And it seems to me that shaping my words to this end so often
had gradually turned my utter bitterness away: for one has to make one's
thoughts go the way one speaks, if one would seem to speak true.
"I may not make out all this, Heregar, my friend," said the sheriff;
"but that you were disloyal ever, no man may say in my hearing after
this day's work. And I know that Matelgar was the foremost in accusing
you. Wherefore it seems to me that there was work there to be forgiven
by you. Is that so?"
The thing was so plain that I could but bow my head in assent.
"Now," he went on, "I have heard private talk of this sort before now;
but never mind. I cannot inlaw you again, Heregar; for that must needs
be done in full Moot, as was the outlawry. Yet shall all my power be
bent to help you back to your own, if only for the sake of today."
Then would I thank him, but he stopped me.
"To the man who lit the fire of Stert, who checked the panic on
Cannington Hill, thanks are due, not gratitude from him. And to him
justice and reward."
Now I knew not what to say; but at that moment came a hurried rapping on
the door and the sound of voices, speaking together. Then the door was
thrown open and a man entered, heated and breathless, crying:
"The Danes--they are on our men again!"
Then Osric flushed red, and his eyes sparkled, and he bid the thanes who
crowded after the messenger get to horse and sound the assembly at once
to go to the assistance of those who were yet on the hill.
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