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The bird calls diminished slowly, retreating southward and eastward in a most natural manner. By the time the armed troops converged on Simon's campsite, there was nothing to be seen there except the cookfires burning away cheerfully and the trodden earth. Many trackshorses' and men'sled into a small wooded area just behind the open field. The armed troops moved forward quickly, then the leader pulled his horse to a stop just inside the trees as a singing voice called something he could not understand from above. |
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''As I live and breathe," Simon said, stepping out from behind the trees, "I have been wondering for a full day how I would find you, and you have found me. I am Simon de Vipont. You are Gilbert Bassett from your arms, are you not?" |
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The leader pushed back his helmet. "De Vipont! What the devil are you doing sneaking through the woods, and where are your men?" |
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