went close to the very thicket. Whiles again they
mounted somewhat, and looked down on the thicket, leagues and leagues
thereof, which yet seemed but a little space because of the hugeness of
the mountain wall which brooded over it; but oftenest the forest hid
all but the near trees.

Thus they rode some twenty miles, and made stay at sunset in a place
that seemed rather a clearing of the wood than a meadow; for they had
trees on their left hand at a furlong's distance, as well as on their
right at a stone's throw.

Ralph saw not Redhead as he got off his horse, and David according to
his wont went with him to his tent. But after they had supped
together, and David had made much of Ralph, and had drank many cups to
his health, he said to him: "The night is yet young, yea, but new-born;
yet must I depart from thee, if I may, to meet a man who will sell me a
noble horse good cheap; and I may well leave thee now, seeing that thou
hast become a free man; so I bid thee goodnight."

Therewith he departed, and was scarce gone out ere Redhead cometh in,
and saith in his wonted rough loud voice: "Here, knight, here is the
bridle thou badest me get mended; will the cobbling serve?" Then seeing
no one there, he fell to speaking softer and said: "I heard the old
pimp call thee a free man e'en now: I fear me that thou art not so free
as he would have thee think. Anyhow, were I thou, I would be freer in
two hours space. Is it to be so?"

"Yea, yea," said Ralph. Redhead nodded: "Good is that," said he; "I
say in two hours' time all will be quiet, and we are as near the
thicket as may be; there is no moon, but the night is fair and the
stars clear; so all that thou hast to do is to walk out of this tent,
and turn at once to thy right hand: come out with me now quietly, and I
will show thee."

They went out together and Redhead said softly: "Lo thou that doddered
oak yonder; like a piece of a hay-rick it looks under the stars; if
thou seest it, come in again at once."

Ralph turned and drew Redhead in, and said when they were in the tent
again: "Yea, I saw it: what then?"

Said Redhead: "I shall be behind it abiding thee." "Must I go afoot?"
said Ralph, "or how shall I get me a horse?" "I have a horse for thee,"
said Redhead, "not thine own, but a better one yet, that hath not been
backed to-day. Now give me a cup of wine, and let me go."

Ralph filled for him and took a cup himself, and said: "I pledge thee,
friend,