Then I bethought myself of saving my bones, and crawled out of the mellay behind the sheepfold.
Presently I realized that this was the salvation I had been seeking.
Gib was being pinioned, and two of the riders were speaking with the girl.

The women hung together like hens in a storm, while the dragoons laid about them with the flat of their swords.

There was one poor creature came running my way, and after her followed on foot a long fellow, who made clutches at her hair.

He caught her with ease, and proceeded to bind her hands with great brutality.
"Ye beldame," he said, with many oaths, "I'll pare your talons for ye." Now I, who a minute before had been in danger from this very crew, was smitten with a sudden compunction.

Except for Muckle John, they were so pitifully feeble, a pack of humble, elderly folk, worn out with fasting and marching and ill weather.