CHAPTER LXI. THEY ESCAPE FROM THE CHAPMEN BY THE CARLINE'S WIZARDRY.
THE next night after, they were come to but a little way from the end of the mountains, and could see the tilled and peopled lands lying down before them, and this had been no very long day's journey. The three merchant-masters had ridden much apart from each other all day, and there was little feasting between them at even, and all men laid them down early to sleep. The Carline had spoken a word to the Maiden as they were a-riding, so that none might hear: Sweetling, she said, the thing thou hast to do to-night is to give heed to my least word or beckoning, and obey it, and then will all be well. So they two lay down somewhat away from the carle-folk. Amidst of the night then awoke the Maiden, and the moon was high and very bright, and looking to her left side she saw the Carline was not there where she ought to have been; but nought scared was she thereat, since she wotted well that something would betide; but, moving as little as she might, she let her eyes go round the campment, and even therewith saw the said Carline coming out of the tent of the masters, who slept all together there, whereas their serving-men lay as they might, under cloaks
