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 men-at-arms.
Presently they were come close to the place where the way went
down into the valley, cleaving through a clayey bent, so that
the slippery sides of the cleft went up high to right and left;
wherefore by goodhap there were no big stones anigh to roll
down upon them. Moreover the way was short, and they rode six
abreast down the pass and were soon through the hollow way.
As he rode Ralph saw a few of the Strong-thieves at
the nether end where the pass widened out, and they let fly
some arrows at the chapmen which did no hurt, though some
of the shafts rattled on the armour of the companions.
But when Clement saw that folk, and heard the noise of their
shouting he lifted up a great axe that he bore and cried,
"St.
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