ncing up, I found the sun already westering, wherefore (not minded
to be caught in the dark) I rose and, turning my back on these troubled
waters, set out on my return. Ever and anon as I went I caught
glimpses of that rocky eminence with its silver thread of falling water
whence I had come, and, guided by this, strode on amain, bethinking me
how best I might cook the goat's-flesh for (despite the grapes) I was
mightily an hungered. But reaching the denser woods I lost my way, for
here nought was to see but the greeny gloom of tangled thickets and
dense-growing boskages where I must needs cut a path, yet even so I
troubled myself with divers bunches of grapes that my companion might
prove my discovery. Thus my progress was slow and wearisome, and night
found me still forcing my way through this tangled underwood. Being
lost and in the dark, I sat me down to wait for the moon and stayed my
hunger with the grapes meant for better purpose, but one bunch that
methought the better I preserved. Soon this leafy gloom glowed with a
silvery radiance, and by this light I went on and so at last came upon
the stream. But hereabouts it ran fast and deep and I must needs seek
about till I found a ford. Thus the moon was high as, after desperate
scramble, I came out upon our grassy plateau and saw the welcome glow
of a fire. Moreover, as I approached I smelt right savoury and most
delectable savour, and hurrying forward saw my companion crouched upon
that stone I have mentioned, her head bowed upon her hands. Hearing my
step she glanced up and rose to her feet.

"Are you come at last, Martin?" says she in her sweet voice. "Supper is
ready this hour and more!"

"Supper!" says I.

"The goat's-flesh. I made a stew, but fear 'tis spoiled."

"Indeed," says I, "it smells mighty appetising!"

"I had no salt nor spices, Martin, but in a little garden yonder that
is all run wild, I found some sage and sweet herbs."

"Good!" says I. So she brought me to the fire and there in our great
turtle-shell was as savoury a stew as ever greeted eyes of hungry man.

By her directions, and will all due care, I lifted this from the fire,
and propping it with stones we sat down side by side. And now she
shows me two of my smaller shells, and dipping hers into the stew I did
the like, and though we had no salt (the which set my wits at work) and
though we lacked for bread, a very excellent meal we made of it, and
the moon shedding its glory