And so, while his gossips doffed their hats, and shook with what was left of them, he set his staff above his head, and rode at the Doone robber.

With a trick of his horse, the wild man escaped the sudden onset, although it must have amazed him sadly that any durst resist him.

Then when Smiler was carried away with the dash and the weight of my father (not being brought up to battle, nor used to turn, save in plough harness), the outlaw whistled upon his thumb, and plundered the rest of the yeoman.

But father, drawing at Smiler's head, to try to come back and help them, was in the midst of a dozen men, who seemed to come out of a turf-rick, some on horse, and some a-foot.

Nevertheless, he smote lustily, so far as he could see; and being of great size and strength, and his blood well up, they had no easy job with him.