ss like wolves
standing upright: to wit, they waste not and destroy not everything
forthright, but keep it to make some gain thereof. As for example,
they slay not and rip not up all their captives whatsoever they may
be, but keep such as they may deem likely to sell to the
thrall-cheapers. Now as to thy foes being of this ill folk, I deem it
more like the more I think thereof, for not only hast thou given me a
true picture of their aspect, but it is mostly the other side of the
Sundering Flood which they haunt, though whiles we meet them about the
borders of the Wood Masterless nigh unto the Flood. Withal I must tell
thee, that though I speak of both the Black and the Red Skinners as of
nations or tribes, I say not but they be mingled with runagates of
divers folks; for whatever is worst or evillest or cruellest will
drift toward them; and I wot not but that these men be worse than they
of the blood, having in them more malice and grudging. But this I know
for sure, that these are they who set them to work on such a business,
and spy for them, and sell them their plunder, as they may well do
since they are of aspect like other folk and know their tongues--But
what aileth thee, Red Lad, to look so wan and so perturbed of
countenance? Hast thou aught on thine heart which you wouldst tell
me?"

"That have I," said Osberne: and so shortly as he might he told his
lord the whole tale of his dealings with Elfhild, and how she had
vanished away before hand might [touch] hand or face face; and how he
deemed that she had been borne off by these same Red Skinners. And
when he had done Sir Godrick said: "Poor lad, and this was the cause
then that made thee so eager to take service along with me! Well, thou
hast done wisely; for first, thou hast got thee a faithful friend; and
next, if thou never amendest it nor settest eyes on the maiden again,
yet surely the doing of deeds shall ease thy sorrow, till at last it
shall be scarce a sorrow to thee, but a tale of the past. And
moreover, in coming to my house thou shalt have come to the only place
where thou mayst perchance happen on tidings of her; since with these
men we have to do, and also at whiles with those who deal with them by
way of chaffer. And if we fall in with any of the Red ones, thou shalt
make what captives thou wilt, and for the saving of their lives they
may tell thee somewhat to further thy search. Hold up thine head then!
for surely even now thou art doing all tha