Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/238

 you! for we know you, outlaws of Longshaw. The better luck for you if we come not to your house speedily. Go ye, make ready for us! Sir Godrick burst out a-laughing and turned his horse's head; but even therewith Osberne, who was exceeding keen-sighted, saw the cross-bowman raise his engine; but the Red Lad had his dwarf-wrought bow bended in his hand, so that ere the cross-bow stock came to the man's shoulder he fell clattering down with a shaft through his throat, and Osberne rode back speedily after his lord with a half dozen shafts and quarrels whistling about him, but none touched him, and great was the cry and the yell that came from the town gate.

Now when Osberne was with his captain again, that one spake to him and said: Red Lad, Red Lad, a sharp shaft is somewhat of a fierce answer to a rough word. Next time let them shoot ere ye shoot. Nay, lord, said Osberne, had I waited this time thou mightest have come by a knock from yonder carle's quarrel. And he told him what he had seen. Then said Sir Godrick: Then am I wrong and thou right, and I thank thee for the shaft. I might have known that thou wouldst be wise.

So they fetched a compass about that surly town, and rode a two hours ere they took harbour in a little wood, and held good watch and ward all that night; but none meddled with them.

The day after, by the rede of the shepherd-folk, they turned up into the hills again, for they had