Go hence in peace, and take your way; yet we thank you for bearing the message to Matelgar.

Link up your mail again, and tell any man that you bear messages from me; the watchword is 'Wessex' for the guards are set by now, and you will need it." As he spoke thus kindly Matelgar's face grew black as night; but he dared say no word.

So I bowed to the sheriff and, linking up my mail, went sadly enough down the hall.

It was crowded at one place, and there some friendly hand patted me softly on the shoulder, though most shrank from me; but yet I would not turn to see who it was, that helped me.
Now I have often wondered that no inquiry was made about my arms, and how I came by them; but what I believe is, that even then men began to know that Matelgar and his friends had played me false, but that they would not, and Matelgar's people dared not, say much.

As for Osric, his mind was full of greater troubles, and I suppose he never thought thereof.
I passed out into the street, but now it was falling dark, and few noticed me.