So I told the sheriff, and he said that if the king himself got mixed up with outlaws and cattle thieves he must even take his chance with the rest.

And thereon I said--" "Thanks, friend," said Ina.

"The rest shall be for tomorrow.

Bide here tonight, that you may tell all at the morning." The man made a courtly bow enough, and went back to his seat, and then Ina bade Owen see to his lodgment, and after that the thralls carried out the body.

I went quietly and walked along the lower tables, bidding my men see if more Welshmen were present, but finding none, and then I found the hall steward wringing his hands, with an ashy face, at the far end of the hall.
"Master Oswald," he said, almost weeping, "how that man came in here I do not know.