fore
others can come to their help. Ride forward in perfect silence, till we
are within striking distance."

At a gallop, the troop swept down upon the village. As they reached the
first houses, they saw that the road was full of wild figures. Some
were emerging from the houses, laden with such spoil as could be
gathered there, chiefly garments; others, with torches, were setting
fire to the thatched roofs; while, in the middle of the village, a
number were attacking a house somewhat larger and more massively built
than the rest.

Sir John raised his sword, with the shout of "A Mortimer! A Mortimer!"

The shout was re-echoed by his followers, and a moment later they
dashed into the midst of the Welsh. At first they swept all before
them; but speedily the mountaineers, running out from the houses,
gathered thickly on each side of the road and, as the first line
passed, closed in behind it; and, running even more swiftly than the
charging horses, strove to leap up behind. Some struck at the horses
with their swords, hamstringing several of them, and slaying their
riders as they fell.

"Ride, ride!" the knight in command of the second line shouted, and at
even greater speed than before his followers rode hotly forward; and
came, ere long, on the struggling mass, for the first line were now
endeavouring to turn, so as to face their assailants.

With a great shout, the second line fell upon them, the war cries of "A
Percy! A Percy!" being mingled with those of "A Mortimer!" Their
approach had been unnoticed by the Welsh, and their onslaught was
irresistible. The Welsh were hurled to the ground by the impetus of the
charge, and the two lines joined hands.

"Forward again!" Sir John shouted, and the troop, dashing forward, were
soon hotly engaged with the enemy, who were in strong force at the
point where they were attacking the house. The orders of their
commander were now impossible to follow. It was a fierce melee, where
each fought for himself.

"Face round!" Oswald shouted. "Now, men, lay about you.

"A Percy! A Percy!"

The active little horses swung round instantly, and faced the crowd
surging up against them. This was the style of fighting to which the
border men were accustomed. Active as the Welsh were, the border ponies
were as quick in their movements, wheeling and turning hither and
thither, but keeping ever within a short distance of each other. The
troopers hewed down the foe with their heavy swords;