It was a strange sight that met the gaze of the squires, as they turned a slight bend in the road.
On the right of the highway lay a broad sunlit glade. Seated in a semi-circle were about two score men, some of whom were yeomen and farmers, though most were peasants and wood-cutters. Although many furtive glances were cast in the direction of the highway, the main attention of the assembly was centred on the form of a speaker, whom the lads instantly recognized.
"Certes, 'tis my Lord Cobham!" exclaimed Geoffrey. "We have fallen upon a nest of Lollards."
At that instant one of the assembly happened to catch sight of the two horsemen, and, giving a warning shout, brought all the crowd to their feet. Some made towards the undergrowth like startled hares, but for the most part the Lollards rallied round their leader.
"They will do us no scath," observed Oswald. "Let us therefore ride past them in peace. Yet 'tis passing strange that these, forming an unlawful assembly, should fail to set outposts. Had we been a troop of lances bent on their capture not a man would have escaped."
The squire's resolve to pass them by was doomed to failure, for, seeing that they were but two wayfarers, several of the men intercepted them.
"Who are ye, and whence come ye?" demanded a burly miller, his garments dusty with the traces of his calling.
"Peaceable subjects of King Harry," replied Geoffrey boldly. "Ye are, I perceive, of the following known as Lollards."
"I trust that ye do not mean to betray us? Otherwise——"
"Nay, threaten us not. We would have speech with Sir John Oldcastle."