You know how terribly they have suffered by famine, on the two previous expeditions; and it will assuredly be no better, now.

Food, however, we can procure at Shrewsbury, from which point we shall take our start." A retainer, at this moment, came out from the hall, and informed Oswald that Sir Edmund would speak with him.

When he entered, Mortimer said: "My knights and I agree that this letter ought to be sent forward to the king; for if it contains matters of importance, great harm might result from delay, and the king's anger be excited against us, for not having sent it to him.

His orders to me were strict, that neither I nor any of my force should join him; therefore I accept your offer, with thanks.

Have you formed any plan for your proceeding ?" Oswald repeated the substance of what he had said to Roger.
"I think, perhaps, you are right," Mortimer said, "and that you may have more chance of getting safely through, on foot, than if you rode with but a small force to escort you.