And Iron-face looked well-pleased on the two from time to time, and
smiled, but forbore words to them.

But up and down the hall men talked with one another about things
long ago betid: for their hearts were high and they desired deeds;
but in that fair Dale so happy were the years from day to day that
there was but little to tell of. So deepened the night and waned,
and Gold-mane and the Bride still talked sweetly together, and at
whiles kindly to the others; and by seeming he had clean forgotten
the wood and its wonders.

Then at last the Alderman called for the cup of good-night, and men
drank thereof and went their ways to bed.



CHAPTER IV. FACE-OF-GOD FARETH TO THE WOOD AGAIN



When it was the earliest morning and dawn was but just beginning,
Face-of-god awoke and rose up from his bed, and came forth into the
hall naked in his shirt, and stood by the hearth, wherein the piled-
up embers were yet red, and looked about and could see nothing
stirring in the dimness: then he fetched water and washed the night-
tide off him, and clad himself in haste, and was even as he was
yesterday, save that he left his bow and quiver in their place and
took instead a short casting-spear; moreover he took a leathern scrip
and went therewith to the buttery, and set therein bread and flesh