"The ewe is mine," said Rolf. "I will have it again."
"Thou art foolhardy," cried the man. "A life is more than a sheep. Turn back!"
"Not I," quoth Rolf, and he went on. Then in a little while he saw the man before him, going without haste behind the ewe. And Rolf marvelled at his confidence, for the man did not even look back to see if he were followed. So Rolf strung his bow and went faster, going quietly until he was but fifty feet behind the man. And then he called to the robber.
That man turned at once, drawing his sword. Grim and harsh was he in face when he found he was followed, but when he saw a lad, alone, then he smiled.
"Seekest thou me?" he asked. And his voice was harsh, like his face, so that he was a man to terrify many.
"That sheep is mine," said Rolf. "Leave it and go thy way."
"Go home, boy!" said the man. "I would not hurt thee."
"Once more," cried Rolf, "I bid thee leave the ewe, else will I strive with thee for it."
"What," sneered the man, "wilt thou set thyself against me? Draw thy sword, then!"
But the robber's sword was long and heavy, while Rolf's was short and light. "Nay," he responded, "but I will hurt thee with my arrows. Take thy shield and defend thyself."