Unjustly
were they seized from their true owners by Harold and his fathers; and the
holders of them will owe no service to him a day longer than they can
help; but will, if he fall, demand an earl of their own race, or fight to
the death."
"Best make young Waltheof earl, then."
"Best keep thy foot out of them, and the foot of any man for whom thou
carest. Now, good by. Friends we are, and friends let us be."
"Ah, that thou wert coming to England!"
"I bide my time. Come I may, when I see fit. But whether I come as friend
or foe depends on that of which I have given thee fair warning."
So they parted for the time.
It will be seen hereafter how Gilbert took his own advice about young
Waltheof, but did not take Hereward's advice about the Lincoln manors.
In Baldwin's hall that day Hereward met Dolfin; and when the magnificent
young Scot sprang to him, embraced him, talked over old passages,
complimented him on his fame, lamented that he himself had won no such
honors in the field, Hereward felt much more inclined to fight for him
than against him.
Presently the ladies entered from the bower inside the hall. A buzz of
expectation rose from all the knights, and Alftruda's name was whispered
round.
She came in, and Hereward saw at the first glance that Gilbert had for
once in his life spoken truth.
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