by spreading cloths betwixt a thorn and their spears stuck into the
ground, but to the Carline, as was like, they gave no heed. But she
laid her down peaceably within call of her dear fosterling, muttering
as her head fell back: Here at any rate it is over-soon; let us get
out of the mountains first. So they slept, yea, even the Maiden amidst
her grief, so weary as she was. And when morning was they fared on,
after a short tarrying for breakfast, whereof they gave of the best
they had to the Maiden, but nought at all to the Carline.
Nevertheless, when her fosterling fed her kindly from her abundance
they naysaid it not.

This day is nought to tell of: toward sunset they came out of the
mountains into a very fair green plain, wherein were neat and sheep a
many; but though there were not a few houses of the herdsmen about,
they made not for any of them, but took harbour in a little copse by a
stream-side, and supped of such meat as they had; save that the two of
them rode out into the plain and drove back with them a milch-cow,
which they milked then and there for the Maiden's behoof.

The next day they rode across the plain, and here and there fell in
with some of the herdsmen by the way; but small greeting passed
betwixt them, and the country-folk seemed well pleased that the
men-at-arms had little to say to them. Before evening was they rode
off the plain and into a land of little hills and streams, with green
meadows for the most part, but here and there a little tillage, and a
good many houses, yet these but the cots of husbandmen. This day they
rode long and late, yea, till it had been dark night but for the
rising of the moon upon them. At last said one of the men to another:
"We shall not do it tonight; let us rest, and come in fresh a
morning-tide." So again that night they had the shelter of the trees
and fields, but on the morrow betimes they were up and rode forward.

Chapter LV. The Blue Knight Buys the Maiden of the Chapman

They had ridden scarce a three hours ere they came through a cleft in
the hills which here were grown somewhat higher and straiter, on to a
very fair little valley, well-grassed, and with a stream of clear
water running through it; and amidst of the said valley a fair white
pavilion pitched, but no coat-armour done thereon. Then quoth one of
the men to the Carline: "Lo, dame, how likest thou the sight of our
master's journey-house? Meseems in an hour's time thou shalt be well
o