We have already left our armour behind us, at Ludlow, so as to be able to move more rapidly.

We are both Northumbrians, and are accustomed to traverse moors and fells; and, even should we be seen by any straggling party of the enemy, we shall have a fair chance of outrunning them, and throwing them off our track.

At any rate, it is my duty to endeavour to carry the letter to the king." "Is it a matter of life and death ?" "That I know not, sir.

A royal messenger brought it, from London, to Ludlow.

He had ridden with relays of horses, but had no means of getting farther, and begged Sir Edmund Mortimer to forward it.