gh with a wet finger, for the others were in hot haste both to
make peace and to get the swords of Longshaw on their side against the
Outland men. Nor did they gainsay any one condition on which the Small
Crafts had put forward, but added only this one thing, that the host
of Longshaw should join with them in defending the City against the
Outland men. Hereto Sir Godrick accorded well, for he had no mind that
all his battle for the Small Crafts of the City should have been of no
avail, as it would be if Outlanders were to conquer the city and play
the tyrant there.

The very next day then was peace signed and sealed on the terms
abovesaid. And three days thereafter the Porte and the Crafts went
about the choosing of the Burgreve. As none doubted it would be, Sir
Godrick was chosen, and, which had scarce been looked for, none else
was named; both big crafts and little would have none but he.

Chapter XLIX. Of the City King and the Outland King

Now then was great feast and glee in the City of the Sundering Flood.
The gates were thrown open, the bridges made free, the country-folk
flocked in, and the markets were thronged and gay; neighbour held
merry converse with neighbour, and there was marrying and giving in
marriage. Of the Outland foes none thought, save it were the King and
one or two of his councillors; for all men trusted in Sir Godrick that
he would look to the safe-guarding of the city. But as for Sir
Godrick, like a wise man of war he set to work looking to all points
of defence, both the castles of the town and especially the ships in
the haven, that they were as defensible as might be.

And after all the Outland king came not at all that year, whereas he
had fallen sick when he was just at point to take ship with his host;
so that all was put off till the next spring, and there was time and
to spare for Sir Godrick to do all he would strengthening the defences
of the city. But none the more for that was he sluggish, but did so
much that he made the City of the Sundering Flood exceeding strong, so
that it might scarce be stronger; and all things flourished there: old
foes became new friends, and all men were well content, save it were
the King and his faitours, who rued it now that they had sold
themselves so cheap.

Amidst all this, Osberne was somewhat more at Longshaw and the borders
of the Wood Masterless than in the city. Of numberless folk did he ask
his old questions, and gat ever the same ans