on horseback, master; for if we met
too many Welshmen to fight, we might at least ride away from them."

"There is truth in that, Roger; but, on the other hand, our feet will
carry us up and down mountains, and fells, where our horses could not
go. If mounted, we must travel by beaten tracks, and might be seized by
parties of Welsh, lurking in the woods, before we knew of their
presence. Without horses, we could ourselves keep within shelter of the
trees, and could so evade the observation of any who might be stationed
on lofty hills, to watch if any body of troops were following the track
of the army. Moreover, we should have no trouble about forage and water
for our steeds."

"Enough, master, I see which way your inclinations lie; and as my legs
have had a long holiday, it is but right that they should carry me for
a bit; and assuredly, 'tis easier for footmen to hide than it is for
horsemen."

"I should say, Roger, that it would be best to leave armour, as well as
horses behind. If we are attacked by numbers, our armour will serve us
but little; while if without it, we may be able, even if chased, to
avoid the hands of these Welshmen. They say that they are swift of
foot; but, as we can hold our own with the Northumbrian border men, we
ought to be able to do so against these Welsh, especially as our legs
are nigh a foot longer than those of the greater part of them."

"Very well, master. I myself have no great love for travelling in
armour, and would almost as soon march in a monk's gown, again, as in
breastplate and back piece."

"Very well, so we will arrange it. We shall have to carry our
provisions, for you may be sure that we shall get nothing, whatever,
while we are following the army. They will strip the country clean. You
know how terribly they have suffered by famine, on the two previous
expeditions; and it will assuredly be no better, now. Food, however, we
can procure at Shrewsbury, from which point we shall take our start."

A retainer, at this moment, came out from the hall, and informed Oswald
that Sir Edmund would speak with him. When he entered, Mortimer said:

"My knights and I agree that this letter ought to be sent forward to
the king; for if it contains matters of importance, great harm might
result from delay, and the king's anger be excited against us, for not
having sent it to him. His orders to me were strict, that neither I nor
any of my force should join him; therefore I accept your