She took up the head, and repairing to the fountain, she washed it in the spring water, which was clear and cold, until all the blood was off it. Then, rolling it up under his cloak to conceal it, and again sitting astride her horse, she galloped away, singing a song of victory.
When half through the wood, she met Halwyn’s father.
“Beautiful maiden,” said he, “have you seen my son?”
“I have left him well placed. He sits in the green field, playing with sixteen of his girls.”
Further on, Halwyn’s brother came riding along.
“Fair one, have you chanced to meet my brother, today?”
“Oh, yes, sir. Your brother is a renowned lord. He told me the secrets of his art today, with sixteen maidens, well guarded, around him.”
A few furlongs further, she met Halwyn’s sister, who asked her the news, and whether she had seen anything of her brother.
“Oh, yes!” answered Quirina, “you must ride further on. Then you will see him with sixteen lovely girls around him. He is a hero, isn’t he?” [[90]]
Again, as she rode homeward, she met Halwyn’s mother, who inquired about her son.