darkened the air; but as the sun rose and the two armies saw one another, Oxford’s star was to be seen carried into the very midst of the opposing force under Lord Hastings.  On, on, with cries of victory, the knights rode, the archers ran across the heath carrying all before them, never doubting that the day was theirs, but not knowing where they were till trumpets sounded, halt was called, and they were drawn up together, as best they might, round their leading star.  But as they advanced, behold there was an unexpected shout of treason.  Arrows came thickly on them, men-at-arms bearing Warwick’s ragged staff came thundering headlong upon them.  ’Treason, treason,’ echoed on all sides, and with that sound in his ears Harry Clifford was cut down, and fell under a huge horse and man, and lay senseless under a gorse-bush.

He knew no more but that horses and men seemed for ever trampling over him and treading him down, and then all was lost to him—­for how long he knew not, but for one second he was roused so far as to hear a furious growling and barking of Watch, but with dazed senses he thought it was over the sheep, tried to raise himself, could not, thought himself dying, and sank back again.

The next thing he knew was ’Here, Master Lorimer, you know this gear better than I; unfasten this buff coat.  There, he can breathe.  Drink this, my lad.’

It was the Prioress’s voice!  He felt a jolt as of a waggon, and opened his eyes.  It was dark, but he knew he was under the tilt of Lorimer’s waggon, which was moving on.  The Prioress was kneeling over him on one side, Lorimer on the other, and his head was on a soft lap—­nay, a warm tear dropped on his face, a sweet though stifled voice said, ‘Is he truly better?’

Then came sounds of ‘hushing,’ yet of reassurance; and when there was a halt, and clearer consciousness began to revive, while kind hands were busy about him, and a cordial was poured down his throat, by the light of a lantern cautiously shown, Hal found speech to say, as he felt a long soft tongue on his face, ‘Watch, Watch, is it thou, man?’

‘Ay, Watch it is,’ said the Prioress.  ’Well may you thank him!  It is to him you owe all, and to my good Florimond.’

‘But what—­how—­where am I?’ asked Hal, trying to look round, but feeling sharp thrills and shoots of pain at every motion.

’Lie still till they bring their bandages, and I will tell you.  Gently, Nan, gently—­thy sobs shake him!’ But, as he managed to hold and press Anne’s hand, the Prioress went on, ’You are in good Lorimer’s warehouse.  Safer thus, though it is too odorous, for the men of York do not respect sanctuary in the hour of victory.’

The word roused Hal further.  ‘The victory was ours!’ he said.  ’We had driven Hastings’ banner off the field!  Say, was there a cry of treason?’

’Even so, my son.  So far as Master Lorimer understands, Lord Oxford’s banner of the beaming star was mistaken for the sun of York, and the men of Warwick turned on you as you came back from the chase, but all was utter confusion.  No one knows who was staunch and who not, and the fields and lanes are full of blood and slaughtered men; and Edward’s royal banner is set up on the market cross, and trumpets were sounding round it.  And here come Master Lorimer and the goodwife to bind these wounds.’