This done, she seized upon a staff, the trusty companion of her journeys, and was fairly trudging towards the door, when the smith stepped between her and the passage.
"Wait at least, old woman, till we have cleared scores.

I owe you for fee and bountith." "An' that's e'en a dream of your own fool's head.

What fee or bountith am I to take from the son of your mother, that fed, clad, and bielded me as if I had been a sister ?" "And well you repay it, nurse, leaving her only child at his utmost need." This seemed to strike the obstinate old woman with compunction.

She stopped and looked at her master and the minstrel alternately; then shook her head, and seemed about to resume her motion towards the door.
"I only receive this poor wanderer under my roof," urged the smith, "to save her from the prison and the scourge." "And why should you save her ?" said the inexorable Dame Shoolbred.

"I dare say she has deserved them both as well as ever thief deserved a hempen collar." "For aught I know she may or she may not.