Oswald's troop formed the centre of the second line, with ten of the tenants on either flank.

Another of the knights was in command in this line.

They were to ride some fifty paces behind the first, to cut down all who rose to their feet after the first line had passed; and if the resistance were strong, and the first line brought to a stand, they were to ride up and reinforce them.
They had ridden some three miles, when they saw a column of smoke rise, half a mile away.

The pace was quickened, and they had gone but a short distance when some panic-stricken men came running down the road.
"How many Welshmen have attacked your village ?" Sir John asked.
"Hundreds of them, Sir Knight," one of the men panted out; "at least, so it seemed to me; but indeed, we were this side of the village when they rushed into it; and, seeing that nought could be done to resist them, we fled at once." When within three hundred yards of the village they entered open ground, and at once formed up in the order the knight had directed.
Oswald took his place by the side of his uncle, a couple of lengths in advance of their own troop.
Scarce a word was spoken in the ranks.

Here and there dead bodies were scattered over the ground, showing that the pursuit of the fugitives had been maintained thus far.