.

OSRIC THE SHERIFF.
Through the woods I reached Bridgwater town before the sun set, and looking down from the steep hill that overhangs the houses, I could see the market square full of men, shining in arms and armour, and noisy enough, as I could hear.

But every one of the townsfolk knew me, and by this time also knew what had befallen me, so that as I stood there it seemed not quite so easy to win a way to the levy as before.

The highways were yet full of men coming in, for from where I stood on the edge of the cover I could see the bend of one road, and straight down another.

If I went on them I must walk like a leper, alone and shunned by all, with maybe hard words to hear as well.
While I thought of all this, there crept out from among the woods an old crone, doubled up under the weight of a faggot of dry sticks, who stayed to stare at me.