His mother alone had the power of
communicating with him, or of understanding his grimaces.
"Now what will you give me for the use of his pretty eyes this lucky
night? The Thane will have regard to his testimony, though all that have
free use of the tongue he holds to be liars and dishonest. Never lied
this youth by sign or token!"
A buzz went through the company, and the dame and her boy again sat down
to await the issue. All eyes were directed towards them, timidly and by
stealth, as the consultation grew louder and more continuous.
A pause at length ensued. Some three or four of the group drew towards
the crone, who sat almost double, her chin resting on the neb of her
crutch.
"Now will we give thee two changes of raiment, together with a mess of
barley-pottage; and every year thou shalt have a penny at Easter, and a
fat hen at Shrovetide."
"Good," said the greedy beldame; "but I'll have a sheep-skin cap for the
boy, and a horn spoon." This demand was also granted; after which she
made signs to the lad, who swung his head to and fro, at the same time
distorting his features with a wild and terrible rapidity.
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