earts were so full within them that scarce a word might they say one
to another. And when at last they had won through that rocky tangle
and had opened Wethermel, and nought lay before them but the grassy
slopes and the wide-spread valley cleft by the line of the Sundering
Flood; now, when they saw in the clear air the grey houses of
Wethermel lying together, and the smoke of the evening cooking fires
going up to the heavens, and the sheep wending on, thick and huddling
before the driving of three tall men, and the kine moving toward the
byre and the women amongst them, then this befel: that whereas they
had been all of one mind that when they came to the crown of the bent,
they would spur on and race merrily toward Wethermel, yet now when it
lay before them, and there was so little a way betwixt them and its
hearth, they all of them with one consent drew rein and sat still on
their horses, as if they had suddenly come face to face with the host
of the foemen. Yea, some there were, and they rather of the oldest
than the youngest, who might not refrain them, but fell a-weeping and
sobbing, whether it were for joy or sorrow, or a blending of both, may
scarce be said.

Osberne wept not: sooth to say, the turmoil of hope and fear within
his heart ate up somewhat the softness that might else have mastered
him at this new sight of his fathers' house. He rode forth before the
others, and lifted up his voice and loudly and clearly cried a
blessing on the Dale and the dwellers therein, and then rode soberly
down the bent, and the others followed him still silently. But when
they were drawn anigh, and every soul, man, woman and child, ran forth
from the garth to meet and welcome them, then at last their joy brake
forth, and they gat off their horses and gave themselves up to the
caresses of the women and the embracing of the carles, and loud was
the speech and the laughter amongst them.

Osberne was first met by Nicholas his grandsire, who kissed and
embraced him, and then gave him up to his grandam and the
fostermother, and one or other of these twain would scarce let go of
him a long while.

But now was riding and running after victual for so big a company of
men; for nought would serve the folk of Wethermel but that the whole
fellowship must abide there that night. But all was got ready in a
while, and meanwhile the stay-at-homes might not have enough of
praising and caressing the folk returned, and everything they said or