"Come out like a man," I said. "One would think that you were some evildoer."
"Master, I will swear that I am not. Let that be, for I have somewhat to tell you that you will be glad to hear."
"If that is true, why did you not come openly, instead of waiting till I had you in a corner? Every one knows that there is reward for news from any honest man."
"There are those who would take my life if they caught me, Master. I have been seeking for speech with you alone all this day; I hoped the shepherd would leave you hereabout for his home, and then I would have come to you."
"Well," I said, "if you could tell me what I need to hear I will hold you safe from any."
"Master, will you swear that?" said the man eagerly.
Then it came across me that maybe this was one of those who fell on Owen, for one might well look for a traitor among so many.
So I answered cautiously: "Save and except you are one of those who have wrought harm to the prince you shall be safe. If you are one who has him alive and in keeping you shall be safe also."
"Master, you have promised, and it is well known that you keep your word. I am your man henceforward, by reason of that promise. I will give you a token that I have not harmed the prince."
"What have you to tell?"