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Rh great a following he hath, which was the end of our journey?'

'True,' answered Sir William Felton, 'but I have come on this venture because it is a long time since I have broken a spear in war, and, certes, I shall not go back until I have run a course with some cavalier of Spain. Let those go back who will, but I must see more of these Spaniards ere I turn.'

'I will not leave you, Sir William,' returned Sir Simon Burley; 'and yet, as an old soldier and one who hath seen much of war, I cannot but think that it is an ill thing for four hundred men to find themselves between an army of sixty thousand on the one side and a broad river on the other.'

'Yet,' said Sir Richard Causton, 'we cannot for the honour of England go back without a blow struck.'

'Nor for the honour of Scotland either,' cried the Earl of Angus. 'By Saint Andrew! I wish that I may never set eyes upon the water of Leith again, if I pluck my horse's bridle ere I have seen this camp of theirs.'

'By Saint Paul! you have spoken very well,' said Sir Nigel, 'and I have always heard that there were very worthy gentlemen among the Scots, and fine skirmishing to be had upon their border. Bethink you, Sir Simon, that we have this news from the lips of common spies, who can scarce tell us as much of the enemy and of his forces as the prince would wish to hear.' 'You are the leader in this venture, Sir Nigel,' the other answered, 'and I do but ride under your banner.'

'Yet I would fain have your rede and counsel, Sir Simon. But, touching what you say of the river, we can take heed that we shall not have it at the back of us, for the prince hath now advanced to Salvatierra, and thence to Vittoria, so that if we come upon their camp from the further side we can make good our retreat.'

'What then would you propose?' asked Sir Simon, shaking his grizzled head as one who is but half convinced.