“I, myself——” he said gently.
“And so could I,” said Ardan.
“Do not quarrel,” Naoise interrupted. “In two years Buinne will be the equal of any man you have named. Hush,” he said.
He bent his head sideward and hearkened in amazement. The others listened, with their eyes turned questioningly on each other. They listened to nothing, for the ram had ceased and there was a silence of the dead without.
In a few moments there came a gentle tapping, then a louder knocking at the door.
Naoise stood before it, frowning.
“Who goes there?”
“The herald.”
“What do you want?”
“Parley.”