s comrade to fire it in case the king lost the battle. But
ere he departed he had seen, as he thought, the royal array in
hopeless confusion.

The afternoon brought another messenger, who confirmed the evil
tidings, but was in hope that the prince, yet undefeated and then
rampaging on the hill amongst the baggage, might retrieve the
fortune of the day. When sunset drew nigh many of the garrison of
Walderne betook themselves to the elevation on which the church is
placed, whence they could see the Castle of Lewes through an
opening, and watched, fearing to see the bale fire blaze, which
should bid them all flee for their lives, unless they were prepared
to defend the castle, to be a refuge in case their lord might
survive and come to find shelter amongst them.

On this point there were diverse opinions. A waggon had gone out in
the early morning to collect forage and provisions by way of
blackmail--at this moment it was seen approaching the gateway
below.

The sun had set, and the shades of evening were falling fast. All
at once a single voice cried, "Look! the fire!" and the speaker
pointed with his finger.

The eyes of all present followed his gesture, and they saw a bright
spot of light arise on the summit of the downs, distant some twelve
miles.

"It is the signal. All is lost! The rebels have won, and we must
fly for our lives."

"They may be merciful."

"Nay, we have too black a name in the Andredsweald. We should have
to answer for every peasant we have hanged or hen roost we have
robbed."

"That would never do. By 'r lady, what injustice! Would they be so
bad as that?"

"We will not wait to see."

All at once loud outcries arose from the castle below. They looked
aghast, for it was the sound of fierce strife and dread dismay.
What could it be?

They started to run to the help of their comrades, when a thousand
cries, a wild war whoop, burst from the arches of the forest and in
the dim twilight they saw numberless forms gliding over the short
space which separated the castle from the wood.

"The merrie men!"

"The outlaws!"

"The wild men of the woods!"

The discomfited troopers paused--turned tail--fled--leaving their
comrades to their fate, whatever it might be.

Let us see.

The waggon aforesaid had approached the gateway in the most
innocent manner. It creaked over the drawbridge. It was already
beneath the portcullis, when the driver cut the traces and thrust a
long pole amidst the