int the road was
better, running across a bare rock, and the horses were therefore able
to draw them along without any assistance. Sir Eustace therefore gave
the order for the escort to continue their way, marching on each side
of the train.

"We must fight our way through, men," he shouted; "every minute will
doubtless add to their numbers."

For a short time the arrows flew fast. But the Welsh bows were not to
be compared, in point of strength, with those used by the English
archers; and the arrows fell harmlessly upon the armour of the
men-at-arms, while on the other hand, the English archers shot so
strongly and truly that, after a short time, the Welsh bowmen fell
back. As they did so, however, a crowd of footmen poured out from the
forest; and, with loud shouts and yells, rushed forward.

"Halt the waggons!" Sir Eustace cried. "Keep good order, men, and we
shall soon drive this rabble off."

The archers had time but to send three flights of arrows among their
assailants, when these threw themselves upon the line. They were armed
with short axes, heavy clubs, and other rough weapons; and for a time,
the horsemen kept their order and beat them back; but as the horns
continued to sound, the Welsh swarmed down in such numbers that they
broke in between their mounted foes; some trying to tear them from
their saddles, while others crept beneath the horses and drove their
long knives into their stomachs, or tried to hamstring them with their
axes.

Then the dismounted men-at-arms joined in the fight, and drove the
enemy back beyond the line. Many of the horsemen were, however,
dismounted. These joined their mounted comrades when Sir Eustace gave
the word to charge the multitude, before they could rally for a fresh
attack.

The Welsh went down in numbers before their lances, but so close was
the throng that the horsemen were brought to a stand and, slinging
their spears behind them, betook themselves to sword and mace. Great
was the slaughter of their opponents, but these pursued their former
tactics. Horse after horse rolled over in mortal agony and, as they
fell, the riders were stabbed before they could recover their feet.
Soon they were broken up into knots; and their dismounted companions,
with one accord, left the waggons and rushed into the fray, for a time
beating back the Welsh.

"It were best to dismount," Oswald cried, and he swung himself from the
saddle, just as one of the enemy hamstrung his horse.