ains, but the
high ground whereon is the Sage's dwelling. I know not whether the
ride be long or short; but the stream is to lead us."

On they rode through the wood, wherein was little change for hours; and
as they rested Ursula gave forth a deep breath, as one who has cast off
a load of care. And Ralph said: "Why sighest thou, fellow-farer?"
"O," she said, "it is for pleasure, and a thought that I had: for a
while ago I was a thrall, living amongst fears that sickened the heart;
and then a little while I was a lonely wanderer, and now...Therefore I
was thinking that if ever I come back to mine own land and my home, the
scent of a pine-wood shall make me happy."

Ralph looked on her eagerly, but said naught for a while; but at last
he spoke: "Tell me, friend," said he, "if we be met by strong-thieves
on the way, what shall we do then?"

"It is not like to befall," she said, "for men fear the wood, therefore
is there little prey for thieves therein: but if we chance on them,
the token of Utterbol on mine armour shall make them meek enough."
Then she fell silent a while, and spoke again: "True it is that we may
be followed by the Utterbol riders; for though they also fear the wood,
they fear it not so much as they fear their Lord. Howbeit, we be well
ahead, and it is little like that we shall be overtaken before we have
met the Sage; and then belike he shall provide."

"Yea," said Ralph, "but what if the chase come up with us: shall we
suffer us to be taken alive?" She looked on him solemnly, laid her
hand on the beads about her neck, and answered: "By this token we must
live as long as we may, whatsoever may befall; for at the worst may
some road of escape be opened to us. Yet O, how far easier it were to
die than to be led back to Utterbol!"

A while they rode in silence, both of them: but at last spake Ralph,
but slowly and in a dull and stern voice: "Maybe it were good that
thou told me somewhat of the horrors and evil days of Utterbol?"
"Maybe," she said, "but I will not tell thee of them. Forsooth there
are some things which a man may not easily tell to a man, be he never
so much his friend as thou art to me. But bethink thee" (and she
smiled somewhat) "that this gear belieth me, and that I am but a woman;
and some things there be which a woman may not tell to a man, nay, not
even when he hath held her long in his arms." And therewith she flushed
exceedingly. But he said in a kind voice: "I am sor