now; to wit, that the captive damsel should
be bearing a necklace about her neck as like to thine as one lamb is to
another: but I thought thou mightest be liever that I spake it not
openly before all the other folk. So I held my peace."

"Dame," said he, "I thank thee: forsooth I fear sorely that this
damsel is my sister; for ever we have worn the samelike pair of beads.
And as for me I have come hither to find her, and evil will it be if I
find her enthralled, and it may be past redemption."

And therewith he gave her a piece of the gold money of Upmeads.

"Yea," said she, "poor youth; that will be sooth indeed, for thou art
somewhat like unto her, yet far goodlier. But I grieve for thee, and
know not what thou wilt do; whereas by this time most like she has been
sold and bought and is dwelling in some lord's strong-house; some
tyrant that needeth not money, and will not let his prey go for a
prayer. Here, take thou thy gold again, for thou mayst well need it,
and let me shear a lock of thy golden hair, and I shall be well apaid
for my keeping silence concerning thy love. For I deem that it is even
so, and that she is not thy sister, else hadst thou stayed at home, and
prayed for her with book and priest and altar, and not gone seeking her
a weary way."

Ralph reddened but said naught, and let her put scizzors amongst his
curly locks, and take what of them she would. And then he went to his
bed, and pondered these matters somewhat, and said to himself that it
was by this damsel's means that he should find the Well at the World's
End. Yet he said also, that, whether it were so or not, he was bound
to seek her, and deliver her from thralldom, since he had kissed her so
sweet and friendly, like a brother, for the sweetness and kindness of
her, before he had fallen into the love that had brought him such joy
and such grief. And therewith he took out that piece of her gown from
his pouch, and it seemed dear to him. But it made him think sadly of
what grief or pain she might even then be bearing, so that he longed to
deliver her, and that longing was sweet to him. In such thoughts he
fell asleep.

CHAPTER 21

A Battle in the Mountains

When it was morning they arose early and ate a morsel; and Clement gave
freely to the Warden and his helpmate on behalf of the fellowship; and
then they saddled their nags, and did on the loads and departed; and
the way was evil otherwise, but it was down hill, and all