r, that we should have suffered heavily, indeed, even if we
had not met with a grave disaster; had it not been that this band
covered our rear, while we charged forward, fighting so stoutly that
the spot where they posted themselves was thickly covered with dead. I
found time to look round, now and then, for they made but a poor
resistance to our advance. Never did I see stronger fighting.

"I have questioned the men. All say that none fought more bravely than
young Oswald, and his uncle gives him warm praise. The lad, however,
would have lost his life, had it not been for that stout fellow, who
stands half a head above his comrades, and is a very giant in strength.
Oswald, himself, told me how it came about," and he repeated the
account of the incident.

"It was a quick thought, to throw himself and the fellow who held him
off the horse; though it would not have availed him, much, had not this
stout man-at-arms been at hand. Still, in no case could he have
defended himself, single handed, against five of these knaves; though
doubtless he would have given a good account of some of them, had not
his arms been held.

"Alwyn said that, three times during the fray, the young esquire saved
his life, by cutting down men who were attacking him from behind, while
he was occupied by other opponents in front."

"He will make a valiant knight, some day, Sir John. Sir Henry Percy
would not have written so strongly about him, had he not good reason
for feeling that he would not do discredit to his recommendation.

"Well, Sir Knights, you have all merited my thanks, for the manner in
which you have discharged your duties, during my absence.

"Of course, you were perfectly right, Wyncliffe, in remaining here;
until, at any rate, the knights brought in their following from the
country round. It was important to save Knighton, but vastly more so to
prevent their overspreading the whole country; which might, for aught
we can tell, have been Glendower's object; and it is as well that
Haverstone and Bastow should have remained at Knighton.

"Now, as I have not broken my fast, and have ridden since midnight
without a stop, I will breakfast; and we can then talk over the plans
to be pursued, for there is no disguising the fact that the Welsh are
up in arms, and that we have long and heavy work before us.

"However, it is a matter too serious for us to undertake by ourselves,
but is for the king himself to take in hand. A raid can be