have to face, when we take to the
calling of arms. If our cause is lost, and we escape from the
battlefield, we have but to depart to our holds or our villages, and we
shall hear nought more of the affair; while our lords, if taken, would
lose their heads. It will be a grief for us to lose masters we love,
and to have to pay our quittance with money or service to a new lord;
but beyond that, we risk nought save our lives in battle. Therefore I
trouble myself, in no way, as to the matter between the Percys and the
king, which I take it in no way concerns me; and am content to do my
duty, and to render my service, as I have sworn to do."

"It is well, Sir Oswald," Roger said, after a long pause, "that
Glendower gave us those rings; for from all accounts he and his
Welshmen are more furious than ever, and there would be small chance of
our ever reaching him, without them. The chain did its work, last time.
'Tis not every Welshman who would stop to examine it before striking,
and few who could read the inscription, if they did so; while 'tis like
that most of them are well acquainted with Glendower's signet."

"That is so; but nevertheless, Roger, it will be better, when we have
once crossed the border, that you should ride behind me with a white
flag displayed; as a token that we come, not for war, but on a peaceful
mission. 'Tis probable, at any rate, that any band of Welshmen who may
meet us will, in that case, before attacking, stop to inquire on what
errand we come."

They rode fast, for the earl had said that he needed to have the news
of Glendower's decision, before proceeding further in the matter, and
in four days arrived on the border. At Shrewsbury Oswald inquired,
carelessly, of the host of the inn where he put up, where Glendower was
now thought to be; as he intended to journey south to Hereford, and
would fain know whether there was any risk of falling in with bands of
the marauders.

"Methinks, Sir Knight, that you may travel without uneasiness; seeing
that the country between this and Hereford has been so harassed, by
them, that there is nought to tempt them to cross the border, save with
so large a force that they can invade Gloucester or Worcestershire. Men
say, moreover, that Glendower is, at present, in Cardiganshire. There
are still a few Welsh inhabitants here. They declare that they are
loyal to the king, and love not their wild countrymen. Whether it is
so, or not, I cannot say; but they certain