'It is a good name for the purpose,' he
said, 'but I have to ask your pardon for calling you by the old giant's
name just now.' I said that as he did not know my name, and it was a
jest that fitted, it was no matter. Then he made a little bow, and asked
if I would take any food before I went from the place; so I told him
that it was just what I came for, and he laughed, and I had such a meal
as I have not seen for months. It is in my mind that I left a famine in
that house, so hungry was I. There is no pride about this Berthun, for
he served me himself, and I thanked him."
Then Havelok stopped and passed his hand over his face, and he laughed a
little, uneasy laugh.
"And all the while I could not get it out of my head that he ought to be
kneeling before me."
"Well," he went on after a little, "when I had done, this Berthun asked
me a question, saying that he was a discreet man, and that if he could
help me in any way he would do so. Had I a vow on me? Nothing more than
to earn my keep until the famine was over, I said. I had left poor folk
who would have the more for my absence, and he seemed to think that this
was a wondrous good deed. So I told him that if he could help me in this
I should be glad. Whereon he lowered his voice and asked if I must
follow the way of Gareth the prince. I had not heard of this worthy, and
so I said that what was good enough for a prince was doubtless good
enough for me, and that pleased him wonderfully.
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