Yet
for the last three days there had been visions therein; but being
questioned he was loth to tell thereof, so they forbore him a while.
At these tidings they were sore moved, and they talked the matter
over betwixt themselves (and Leonard also was in their redes), and
they must needs deem that either Birdalone was cast away, or that she
had come to her old dwelling, the House under the Wood, and belike
had fallen into the hands of the witch once more, and thereat were
they sore downcast; and yet somewhat it was, that they had heard sure
tidings of her; though meanwhile of Arthur had they heard nought.
While they talked this over, Atra, who had been somewhat silent,
spake and said: Here are we brought to a stop with the first tidings
which we have heard, whereas we know no manner of wending the Great
Water. This seemeth evil, but let us not be cast down, or die
redeless. Ye have heard of what sayeth Sir Leonard of these
hauntings in the hall, and how that they have come back again,
wherefore why should we not sleep in the hall this night, those of us
at least who have not so much fear as not to note them well, to see
if we may draw any avail from them? How say ye? For my part I will
try the adventure, whatever may come of it.
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