What a glorious view as we look across the eddying, billowy tree tops of the forest to the deep blue sea, sixteen miles distant, studded with the white sails of many barks which have put out from land, lest they should be seized by the approaching host, and confiscated for the royal service, for the sailors have mainly espoused the popular cause, and dread the medieval press gang.  How many familiar objects we see around—­Michelham Priory, Battle Abbey, Wilmington Priory, Pevensey Castle, Lewes Castle—­all in view.

There, too, opposite us, is the highest of the eastern downs, Firle Beacon.  It is smoking like a volcano with the embers of the bale fire, which men lit last night, to warn the natives that the king was coming.  There is yet another volcano farther on.  It is Ditchling Beacon; and, yes, another still farther west; Chanctonbury Ring, with the rounded cone.  And on this fair clear morning we can indistinctly discern a thin line of smoke curling up from Butzer, on the very limits of Sussex, and in view of the Isle of Wight and Carisbrooke Castle.

Turn eastward.  The ridge continues towards Heathfield, Burwash, and Battle, and beyond the sun glistens on Fairlight over Hastings, where another beacon has blazed all night to tell the ships that the royal enemy is in the forest.

Now look northward and northeast.  There is the heathy ridge which attains its greatest height at Crowborough, ere it descends into the valley of Tunbridge, and a little eastward lies Mayfield, rich in tradition.  We can see the palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, founded by Dunstan.  There a royal flag flaunts the breeze:  yes, the king is taking his luncheon, his noontide meal, and soon the thousands who encamp around the old pile will swarm up the ridge to the point where we are standing, for they will sleep at Walderne tonight, on their road to Pevensey.

The day wears away.  Drogo paces the battlements of the watchtower with excited steps—­the royal banner will soon be seen surmount ing that ridge above the castle.  Yes, there is a messenger spurring downwards as fast as the sandy road will permit him; see, he is galloping as for dear life—­look at the cloud of dust which he raises.  The “merrie men” have disappeared in the woods, and Drogo descends to meet him; just as the rider enters beneath the suspended portcullis into the court of the castle, he reaches the foot of the stairs.

“What news?  Speak, thou varlet!”

“The king approaches.  Already he is within sight from the upper windows of the windmill.”

“Throw open the gates, man the battlements, let pennon and banner wave; here will we receive him.  Get me the keys to deliver to my liege.”