and happy.

Thus rode they up the bent and over the turf bridge into the plain of
the garth, and whatso of people were there flocked about to behold the
new-come warriors; sooth to say, there were but some two hundreds, who
looked but few indeed in the great square place, but more were
streaming in every minute. Giles led him and his men into the
north-east corner of the castle, and there they gat off their horses
and lay down on the grass awaiting what should betide.

CHAPTER 24

The Folkmote of the Shepherds

In about an hour all the folk within the castle began to set toward the
ingle wherein lay Ralph and his fellows, and then all rose up, while
the folk of the Shepherds took their places on the slopes of the earth
walls, but on the top hard by the fire, which was still burning, stood
up an old hoar man with a beard exceeding long; he had a sallet on his
head, and held a guisarme in his hand. All men held their peace when
they saw him standing there; and straightway he proclaimed the
hallowing of the Mote in such form of words as was due amongst that
folk, and which were somewhat long to tell here. Then was silence
again for a little, and then the old man spake: "Few words are best
to-day, neighbours; for wherefore are we met together?" There arose a
hum of assent from the Shepherds as he spoke and men clashed their
weapons together; but none said any clear word. Then spake the old
man: "We be met together because we have trouble on hand, and because
there is a helper to hand, of whom the words of the wise and tales of
old have told us; and because as he shall help us, so shall we help
him, since indeed our trouble is his also: now, neighbours, shall I say
the word for you which ye would say to this young man, who is
nevertheless old in wisdom, and true-