waters ran
east.

All day they rode, and at even when the sun had not quite set, they
pitched their camp at the foot of a round knoll amidst a valley where
was water and grass; and looking down thence, they had a sight of the
fruitful plain, wherein lay Cheaping Knowe all goodly blue in the
distance.

This was a fair place and a lovely, and great ease would they have had
there, were it not that they must keep watch and ward with more pains
than theretofore; for Clement deemed it as good as certain that the
wild men would fall upon them that night.

But all was peaceful the night through, and in the morning they gat to
the way speedily, riding with their armour on, and their bows bent: and
three of the men-at-arms rode ahead to espy the way.

So it befell that they had not ridden two hours ere back came the
fore-riders with the tidings that the pass next below them was thick
with the Strong-thieves.

The fellowship were as then in such a place, that they were riding a
high bare ridge, and could not be assailed to the advantage of the
thieves if they abode where they were; whereas if they went forward,
they must needs go down with the road into the dale that was beset by
the wild men. Now they were three-score and two all told, but of these
but a score of men-at-arms besides Ralph, and Clement, who was a stout
fighter when need was. Of the others, some were but lads, and of the
Chapmen were three old men, and more than one blencher besides.
However, all men were armed, and they had many bows, and some of the
chapmen's knaves were fell archers.

So they took counsel together, and to some it seemed better to abide
the onset on their vantage ground. But to Clement and the older
men-at-arms this seemed of no avail. For though they could see the
plain country down below, they would have no succour of it; and Clement
bade them think how the night would come at last, and that the longer
they abode, the greater would be the gathering of the Strong-thieves;
so that, all things considered, it were better to fall on at once and
to try the adventure of the valley. And this after some talk they
yea-said all, save a few who held their skins so dear that their wits
wandered somewhat.

So these timorous ones they bade guard the sumpter beasts and their
loads; and even so they did, and abode a little, while the men-at-arms
and the bowmen went forward without more ado; and Ralph rode betwixt
Clement and the captain of the m