The Normans followed him in concert; but when it became a question of single file to pass the portal, without knowing whether Wulfhere was lurking within, why then they in "honour preferred one another," with the result that they one and all ceased following Wulfhere, and courageously returned to help their fellows to heap indignities upon the prostrate Earl.
Meanwhile, the gates had been burst open and the Norman soldiers, camp followers and all, had pressed into the enclosure, Alice and Jeannette, with the women, bringing up the rear.
"Whatever are they clambering and yelling so about, Jeannette? Is it the dead chieftain?"
"I think so, my lady. They are like wolves worrying their prey."
"It is a pity so brave a man should perish. If he be not dead I will beseech my father for his life; though I am afraid it will be to little purpose."
"See, my lady, he is not dead; he is standing up."
Oswald had recovered consciousness, and, stripped of his helmet, looked around, though deathly pale and half-dazed.
"Do not kill him, men!" roared Vigneau. "We'll have some sport to-morrow, and then you may cut his throat if he survives."
"Do you hear what that beast in human form is saying, Jeannette?"
"It is horrible, my lady. Let us go away; I am quite sickened."