Yet not until I have spoken a word to thee: so hearken! or else by the Treasure of the Sea I will slay thee with my bare hands.

For I am strong indeed in this place with my old kinsman beside me.

Wilt thou hearken ?" "Speak," said Hallblithe, "I hearken." Said the Puny Fox: "True it is that I lured thee away from thy quest, and wore away a year of thy life.

Yet true it is also that I repent me thereof, and ask thy pardon.

What sayest thou ?" Hallblithe spake not, but the heat died out of his face and he was become somewhat pale.