Steaming at the nostrils Saladin was for the second time brought to a stand, head to head with old stable comrades that snorted recognition. For with Colonel Walwyn was Rob Wilde and others of his troop.
A hurried explanation ensued, Sir Richard first asking,—
“Your guards? You were being escorted?”
“Yes; I’ve given them the slip.”
“Where are they now?”
“Coming up the hill—you hear them?”
“Hush!” enjoined the knight, speaking to those around him; and all became silent, listening.
Voices, with a quick trample of hoofs, and at short intervals a call as of command, from far below and but faintly heard. The road was almost subterranean, and wound up through a dense wood.
“What’s their number?” again questioned the knight.
“Nigh two hundred—nearly all Lingen’s force—and about twenty prisoners.”