"
"Well," I said, "if you could tell me what I need to hear I will
hold you safe from any."
"Master, will you swear that?" said the man eagerly.
Then it came across me that maybe this was one of those who fell on
Owen, for one might well look for a traitor among so many.
So I answered cautiously: "Save and except you are one of those who
have wrought harm to the prince you shall be safe. If you are one
who has him alive and in keeping you shall be safe also."
"Master, you have promised, and it is well known that you keep your
word. I am your man henceforward, by reason of that promise. I will
give you a token that I have not harmed the prince."
"What have you to tell?"
"Master, they say that you seek the lost valley, of which none will
speak."
"That seems true; but speak up, and mouth not your words so."
"Here was I born and bred, Master," said the man, still in the same
growling voice. "I know where the lost valley is hidden, though
none may go there save at peril of life. It is unlucky so much as
to speak thereof."
"Can you take me within sight of its place, so that I can find it?"
I asked, with a wild hope at last springing up in me.
"I can; and, Master, unluckier than I am I cannot be, so that life
is little to me. Into that place I will even go for you, and risk
what may befall me, if only you will find pardon for me.
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