The two archers on the bank at once hauled upon it, and in a minute Sir Cuthbert was dragged to the bank.
By this time a crowd of men-at-arms appeared upon the battlements.

But as they did so the archers opened a storm of arrows upon them, and quickly compelled them to find shelter.

Carried by Cnut and the men with him--for he was insensible--Sir Cuthbert was quickly conveyed to the center of the outlaws, and these at once in a compact body began their retreat to the wood.

Cuthbert quickly recovered consciousness, and was soon able to walk.

As he did so the gates of the castle were thrown open, and a crowd of men-at-arms, consisting of the retainers of the castle and the mercenaries of Prince John, sallied forth.