Hie, you there," he called to one of the men-at-arms, "go to Master de Cressi's house and bid him meet us by the market-cross mounted and armed, with all his sons and people.

And, you, get out my horse.

Mother Agnes, bring my armour, since I have no other squire! We'll go to the Mayor.

Now, while I don my harness, tell me all that's passed, wasting no words." Another half-hour almost had gone by before Hugh met his father, two of his brothers and some men riding into the market-place.

They greeted in haste but thankfulness, and something of the tale was told while they passed on to the house of the Mayor, who, as they thought, had already been warned of their coming by messengers.