In the centre of the front
line he placed the twenty men-at-arms from the castle, with fifteen of
the tenants on either hand. Oswald's troop formed the centre of the
second line, with ten of the tenants on either flank. Another of the
knights was in command in this line. They were to ride some fifty paces
behind the first, to cut down all who rose to their feet after the
first line had passed; and if the resistance were strong, and the first
line brought to a stand, they were to ride up and reinforce them.
They had ridden some three miles, when they saw a column of smoke rise,
half a mile away. The pace was quickened, and they had gone but a short
distance when some panic-stricken men came running down the road.
"How many Welshmen have attacked your village?" Sir John asked.
"Hundreds of them, Sir Knight," one of the men panted out; "at least,
so it seemed to me; but indeed, we were this side of the village when
they rushed into it; and, seeing that nought could be done to resist
them, we fled at once."
When within three hundred yards of the village they entered open
ground, and at once formed up in the order the knight had directed.
Oswald took his place by the side of his uncle, a couple of lengths in
advance of their own troop.
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