But indeed this war has been a most excellent one, and I
have already sent half a wagonload of my gear back to Bordeaux to
await my homecoming. Yet I have my fears when I think of all the
rascal foot-archers who are waiting there, for some folk have no
grace or honesty in their souls, and cannot keep their hands from
that which belongs to another. But if I may throw my leg over
yonder spare horse I will come on with you, fair sir, for indeed
it would be joy to my heart to know that I was riding under your
banner once again."
So Aylward, having given instructions to the bearer of his
feather-bed, rode away in spite of shrill protests from his French
companions, who speedily consoled themselves with those of his
comrades who seemed to have most to give. Nigel's party was soon
clear of the column of archers and riding hard in the direction of
the Prince's army. They passed by a narrow and winding track,
through the great wood of Nouaille, and found before them a marshy
valley down which ran a sluggish stream. Along its farther bank
hundreds of horses were being watered, and beyond was a dense
block of wagons. Through these the comrades passed, and then
topped a small mound from which the whole strange scene lay spread
before them.
Down the valley the slow stream meandered with marshy meadows on
either side. A mile or two lower a huge drove of horses were to
be seen assembled upon the bank.
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