By this time the combat was well-nigh over. The protection afforded by
Alwyn's band, against any attack on their rear, had enabled Sir John's
men-at-arms and the tenants to clear the street in front of them; but
the Welsh, though unable to hold their own in open fight, had now
betaken themselves to their bows and arrows, and from behind every
house shot fast.
The door of the house that had still resisted had been thrown open, and
eight men had come out, followed by some twenty women and children.
"Do each of you leap up behind one of us!" Sir John shouted.
"Help the women up, men, then right-about, and ride out of the village.
It is getting too hot for us, here."
The order was quickly obeyed and, placing the horses carrying a double
burden in the centre, the troop rode out in a compact body. The Welsh
poured out into the road behind them.
"Level your spears!" Alwyn shouted to his men; who had, by his orders,
fallen in in the rear of the others.
The long spears were levelled and, with a shout, the twenty men rode
down on their pursuers, bursting their way through them as if they had
been but a crowd of lay figures; then, wheeling, they returned again,
none venturing to try to hinder them, and rejoined the main body.
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