rlet
surcoat and a flash of his helm in the May sunlight.

But for Osberne, sick at heart at first he was, and he strode hurrying
along if that might ease him a little, and after a while he took some
deal of courage, but still hastened on leaving the waterside; and then
in a while himseemed to hear the voice of a great horn afar off, and
he called to mind that the Mote had been summoned; and his mind turned
toward what was to do.

Chapter XXIII. Osberne Is Chosen Captain of the Dalesmen

So when he was come anigh the stead he saw the gathered folk and the
glittering of weapons about a knoll a bowshot without the garth, and
made the best of his way toward the Mote. And as he was drawing near,
there ran toward him divers men from the skirts of the throng, and
cried out for him to hasten, "For now," cried one of them, "the Mote
is dealing with thee." So he ran on with them; and when he entered the
throng, which for those parts was no small one, there went up a great
shout, and they shoved him along up to the foot of the knoll, on the
top whereof stood three of the best men of estate, and the Lawman of
the Dale, and the captain of the men of Eastcheaping. These called him
to come amongst them, and then the Lawman fell to speaking: "Osberne
Wulfgrimsson," said he, "thou art late to the Mote, and it is
well-nigh done, but this is the heart of the matter, that we have ten
score and six of good men pledged them to ride with these friends of
of Eastcheaping; but they have craved to have a captain to them chosen
from us Dalesmen. But whereas there hath been but little war or strife
in the Dale since the riding of the White Champion, which is a thirty
years ago, we be for the most part little skilled in battle; and we
all wot that thou hast a man's heart in thy lad's body, and that thou
hast slain a mighty man of war, a man deft in all prowess. Wherefore
some of the folk have spoken of thee to be the captain of our company;
and I tell thee that I shall presently call for the word of the whole
Mote, and if they yeasay it, then must thou needs go as captain of
these, will thou nill thou."

Osberne was as red as fire in the face by then the Lawman was done,
and he said: "Master, I pray thee consider my youth, and how I have
had no schooling herein, and know nought of ordering men or arraying a
battle. All this is nought like defending life and livelihood against
a robber when there was none to serve at a pinch, and using one'