[Denethor(#10108)] The Lord Steward walks at the side of Galdorim but next to him is also the young Man-of-Arms Icarus. The Steward says to Icarus, "Now, tell me who this man is that caused chaos in *my* city?"

Irfalia rest her back against the wall looking at the guards and the many men in their finery.

[Efen(#12047)] Efenwyn blusters at the actions of the Knight Herald of Dol Amroth, as though she did not expect them, (cunning minx). She frowns though at length, and begins to say in gutter-rohirric exactly what she thinks...and then as the commotion ensues thinks better of it.

Galandir realizes what's going on and moves to the wall

Irfalia thinks over why so many guards are patrolling at this strange hour

Icarus bows to the Steward. Raising he head he answers with a brief look at Krisorn "It is Krisorn, the woodsman". Turnning back to the Steward he adds "But I must add that he helped us control the workers at the end. If it wasn't for his help, the situation could of been worst."

Irfalia nudges Galandir, and whispers "Sir if I may inguire why these guards and gentlemen are moving about in such a fashion..."

Denethor turns and says to Galdorim, "Commander, I want that man brought before me. Now."

Galandir cocks his head to one side, " I don't rightly know, but I not much for large crowds, I think I might move up the street for a moment to get some fresh air."

[<#13821>] The eyes of that selfsame Knight-Herald who made so forward with the Rohirric girl, Efenwyn, cannot help but note the commotion--or the man who stands at the center of the maelstrom. Suddely hooking his arm with the girl's at the elbow, Thorondur leans close to her ear. "I know ... ... inn ... ... fourth level ... ... ... be .... ... ... .... ...."

Galandir casts a look back at the tavern and heads up out of the tunnel.

Efen has her arm firmly hooked, so whether she will or no, with Thorondur she goes, and whatever protestations she would make are lost to the clamour of the once again rising conflict in the streets.

Galdorim points out his point towards Krisorn. His deep voice bellow deeply and with authority. "Good bring the woodsman, Krisorn here to the Steward. Give him a chance to come willingly first!" The expresson on his face looks like he is not comfortable with this sitiation, but is standing behind the Steward's orders.

Several guards walks over to Krisorn and looks to him. They look as if they are ready for a fight but the address the woodsmen,. "Come with us Krisorn."

[Thorondur(#13821)] Sure enough, the well-dressed traveler and the golden-haired girl are soon off into the tunnel beneath the Embrasure.

Irfalia moves toward Krisorn, and nudges him as well, "sir may I ask, why is there such a commotion? It seems very strange..."

Galandir takes a deep breath and nudges Irfalia, "Ah, that's better."

[Maernus(#17520)] A tallish black cloack makes its way along the sides of buildings. A clicking of wood can be heard and the figure is not an elegant dancer, but a practical sable shade. It seems personable and friendly, even though it's features are hidden from view in the long shadows of the evening light. He sees the crowd and stays back, watching them.

Denethor stands by the gate with his body guards around him. His darkling eyes flicker out across the night. His pale face stern and kingly.

Krisorn turns to Irfalia with a sad smile and says, "It seems that the Steward has taken exception to his peoples reaction to his proclamation. Excuse me dear lady." Krisorn turns to the guardsmen and with a raise of his head, and a blank face, his voice as even as it is devoid of any emotion, "Why certainly Guardsmen, I am always ready to follow a polite request."

Galandir nudges her again,"What has happened since I left?"

Irfalia whispers to galandir "I know not, there is a coach that is of some importance arriving..."

[Eowyn(#12047)] Following the stewards men down from but a short distance, there is another golden haired lady stands near to the conflict, ringed by four men of similar look and stature. Grey-stony eyes cooly regard what happens. As they prepare to go, Eowyn presses forward. "It seems the city of stone is almost as much in uproar as the hall of Theoden King." this is not said above the clamour, but to be sure clad in white and silver as she is, golden-haired she stands out as a ruby in a pile of diamonds. "Yonder is the lord?" she asks among those who stand aside.

Irfalia whispers to galandir "I was talking to the man next to me and he say that it is about that the Steward h

Irfalia whispers to Galandir ...has taken exception to his peoples reaction to his proclamation..."

[Galdorim(#22020)] The guards walks on all sides of Krisorn as the escort him to face the sentence of thier steward. Thier eyes look him over to make sure this woodsman does not carry his axe that should of been taken at the gate.

Galdorim looks as the woodsman is taken before the Steward he stand just a little behind him as he watches with a stoic grim look.

[<#23269>] Galandir +whispers to Irfalia, "..., ... man talking ... ... ...?"

[<#29903>] Irfalia +whispers to Galandir, "... ... who ... ... ... apparently..."

Icarus looks back from where the whispers came. He sees a young lady and a scout standing there. Looking back in front of him, he watches as the guards bring the woodsman, awaiting his orders.

[Denethor(#10108)] The Steward of Gondor's dark gaze falls upon Krisorn. No melancholy is in those eyes. Power rests there as he takes a seat on a mobile dias brought from the citadel by his Men. He says not a single word to Krisorn. He waits, almost like a patient spider.

[<#23269>] Galandir +whispers to Irfalia, "Do ... not ... why?"

[<#29903>] Irfalia +whispers to Galandir, "... ... ......"

[Maernus(#17520)] Stepping out of the shadows, the sable figure moves slowly towards the area of the talking people. His movements are slow and careful, he means to make sure his intentions are not mistaken. Once he is out of the shadows, a smile can be seen upon his face.

Krisorn stands before the steward, his eyes curious but no more. He gazes at the steward taking in the man before him. A man Krisorn has often seen from afar but has never met. There is a curious sense of detachment to Krisorn, almost one of fatalism as he stands there and waits. And if there is one thing he does well it is waiting. His axe is not at his side, either taken at the gate or left somewhere for he does not wear the blade, nor any item that shows his own skills with weapons.

Irfalia speaks up enough so that all can hear her, "I ask you sirs. men of this make-shift court, or so it seems, why is this man being taken in such a way? I see no justice in this setting...nor any action of nobility to speak of..."

[Denethor(#10108)] The Lord of the City still is silent. His eyes looking deep into Krisorn. He waits with complete patience studied through the long years of the Men of the West. In his hands he holds with ease the knobbed rod of the Stewards, the House of Mardil from the years before the King's failed.

Galandir quickly turns to the girl,"You cannot speak to the steward of the city in that fashion, or you too shall soon stand in front of him."

[Eowyn(#12047)] The niece of the king of the Riddermark lifts an ivory cool hand to push back her hood, for in this city she is as one unknown, where walking under so little guard in Edoras she may have fear of recognition. It is hard to benlieve that with the way she turns her eyes upon the proceedings that such a one would fear anything.

Moving quickly she pushes her way through to the foremost ring of people, now fully visible as the tower of the city itself, and of similar coloration. "Then who may speak to the Steward of my country's ally country? I come from Theoden-king in the north, my lords... May I hear the reasoning?"

Krisorn glances slightly as he hears the clear voice of Eowyn and his eyes move a bit to take in the strange lady who has graced the streets of Minas Tirith. Something moves slighty in his expression, quickly hidden over, surprise perhaps. It is hard to say, he turns back again to the Steward and then glances over at Galdorim, knowing him from of old and seeming to expect something from his old friend, something to break this deadlock.

Icarus looks back at the young lady and the scout. He moves close to them and says in a low voice so he won't disrupt the Steward "Do not speak to the Steward like that my lady." He tells the two them about the riot earlier today and continues "...this man is on of the leaders. He has to explain his actions to the Steward. Just listen and you would understand"

[Denethor(#10108)] "I am the Lord Steward of Gondor," says the old man upon the make-shift dias. He bends his gaze at Eowyn and considers saying to Galdorim, "Galdorim. Bring Krisorn to the Great Hall. Have also a detachment of troops to escort the messenger of the Rohirrim to the top most level of the city. Those who would come, shall. For a lord who does not allow his people to see the justice of the City of the Sea Kings is not a wise lord." He then turns to the Lady Eowyn, inclining his head for a moment, "Lady, I bid you come to the Great Hall. This is an ill state to greet one who has been heralded from the greatest ally of the Bastion of the West."

The guards turn and escort the, prisoner?, off. Krisorn stands within them walking easily with them, his steps in time with theirs. Others turn to the steward and escort him back towards the Citadel while still more form up behind the Lady Eowyn to escort her as well and to lead the citizens of the city in back towards the hall. All is done with almost unnatural stillness.

Denethor claps his hands together and at one he is born up on his palanquin, "The White Tower."

Horns sound off and he is born away in all his Gondorian glory.
//////
[Denethor(#10108)] The doors to the great hall are opened and in walks the Lord Steward of the Realm, his shadow casts a long shade over the great lines of carven stone as he comes to his seat. He turns and pushing his cape back sits down.

[Eowyn(#12047)] The lovely, but glacial features of the Lady of Rohan move into a forbidding expression toward first Icarus that says without a single word spoken, 'How dare you tell me what I may and may not say and not the least of messengers of Theoden.' Still, she offers no name, only a glance that surely would wither grape vines. Less hostile, her manners turn withall to the Lord Steward of Minas Tirith, and indeed Gondor. As a lily edges with frost, she dips low in obeisance to his office.

[Denethor(#10108)] The Steward rings a gong that stands next to his seat and says, "Bring forth wine and bread." He then looks ahead to Eowyn and says, "Messenger of Theoden, come forth."

Krisorn is brought in by three guards, all a little nervous looking, and brought before the Steward's chair. A soft ringing sounds as one of the guards speaks pu and says, "M'lord Steward. I bring before you the man Krisorn of the woodsmen as you have requested." Krisorn, relaxed but wary, and most assuredly curious, kneels before the steward upon hearing his name, no hesitancy in his movements, "M'lord Steward."

Denethor holds up his hand and says sharply to Krisorn, "I shall deal with this malefactor after I have greeting the Lady of Rohan."

[Icarus(#30063)] Seeing the guards escorting the prisoner a little nervous Icarus goes and stands next to the prisoner awaiting the orders of the Steward.

Krisorn seems to smile slighlty at hearing the words of the steward, a smile both intrigued and worried. It is also a smile that doesn't last long as he stands it is wiped from his face and he stands lightly, his feet spread slightly. It is easy to see how this man can stand before trees all day long chopping away for it would seem that Krisorn himself has become one of those trees, standing quite still in the hall. His eyes roam though freely taking in everybody, lingering now and then on the presence of the Lady Eowyn, intrigued and.. something else.

Eowyn rises with practiced and graced ease from her curtsy, and approaches as bidden, humble as a proud woman of her station can be. It is not snobbery that gives her pride, merely her own office that gives her strength of conviction, and the utter gall to stand before Denethor unquaking, calm, and complacent.

"Edoras sends its most respectful greetings to the great cities of our southern ally. Hail Denethor-Steward, son of Ecthelion."

Irfalia hides behind a pillar, trying not to be spotted...

Denethor inclines his head and says, "I greet you Lady of Rohan. Your silent gaze and composure indicates to us of the steadfastness of our friends to the North. Of late we have heard of the deeds of the mighty Rohirrim. A great help they shall be in the days to come. What is your name Lady, so that all the Ladies of this land, and indeed, even those besotten soldiers of mine who would rather drink ale than serve their country piously may see the fine example that you set?"

Krisorn turns slightly, his eyes drawn from there wanderings as the Steward speaks and upon the words besotten and serve his eyes flare slightly, a dangerous anger at the Stewards off handed slight.

Duinhir arrives from the huge carven doors, which the guards swing open silently.

Icarus follows the scene in front of him between the Steward and the Lady, while keeping an eye on the prisoner. Ready to stop him at the first threatening movement.

[Denethor(#10108)] A whisper runs through the hall... "The Lord of Blackroot!"

Irfalia returns from beyond Middle-earth.

[Eowyn(#12047)] A river of intricate flows of golden hair, topped with a braided circlet of the same, the lady levels her steely gaze upon Denethor and he only, for the time-being. "Why, my lord, my name is important then? I do not think it should, so long as I come carrying the standard of Theoden's house, and with it his favor."

"Still, you have asked...as your obediant guest I answer. Eowyn am I, the eldest daughter of the house of Eofor, sister-daughter to Theoden, descended of Morwen of Lassornach."

Denethor rises and says in a slow voice, "But a name is important to me. Eowyn, sister-daughter of Theoden of the House of Eofor, I welcome you to the Land of Gondor. Yea, verily I know your intent and you have leave to travel where you will. But now, I declare a feast! A feast in honour of the Rohirrim! Let it be so after I 'deal' with the renegade. Bring forth the prisoner!"

Icarus grabs Krisorn by the arm and brings him closer to the Steward.

[Duinhir(#26812)] As the quiet word spreads through the hall of the Duinhir's presence; the man himself enters equally silent. Standing tall, he moves forward; eyes locked on the stone figures, the graven images of past kings. Stopping and lettings his head turn toward the chair of the Steward, Duinhir the Lord of Blackroot vale drops his eyes and listens to the words spoken by both Steward and lady of Rohan.

[Eowyn(#12047)] Eowyn's grim-faced stare is piercing, as cold as snow and just as brilliant. "I came not only for the Tournament of the sea-side province." Her voice is cool and crystalline in the hall. "Surely my lord has not missed the tension in my coming, the small number of guard I come under. I say to you, Lord Steward, there is more to speak of now than when I was dispatched. I am grieved it is thus."

[Galdorim(#22020)] Looks down at Krisorn with a slight appologestic look and then looks to Icarus. "Let him walk on his own volition, Icarus." The Commander's voice speaks softly. He then motions Krisorn forward as he walks close by the woodsman up to the chair where Denethor holds court.

Krisorn finds himself led forward, the Steward's sudden decision to turn towards him, to 'deal with' him seems to surprise him for a moment before he becomes relaxed again and steps forward to the stand in front of the Steward. "M'lord Steward, you have asked for me to be brought forward. I would ask why though you have decided to call me prisoner for I was never arrested, nor charged with anything."

Denethor looks troubled at Eowyn - or perhaps it is staged? He then says, "Lady Eowyn, your riding forth has been much to my heart that the glad ties of our league shall be considered above the preordained fates of the Valar. For should a man - or a woman - be so inclined as to accept speech or kind words as the only token of purpose, then they are not true-hearted, forsaking wisdom beyond the shades of men beyond all the perils of the world. Yet I bid you Lady, stay your mission but for a moment, for this matter that comes before me is of closer heart, for verily, among my own, consternation at my plyings has brought forth riven disruption in my city. And it may be that if I do not deal with this in a just manner with such swiftness as the people of my realm are entitled to, then can I truly call myself a good Lord?"

Denethor looks at Krisorn, "Then here me Krisorn, for I charge you with sowing dissent among the hearts of the Men of Gondor. Is it true that you spoke openly against my law?"

Icarus nods at the Commader's orders and takes a step back from Krisorn without taking his eyes off of him.

Krisorn looks at the Steward and then nods, 'Yes m'lord it is true that spoke openly against this law you chose to enact. Though I see not how speaking out against a law that stripped men of their rightful property, without any pay, to destroy it, can be seen as sowing dissent."

Duinhir raises an eye as Krisorn is brought forward. Crossing his arms the tall lord slowly turns his head viewing the hall and those within. His attention however remains on the prisoner. Tilting his head slightly to the side he awaits to hear what the man is truly guilty of and how he shall be punished.

Galdorim strides from the side of Krisorn and stands off to the side between his Steward and the woodsman accused of dissent. His good arm rest behind his back as his eyes move to Krisorn and back to the Lord Steward as each talk. His body is tense as if prepared to act if needed. Though the Commander holds his tongue till something is asked of him.

[Denethor(#10108)] "Know you Krisorn of Gondor," says the Steward with slow words, enunciating with delicious glee over every syllable. "That the rule of Gondor is mine, and no other man's, unless..." The Steward's eyes gaze upward, "...the King should come again. Yet nevertheless, it is known to me that your words brought disruption by the city gates on yestereve. Do you admit this? Or shall I produce the witnesses that have been found by my servants?"

Krisorn looks at the Steward and says, "M'lord Steward, such disruption existed before I even arrived after your Guards took every barrel of Ale in the city from the brewers very dens, even though your proclamation spoke nothing of this. Is it ot true M'Lord Steward that your proclamation bade all taverns close and all beverages of the consistency of ale to be removed from them and poured into the river Anduin?"

[Denethor(#10108)] "This is not your time to question the law," says the Steward. "Do you not think the laws are without purpose, or would you live in rude huts among hunters living under the dominion of the Eye?"

Krisorn's eyes flash and he says, "M'lord I am not questioning your right to make the laws and enforce them. I am asking if it is not true that your guardsmen did more than the laws bade them and stripped many men of their livelyhoods. If you think I look so little upon the laws then why did I step forward to calm the situation after the guards drew blades upon the very citizens of this city."

[Denethor(#10108)] "This is known to me," says the Steward. "Yet still there is more, and the false accusations and rumours that beguile the spirit and mind haunt the footsteps of the guild. For did you not say that the brewers would not be compensated, when you know that this is not a true thing."

Eowyn looks upon the judged man with kindly given pity, as stately as any queen, and moved she looks with pleading face upon the Steward of the great city. "My lord, sir, please. Since I may be forced to refuse your hospitality later, grant me the boon of allowing me to hear what this man has to say...it may have bearing upon what I will say to you later..I mean no disrespect."

Duinhir chuckles, "Aye, tis such a harm to wield arms against unarmed men." Glancing toward the accused man, the lord shakes his head sadly. Glancing at a man beside him he smiles, "The Steward is true in his ways, it will be the end of this man to stand against him." Chuckling softly again as the news of the brewers not being compensated, "Either that, or he'll be broke as a forester when he is forced to pay the brewers back."

Denethor turns his glance to the Lady Eowyn and says to her, "Very well Lady. Yet this boon you crave shall be granted for the sake of the friendship of our peoples." He turns to Krisorn and says, "Well? What do you have to say?"

Krisorn looks at Denethor and says, "Actually m'lord I said that would be brought up with you since it was seized without payment by your guards, who refused to say that it would be paid for m'lord. If you had wished to compensate the brewers why did your troops not take up the measure of what they had taken from each instead of hauling it off to be dumped without any mention of it. Nor without any comfort to those who's livelyhood they had just taken? A man who would take their goods without payment would certainly not say so, while if payment had been intended that was all that yours guards, and those whose job it was to enforce your edicts m'lord, would have to say. And when would you pay the brewers, who have families to feed, for their goods. Tell me m'lord Steward. Why, if you had decreed that their goods would be compensated for, did you not instruct those who enforced your edicts to at least comfort those whose goods they had taken?"

Galdorim 's eyes look upon the beautiful lady of Rohan, Elowyn. His lips curl in a slight smile as she steps in and help the woodsman. His eyes then looks to Denethor to see his responce. The commander nods as he looks to Krisorn so he can his his side of the story.

Eowyn gravely falls back, so hearing. "It is as I feared." she murmurs, and says no more, until bidden, hardening eyes downcast.

[Denethor(#10108)] "Ignorance of the law is not a customary excuse," says the Steward. "Nor were your actions meritorious. Nor did you seek truth. You flouted the authority of the White Tower. To that, there is no forgiveness. The execution of the laws is *mine* and what it is to be shall be. Your folly shall now be corrected. By me. Hear my doom for thee..."

Denethor intones with slow deliberate speech, "Krisorn is hereby conscripted into the Guard of Minas Tirith to the company of the Sun-Gate. There he shall serve for two seasons learning the ways of the Men of Gondor and the trueness of oath-bearing. If he merits it, he shall be taught the Greater and Lesser Passwords."

Denethor looks at Krisorn and says, "You may now thank me for my mercy."

Krisorn stands then and looks at the Steward and there appears almost.. sad. But Krisorn doesn't seem to have expected things to go any differently and he stands awaiting the Stewards sentence. The words though catch him by surprise and he looks at the Steward with a face filled almost with amusement, and annoyance. You would almost think that death would have been a more preferable doom than this one, indeed it does seem Krisorn would have much preferred that to this but he nods and says, "As you have spoken m'Lord so shall I serve. Your wisdom is great and your justice fair." Krisorn bows briefly to the Steward and then stands erect awaiting whatever comes next, though he seems rather bemused still, turning over the events of late as if trying to figure out what has happened here.

Denethor nods and says, "Kneel before me Krisorn."

Krisorn kneels before the Steward as instructed, glancing around at those in the court and then pausing for a brief moment on Galdorim, before turning back to look at the steward as the hush of the Court seems to reverberate throughout. Even the whispers have stilled for the moment, though it is quickly lost as Krisorns knees touch the floor and others begin whispering in the back of the room.

[Denethor(#10108)] "Repeat after me," says the Steward as he rises from his seat over Krisorn.

[Galdorim(#22020)] The Commander of the Sun Gate, Galdorim looks somewhat surprised at Denethor's edict, but he looks somewhat relieved. His deep blue eyes looks over the woodsman with a inspecting gaze as he considers having a rebel amonsts his men.

[Denethor(#10108)] "I hereby do swear service and fealty to Gondor and to the Lord Steward of the Realm," begins Denethor. "To speak and to be silent, to do and let be. To come and to go, in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying, until my lord release me..."

Denethor says, "or DEATH take me, or the world ends..."

Denethor finishes, "...so say I, Krisorn son of Telaran of Gondor." Denethor looks grimly upon the conscript, waiting.

Krisorn finds his voice and it's timber, so recently raised to quell other voices by the gates of Gondor, rings out clearly, "I hereby do swear service and fealty to Gondor and to the Lord Steward of the Realm to speak and to be silent to do and let be. To come and to go, in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying until my lord release me."

Krisorn hits the last words of the oath, like a hammer striking a newly made sword, "so say I. Krisorn. son of Telaran of Gondor.

Icarus stands there without moving or saying a word. A surprised expression forms on his face but he is releaved at the sentence made by the Steward as just, since he was at the gate during the riots and knew of the actions of Krisorn.

Denethor now speaks his own oath in power and the majesty of the Lord of Gondor is a force in itself, "And this I do swear, and I will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given. Fealty with love... valour with honour, oath-breaking, with vengeance. So say I, Denethor son of Ecthelion, Lord of Gondor."

[Duinhir(#26812)] An amused grin spreads across Duinhir's face, "Aye a true lord is our Steward. Fair in his dealings and yet a sentense that shall hold the guilty below his foot." Glancing around he again smiles, "We shall see of Krisorn, guard of Minas Tirith, shall take to his new duty."

Denethor turns and rings the gong next to his seat, "Let it be known that I have sworn this man to the service of the Sun-Gate and he shall be known as Krisorn son of Telaran. He shall be taught the lesser passwords. He will lodge in the barracks with the rest of the company."

Now, Denethor says, "Thus, let it be known that the law of the Steward will not be flouted by ANY who would dare." Then silence.

At length the Steward speaks, "Now, I declare a feast in the Merethrond. Let all who are witness to this go thither and enjoy the wine and bread of our land. Yet no ale shall be served. Wine shall suffice."

[Eowyn(#12047)] The face of Eowyn is regretful and even slightly vexed at this last, and she moves to stand aside from those who move at the lord's command, to let them pass, for it is clear that is she intends to, she will lag far behind.

Krisorn stands upon hearing the Stewards decree and looks interested to see what will happen now. He turns to Galdorim, "What now Sar?"

Denethor claps his hands and the doors to the Hall open. The Steward then rises and walks down the center of the hall pausing before the Lady Eowyn saying, "Come with me Lady."

[Galdorim(#22020)] A slight smile cross his face. "Let all who are witness to this go thither and enjoy the wine and bread of our land." A slight wink is given to the new man-at-arm. "You shall enjoy a feast with us, Krisorn, and then we will issue your uniform and armor." He looks at Icarus and back at Krosorn. "Icarus will be able to teach you the lesser password and I wish to talk to you in private when this is all done."

Denethor passes through the mighty carven doors, and out of the Great Hall.
Denethor has left.
Eowyn bows her head in response, and moves to follow, perfectly obediant, but clearly unhappy.
Eowyn passes through the mighty carven doors, and out of the Great Hall.
Eowyn has left.

Krisorn shrugs and then turns to Icarus and Galdorim, "Then let us go forth and eat for being in the stewards eye is a tiring and exhausting place to be. I think I would rather stand beneath the gates of Mordor itself then within his sight for long."

Icarus looks at Krisorn "I am afraid I can not joing you. I am on duty tomorrow and have to rest." with a smile he adds "You will understand very soon what I mean. Oh and welcome to the Guard Krisorn."

Krisorn grins and turns, "then let us go and feast. Ahh I will meet with you later then my friend. And I thank you for your welcome, though I did not want to be here."

Galdorim nods and pats the shoulder of his new man-at-arms. "Well, Krisorn, you do not have to stay long.' He leads Krisorn towards the hall and looks back at Icarus. "You are invited too, Icarus. Come on!" With that he enters the great hall with his great stride of his long legs.