the city, became loathsome to him; and yet he called to mind that the world was wide and he but a young man. So on a day as he sat with his father alone, he spake to him and said: Father, I was on the quays even now, and I looked on the ships that were nigh boun, and thy sign I saw on a tall ship that seemed to me nighest boun. Will it be long ere she sail?
Nay, said his father, that ship, which hight the Katherine, will they warp out of the haven in two days’ time. But why askest thou of her?
The shortest word is best, father, said Walter, and this it is, that I would depart in the said ship and see other lands.
Yea and whither, son? said the merchant.
Whither she goeth, said Walter, for I am ill at ease at home, as thou wottest, father.
The merchant held his peace awhile, and looked hard on his son, for there was strong love between them; but at last he said: Well, son, maybe it were best for thee; but maybe also we shall not meet again.
Yet if we do meet, father, then shalt thou see a new man in me.
Well, said Bartholomew, at least I know on whom to lay the loss of thee, and when
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