There was a cask of ale already set on the low wall by the gate for the men, and we sat on our horses waiting, with a little crowd of thralls and children round us, looking at the two good deer that we brought back.

Then the steward and some of the women of the house brought horns of ale from the house for us.
One of the women came to me, and without seeing who she was, or thinking of doing so, I reached out my hand for the horn that she held up, and at that moment some one from behind seemed to run against my horse's flank, and he lashed out and reared as if he was hurt.

My rein was loose, and I was bending carelessly over to take the horn, and it was all that I could do to keep my seat for the moment.

As for the girl, she dropped the horn and ran from the plunging horse into the doorway for safety.
Then I heard the sharp crack of a whip, and the voice of the head huntsman speaking angrily: "Out on you for a silly oaf!--What mean you by going near the thane at all ?" The whip cracked again, and the long lash curled round the shoulders of a ragged thrall, who tried in vain to escape it.
"On my word, I believe you did it on purpose!" the huntsman cried, with a third shrewd lash that found its lodgment rightly.
"Mercy, Master," mumbled the man, writhing; "it is this terrible crossing of the eyes.

I do not rightly see where I go." I had quieted the horse by this time, and I held up my hand to stay the lash from the thrall.