Scarce a word was spoken in the ranks. Here and there dead bodies were
scattered over the ground, showing that the pursuit of the fugitives
had been maintained thus far. From the village the wild shouts of the
triumphant Welsh sounded plainly; but mingled with these came,
occasionally, a cry of pain, that seemed to show that either the work
of slaughter was not yet completed, or that some of the villagers still
held one of the houses, and were defending themselves until the last.
Every face was set and stern. The tenants knew that, at any moment,
similar scenes might be enacted in their own villages; while the
men-at-arms were eager to get at the foe, and take vengeance for the
murders they had perpetrated.
"Be sure you keep your ranks," Sir John said; "remember that any who
straggle may be attacked by a score of these wild men, and slain before
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.
Pages:
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222