Gloucester was already riding down their rear; in the inside of a minute

and a half there was no living Lancastrian in the street.

Then, and not till then, did Dick hold up his reeking blade and give the

word to cheer.

Meanwhile Gloucester dismounted from his horse and came forward to

inspect the post. His face was as pale as linen; but his eyes shone in

his head like some strange jewel, and his voice, when he spoke, was

hoarse and broken with the exultation of battle and success. He looked

at the rampart, which neither friend nor foe could now approach without

precaution, so fiercely did the horses struggle in the throes of death,

and at the sight of that great carnage he smiled upon one side.

"Despatch these horses," he said; "they keep you from your vantage.

Richard Shelton," he added, "ye have pleased me. Kneel."

The Lancastrians had already resumed their archery, and the shafts fell

thick in the mouth of the street; but the duke, minding them not at all,

deliberately drew his sword and dubbed Richard a knight upon the spot.

"And now, Sir Richard," he continued, "if that ye see Lord Risingham,

send me an express upon the instant. Were it your last man, let me hear

of it incontinently. I had rather venture the post than lose my stroke

at him. For mark me, all of ye," he added, raising his voice, "if Earl

Risingham fall by another hand than mine, I shall count this victory a

defeat."

The Black Arrow