"Yes, but a forest full of Welshmen," Roger said, "who are more to be feared, in that way, than when met in open fight."
"Earl Talbot spoke very kindly of me, and said that he had heard that, with Percy's men, I had done good service in that fight with the Welsh, near Knighton."
"That was certainly pretty hot work, master--I shall get to say Sir Oswald, in time; but at present my tongue is not used to it. What are we to do now?"
"The king asked Lord Talbot to provide me with armour, and a horse; so we must wait until he comes this way."
It was half an hour before the earl came out.
"The letter was of importance," he said, "and it is well that it was brought on.
"Now, Sir Oswald, let us see to your matter. Two days ago Sir William Baxter was killed, by a sudden attack of the Welsh, while he was burning a village. His men rallied, beat off the Welsh, and brought his body in; and methinks his armour will fit you, though he was shorter, by two or three inches, than yourself."
He accompanied Oswald to one of a small group of tents, standing a quarter of a mile farther down the road.
"Is Sir William Baxter's squire here?"
A young man at once came up.