Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/333

303 an arrow to the string, aiming from his horse's back, and let fly.

One of the following horsemen threw up his arms and fell from the saddle; in an instant a second arrow followed, and one of the horses was hit, stumbled and fell, throwing his rider.

The rest checked their horses, and drew together as if to consult, and after a few moments they halted, giving up the pursuit. Hugh rejoined the party ahead, and they rode on without remark, save from Henry of Huntingdon who complimented Hugh upon his skill, drawing from the old soldier the slighting remark: "I am not in good practice. This indoor shooting cramps one sorely."

There was no further adventure, and they were soon in sight of the Earl's camp, whereupon the Earl's son rode forward to answer the sentry's challenge, and prepare his father for their coming.

They were warmly greeted by the Earl, a tall soldierly man, well advanced in age, and to Hugh's delight he found that the Earl remembered meeting him in a former campaign with Baron Mortimer.

They were complimented by the Earl upon the long endurance of the siege, and were assured by him that their troubles were over.