But he had learned tidings which disquieted him not a little, and it was at full gallop that he dashed back into the ranks, and sought the prince himself, who was looking with darkening brow upon the frowning battlements of the unfriendly city.
"My liege, it brooks not this delay," he cried, reining up beside Edward, and speaking in rapid whispers.

"The army of York is scarce a score of miles away, and in hot pursuit after us.

They have had certain news of our movements, and unless we can push on across the river and meet our friends there, we shall be taken in the rear, and at sore disadvantage.

It behoves us to strain every nerve to reach our friends before our foes are upon us." "I doubt not that," answered Edward calmly, yet with a look which Paul did not understand; "but the wide river runs before us, and the bridge is barred to us.

Unless we reduce first this noble city, we must turn and face the foe and fight him at sore odds." A look of dismay crossed Paul's face as he heard this piece of news, and he silently followed the prince at his bidding to the spot where the leading nobles and generals were gathered together in warm debate.