Come along, lads, we must ride back, and there is no time to lose.

Keep well together, and in readiness to charge if I give the word.

It is likely enough our turn may come next." They rode on without interruption at full gallop till they neared the lower end of the valley.

Then Jack drew up his horse.

Across the road and the ground on each side extended a dozen carts, the oxen being taken out, and the carts placed end to end so as to form a barricade.