"We can do naught for him," Oswald said. "Even had we the king's leech
here, we could not save him. Now let us be off."
"Shall we take the horses, master?"
"No, they will be but an encumbrance; and now that poor fellow has
gone, we have one apiece. Bring his horse along with you."
Mounting, they rode quickly on, and at the top of the hill came up with
the girls; who, having seen the result of the combat, had waited for
them.
"Now we are safe and free, thanks to you both," Janet said. "Jessie
looked back, and saw the fight as we rode. How quickly it was over! But
I am grieved, indeed, that John has fallen. We saw you carrying off his
body, and covering it. Jessie had noticed him fall, and we feared 'twas
all over with him. He was an old retainer of our father's, and a
faithful one."
"I am sorry, indeed, that he has been slain, Janet; but we could hardly
expect to come out altogether scatheless."
"Are all the others killed?" Jessie asked.
"No. Two of them are but stunned; and will, ere long, be able to mount
and ride off again."
"Master Oswald has gained the most honours in the fight. I killed one,
and stunned another. He has stunned one also, but has slain two.
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