horse, and, the alarm still flying wild and contrary, galloped in

different directions.

Thus it befell that, when Richard of Gloucester reached the first house

of Shoreby, he was met in the mouth of the street by a mere handful of

lances, whom he swept before his onset as the storm chases the bark.

A hundred paces into the town, Dick Shelton touched the duke's arm; the

duke, in answer, gathered his reins, put the shrill trumpet to his mouth,

and blowing a concerted point, turned to the right hand out of the direct

advance. Swerving like a single rider, his whole command turned after

him, and, still at the full gallop of the chargers, swept up the narrow

bye-street. Only the last score of riders drew rein and faced about in

the entrance; the footmen, whom they carried behind them, leapt at the

same instant to the earth, and began, some to bend their bows, and others

to break into and secure the houses upon either hand.

Surprised at this sudden change of direction, and daunted by the firm

front of the rear-guard, the few Lancastrians, after a momentary

consultation, turned and rode farther into town to seek for

reinforcements.

The quarter of the town upon which, by the advice of Dick, Richard of

Gloucester had now seized, consisted of five small streets of poor and

ill-inhabited houses, occupying a very gentle eminence, and lying open

towards the back.

The Black Arrow