And the strand was empty of all men, even as on the day when Hallblithe first met the Puny Fox.

So then in the cool of the evening they went up toward the House of the Raven.

Those damsels went together hand in hand two by two, and Hallblithe held the Hostage by the hand; but the Puny Fox went along beside them, gleeful and of many words; telling them tales of his wiles and his craft, and his skin-changing.
"But now," quoth he, "I have left all that behind me in the Isle of Ransom, and have but one shape, and I would for your behoof that it were a goodlier one: and but one wisdom have I, even that which dwelleth in mine own head-bone.

Yet it may be that this may avail you one time or other.

But lo you! though I am thy thrall, have I not the look of a thrall-huckster from over sea leading up my wares to the cheaping-stead ?" They laughed at his words and were merry, and much love there was amongst them as they went up to the House of the Raven.
But when they came thither they went into the garth, and there was no man therein, for it was now dusk, and the windows of the long hall were yellow with candle-light.