Or was it that he remembered his daughter's dream, which told of such a spot?
At any rate, he set his teeth, and his right hand sought the hilt of his sword.

His weary horse sniffed the air and neighed, and the neigh was answered from close at hand.
"Thank the saints! we are nearer to that farm than I thought," said Sir John.
As he spoke the words a number of men appeared galloping down on them from out of the shelter of a thorn-brake, and the moonlight shone on the bared weapons in their hands.
"Thieves!" shouted Sir John.

"At them now, Jeffrey, and win through to the farm." The man hesitated, for he saw that their foes were many and no common robbers, but his master drew his sword and spurred his beast, so he must do likewise.

In twenty seconds they were among them, and some one commanded them to yield.

Sir John rushed at the fellow, and, rising in his stirrups, cut him down.