I will come back swiftly
with men and horses and take you thence. Make the hermits come
also, if you can--but they will not."
Then he spoke to the fishers and told them that they had to do
this, at the same time bidding some get provender and be ready to
go with him instantly. That pleased them well enough, and a dozen
ran to the huts to find what was needed. I heard the women scolding
them.
"Farewell, friends," he said, coming alongside again, and taking
our hands with a great grip. "I left Ireland to find adventure,
and, faith, I have not been disappointed. Now, the sooner I am away
the sooner I will be back."
"Good luck to you," we cried; and he shouted for his ragged men,
and was away up the glen.
Behind the little straggling crowd the women came out and wept and
howled as if not one would be back again. It was their way of
sending their men off in good spirits, I suppose. Not that the men
heeded the noise at all, being used to it. One looked back and
grinned.
The few men left lingered on the shore, and I called one to me.
"We shall be back here shortly with the young queen," I said. "You
will be ready for us."
"As the word of the prince bade us," he answered. "It will be
done."
We pulled away, and it was time.
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